Course summary
Develop the academic knowledge and practical skills that underpin a career in physical education and youth sports. Throughout the course you’ll develop an in-depth knowledge of teaching and learning in the PE and school sport environment, as well as critically analysing relevant youth sport and education policies that shape current practice. As a graduate from this programme you’ll be able to use research to confidently critique practice in physical education and youth sport, enhancing your practice. You’ll be encouraged to reflect and consider the social, cultural and ethical issues that impact on policy and practice within physical education. Drawing on evidence from research you’ll be able to shape practice and develop strategies to engage young people in new and innovative ways. As a master's student you’ll also study research methods and think about ways you can evaluate your own professional practice, as well as the practice of others. You will develop techniques to ‘research’ pupils or young people ensuring they have a voice. The curriculum is underpinned by research informed teaching and the team are research active, having worked with young people in physical education roles and coaching. You’ll be supported to synthesise information from a range of sources, becoming an evidence informed practitioner. During the course you’ll work on scenarios and case studies to ensure an engaging curriculum, this will aid your understanding of the context in which physical education, youth and school sport is delivered. Your final research project, which is written in the format of a published paper, will aim to build on existing academic knowledge in an area selected by you. You’ll also be able to tailor the course towards your own specific career ambitions, selecting topics within modules and tailoring assessments accordingly. Research informed teaching is embedded at Solent and is a key element of the course curriculum on this master’s programme. This course is for: Students who have studied sport, PE or education studies will be suited to this programme. Experience of working in schools, or with young people, in a sport or coaching setting will be advantageous.
Modules
Core modules
- Research Methods in Sport
- Research Paper
- Critical Pedagogies
- Policy in Practice
- PE in Practice
How to apply
International applicants
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. We strongly advise all applicants to check the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to visit our website to see the relevant information that outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
Entry requirements
• An honours degree at 2:1 or higher in a related discipline. Language Requirements: Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are: • IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component • TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking • Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent. Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9125 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9125 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9125 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9125 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9125 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17780 | Year 1 |
| International | £17780 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact [email protected].
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Compulsory costs
Students are required to undertake DBS criminal records checks as part of their enrolment. This is compulsory and is payable by the student at a cost of £60. The DBS check is organised by the University.
Optional costs
Additional National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications: Prices vary, please click here to view courses.
Sponsorship information
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Provider information
Southampton, Solent University
East Park Terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN