Course summary

Are you passionate about inspiring children to keep fit and active? Would you like to become a primary or secondary PE teacher? Do you want to educate people about the benefits of lifelong physical activity? You’ll prepare for a wide range of careers by studying physical education in its broadest sense and school sport. Exploring the full lifecycle of physical education, you’ll gain knowledge and experience of physical education for primary and secondary school children, as well as adults in the community. You’ll study a combination of theoretical and practical modules, covering themes such as psychology, sociology, sport science, pedagogy and philosophy. This is a practical and vocational degree, so you’ll apply your learning to games, athletics, outdoor adventurous activities, gymnastics and dance. Gaining professional experience is crucial, so we’ll give you plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice. You’ll complete professional work placements in a sport setting of your choice, in the UK or abroad. Previous students have spent time working with Cricket Without Boundaries in Rwanda. At the end of your first year you can continue with a degree in Physical Education and School Sport or transfer to any of our three-year Physical Education or Coaching degree courses. You’ll have the flexibility to specialise in the areas of physical education that interest you, tailoring your knowledge and experience to suit your career aspirations. By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a potential career in teaching via a PGCE, as well as a range of other careers in physical education and sport. Professional work placements Students on our PE programmes have assisted teaching in primary and secondary schools, delivered fitness sessions alongside personal training and strength and conditioning professionals, and gained enterprise experience with entrepreneurs. Some students have worked with county sports partnerships or national governing bodies for sport, such as the Football Association, Rugby Football League and England Netball. Graduate opportunities Graduates can go on to work as Physical Education teachers (following acquiring Qualified Teacher Status), sports coaches, sports development officers, personal trainers, health trainers or set up their own businesses as providers of school sport.