Program Overview

Sport, Coaching and Physical Education BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

The Sport, Coaching and Physical Education degree focuses on understanding the development of participants in sports teaching and coaching contexts. Students develop skills across a range of sports and physical activities, gaining experience in schools, coaching settings, and community sports development contexts. Many graduates progress into careers such as PE teaching, sports coaching, and working within local authorities or county sports partnerships.

Study Style

This course includes both practical and theoretical aspects of teaching and coaching. Lecturers teach on their areas of expertise and passion, providing current and up-to-date information from those involved in clubs and community settings beyond the university. The course has an interactive, innovative practical learning focus and encourages integration with other courses to foster a multi-disciplinary understanding of Physical Education and Coaching.

Entry Requirements

• Typical Offers: 104 – 120 UCAS tariff points, from any level 3 qualification, which includes A-levels, BTEC, T-levels, and many other qualifications.
• Additional Requirements: English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
• DBS Check Required: In order to study this course, offer holders will need to complete a satisfactory DBS check.
• Mature Students: We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.
• International Students: Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.

Course Modules

• Level 4 (Undergraduate year 1)
  • Human Structure and Function (SP4256)
  • Introduction to Primary Physical Education (SP4257)
  • Introduction to Secondary Physical Education (SP4258)
  • Introduction to Sport & Exercise Psychology (SP4259)
  • Study Skills and Principles of Research (SP4363)
  • Introduction to Professional Practice in Sport (SP4365)
  • Introduction to Sport Sociology and Ethics (SP4366)
  • Introduction to Sport Pedagogy (SP4367)
• Level 5 (Undergraduate year 2)
  • Exercise for Special Populations (SP5024)
  • Growth & Development (SP5252)
  • Adapting the Physical Education Curriculum (SP5261)
  • Research Methods (SP5364)
  • Developing Professional Practice and Placement (SP5365)
  • Pedagogy in Practice (SP5367)
  • Children in Society: Family, School, and Community (SP5452)
  • Sport, Health, and Social Issues (SP5453)
• Level 6 (Undergraduate final year)
  • Dissertation (SP6351)
  • Critical Pedagogy in Coaching (SP6367)
  • Health Promotion for Wellness and Wellbeing (SP6368)
  • Evaluating Sport in Social Contexts (SP6452)
  • Placement and Professional Development (SP6455)
  • Alternative Physical Activities in Schools (SP6256)
  • Teaching Accredited Courses in Physical Education (SP6257)
  • Contemporary Issues in Sport (SP6260)

Fees and Costs

• UK Students: £9,535 per year (2025)
• International Students: £17,425 per year (2025)

Careers

By developing an understanding of teaching, learning styles, and coaching techniques across a range of sports, you’ll graduate with the expertise that schools and community sports settings are looking for in sports educators and coaches. Many of our graduates progress into careers as PE teachers, primary school teachers, and secondary PE teachers (via PGCE), sports and PE activators, sports specialist primary teachers, school sports coaches, and community sports coaches.

Trips and Experiences

We’ve just invested £9 million in transforming our Oxstalls Campus where we’ve built an international standard sports hall with arena seating for 1,250 people and international standard 3G pitches. There are also dedicated pitches for football and rugby, and a new cricket pavilion. These state-of-the-art facilities are in addition to our existing sports hall and gym, as well as our highly advanced strength and conditioning suite and sports laboratories.

Off campus you’ll have the chance to get involved in Sport Malawi – a four-week expedition in Southeast Africa where staff and students deliver workshops and coaching sessions.

Placements

You’ll gain vital industry experience through built-in work placement modules and opportunities throughout the course. With links to over 65 education providers and 50 community and performance clubs, there are plenty of opportunities to choose from. Our Sports Placement Team and your Personal Tutor work with you to find the best ones.