Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development (with a Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

Program Overview

St. Mary's University's Physical Education, Sport, and Youth Development program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in teaching, coaching, or sport development careers. Through hands-on learning, expert guidance, and work placements, students gain a solid foundation in physical education, sport, and youth development, fostering a passion for promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among young people.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Kickstart a career in teaching, coaching, or sport development with St. Mary's University's Physical Education, Sport, and Youth Development (with a Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

program. This four-year program offers a solid foundation in topics like teaching and coaching pedagogy, sociology, and the holistic development of young people.

Program Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel in teaching, coaching, or sport development careers.
• Foster a deeper understanding of the physical, social, and emotional needs of young people.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in the field.
• Cultivate a passion for promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among young people.

Program Focus:

• Hands-on learning: The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through school-based lessons, applied activity sessions, and work placements.
• Expert guidance: Students learn from highly qualified academics with diverse expertise in physical education, sports coaching, sport sociology, adapted PE & disability sport, and dance.
• Work placements: Gain valuable professional experience by completing a work placement with schools, National Governing Bodies, or sports clubs.
• Postgraduate progression: Successful completion of the program opens doors to pursue a PGCE Secondary PE program.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Four-year program: Includes a foundation year for students who may not meet traditional entry requirements.
• Assessment: A range of assessment methods are used, including practical skills evaluations, examinations, essays, portfolios, presentations, and work-based learning.
• Teaching methods: A blend of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, practical sessions, and online learning activities ensures a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Modules:

• Foundation Year: Focuses on developing essential academic skills and knowledge.
• Year 1: Introduces core concepts in physical education, teaching and coaching pedagogy, and the holistic development of young people.
• Year 2: Deepens understanding of teaching and learning in physical education, coaching, and sport development.
• Year 3: Examines contemporary issues in physical education and sport, explores adapted physical activity, and focuses on professional practice.
• Year 4 (Optional): Offers specialized modules in areas like youth talent development, advanced contemporary issues, and teaching and learning in primary physical education.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Practical skills evaluations (self and peer): Assess practical teaching and coaching skills.
• Examinations: Test theoretical knowledge and understanding.
• Essays and portfolios: Evaluate critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
• Presentations: Assess communication and presentation skills.
• Work-based learning portfolio vivas: Evaluate practical skills and application of knowledge in real-world settings.
• Research Project/Dissertation: Demonstrates independent research skills and in-depth understanding of a chosen topic.

Teaching:

Faculty:

Experienced academics with expertise in physical education, sports coaching, sport sociology, adapted PE & disability sport, and dance.

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures: Introduce key concepts and theories.
• Tutorials: Provide personalized feedback and guidance.
• Seminars: Encourage discussion and critical thinking.
• Workshops: Offer hands-on learning experiences.
• Practical sessions: Develop practical skills in teaching, coaching, and sport development.
• Online learning activities: Enhance learning through interactive resources and virtual collaboration.

Unique Approaches:

• Blended learning: Combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning tools and resources.
• School-based observation and applied activity sessions: Provide real-world experience and application of theoretical knowledge.
• Work placements: Offer valuable professional experience in diverse settings.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

• PE teacher
• Sports coach
• Sport development officer
• Health and fitness professional
• Education professional
• Academic researcher
• Further study in related fields

Career Support:

• Access to career services for guidance on job search, application process, and career development.

Other:

• Program location: St. Mary's University campus in Twickenham, London.
• Contact time: 45% of the program involves direct instruction, while 55% is dedicated to independent study.
• Class sizes: Vary depending on the modules undertaken, ranging from 20 to 70 students.
• Feedback: Students receive feedback on assessments within 15 working days.

• Home: £9,250
• International: £16,320
• Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Government's review of Higher Education Funding.