Physical Education with Foundation Year
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
BSc (Hons) Physical Education with Foundation Year
Why study this course with LJMU?
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked first in the North West and top 20 in the world for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2025). Delivered by academics with an international research profile and applied teaching experience. Features a progressive curriculum that becomes increasingly focused and specialised over three years. Gain real-world experience and skills within the local community through work placements at each level of study and an optional sandwich year. Aligned with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), ensuring you meet industry standards in the professional standard of Tutor, working in a school environment curriculum and working with children. Taught in an inclusive, engaging learning environment, led by award-winning practitioners offering care, guidance and support. 97% of students surveyed said the teaching staff are good at explaining things (NSS 2024).
About your course
On the BSc (Hons) Physical Education with Foundation Year, students learn a wide range of knowledge related to teaching methods, physical training concepts, psychological theories related to sport and exercise, social issues in physical education such as gender, race and media, and historical and philosophical aspects related to PE.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
By choosing to study our Foundation Year, you will join a friendly and stimulating environment in which you will be encouraged to achieve your full potential in both your academic work and your future career. We pride ourselves on our informal and supportive relationships with our students.
About BSc (Hons) Physical Education
This engaging and challenging course integrates the theoretical and practical aspects of physical education into one exciting degree programme. There continues to be a high demand for graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to promote health and fitness, competitive sport and engagement with physical activity in a range of educational, community and other settings. This degree offers you the chance to specialise in physical education, exploring both the theory and practical aspects of the subject.
Students on the course apply their learning in practical physical education sessions, through assignments such as research projects, and work placements in industry. This combination of up-to-date theory and practical application serves our students well as they develop their careers through teacher training programmes, post-graduate study (Master's degrees and PhDs), in education (primary and secondary schools, further education), and at a host of non-teaching areas (businesses, community groups such as charities, and the uniformed services).
During your studies, you will develop your own philosophies and interests while being introduced to innovative concepts of physical education. You will gain a wide variety of essential professional skills and qualities that can form the foundation for a successful career teaching physical education in primary, secondary or further education, though teaching is not the only career pathway available.
The programme synthesises the practical and theoretical aspects of physical education through an extensive range of activities and contexts. You will have the opportunity to take part in innovative entrepreneurial projects by working within sport and physical education in different educational establishments and sporting ventures. This includes excellent work-related learning and placement opportunities with organisations such as LJMU's in-house Sport Start scheme.
You will be assigned a student peer mentor, and this support will be available before you arrive at LJMU and for the duration of your academic studies.
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Foundation Year
- Skills and Practice in Sport (20 credits)
- Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
- Practical Delivery in Sport and Physical Activity (20 credits)
- Behaviours in Sport and Physical Activity (20 credits)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
- Projects in Sport and Nutrition (20 credits)
Year 1
- Research Methods 1 (20 credits)
- Exercise Physiology 1 (20 credits)
- Psychosocial Principles of Sport and Exercise (20 credits)
- Human Movement (20 credits)
- Professional Practice in Physical Education 1 (20 credits)
- Learning in PE & Sport Contexts (20 credits)
Year 2
- Research Methods 2 (20 credits)
- Professional Practice in Physical Education 2 (20 credits)
- Learning in PE & Sport Contexts 2 (20 credits)
- Introduction to PE Teacher Education (20 credits)
- Physical Education in Action 1 (20 credits)
Year 3
- Major Project (40 credits)
- Physical Education in Action 2 (20 credits)
- Learning in PE and Sport Contexts 3 (20 credits)
- Applied Placement in Physical Education (20 credits)
Optional modules
- Study Year Abroad - Physical Education (120 credits)
- Exercise Physiology 2 (20 credits)
- Sport and Performance Psychology (20 credits)
- Sport, Physical Education and Society (20 credits)
- Sandwich Year - Physical Education (120 credits)
- Strength and Conditioning (20 credits)
- Behaviour change (20 credits)
- Performance Analysis in Sport (20 credits)
- PE Teacher Education (20 credits)
- Interdisciplinary Coaching Science (20 credits)
Professional accreditation
Aligned with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), ensuring you meet industry standards in the professional standard of Tutor, working in a school environment curriculum and working with children.
LJMU is a member of ASET, the UK’s leading authority on work-based and placement learning (WBPL). This membership reflects our commitment to providing students with high-quality WBPL experiences that are well-supported and aligned with best practice guidelines.
Your Learning Experience
Teaching Support Assessment
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching encompasses a range of practicals, lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, online activities, work-based learning and independent learning.
Peer Learning Groups (PLG) will enable you to discuss and develop course material in a more informal setting plus key personal and professional skills. You will be encouraged to engage in volunteering activities in the local community and gain additional qualifications that will enhance your future employability.
Career paths
Thanks to our links with over 450 different employers in the North West alone and our strong partnerships with both primary and secondary schools, students enjoy superb work placement opportunities at all levels of their degree studies.
You will also have the opportunity to work with a range of practitioners in a variety of settings. Such experience enables you to put theory into practice and adds real value to your CV so impressing future employers.
Graduates from this programme will be able to pursue careers in teaching (following the completion of relevant Initial Teacher Training programmes, such as PGDE or School Direct primary and secondary courses). Alternative career routes for graduates include coaching, sport development or youth and community work. Public service occupations (including police, education and childrens services), business sector graduate training schemes and educational management are also popular careers amongst graduates.
Tuition fees and funding
Home
- Full-time per year: £9,535
- Placement year: £1,905
International
- Full-time per year: £18,250
- Placement year: £3,830
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
- Grades/points required from qualifications: CCD-CCC (88-96)
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
GCSEs and equivalents
- Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
- CCD-CCC
BTECs
- Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
Access awards
- Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points.
International Baccalaureate
- Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
- Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
Irish awards
- Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
- Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
- IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Program Outline
The program is developed by expert academics with an international reputation in the field and combines practical and theoretical learning.
Objectives:
- To develop a deep understanding of teaching methods, physical training concepts, psychological theories related to sport and exercise, social issues in physical education, and historical and philosophical aspects of PE.
- To gain real-world experience and skills within the local community through work placements and an optional sandwich year.
- To prepare students for a variety of career paths, including teaching, sport coaching, sport development, and youth and community work.
Description:
The program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students will engage in practical physical education sessions, research projects, and work placements in industry. The program emphasizes the development of essential professional skills and qualities that are highly sought after in the field.
Outline:
Foundation Year:
- The Foundation Year is designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but lack the qualifications for direct entry into the honors degree program.
- Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, students progress directly to the first year of the honors degree.
- The Foundation Year provides a supportive and stimulating environment that encourages students to achieve their full potential.
BSc (Hons) Physical Education:
- The program integrates theoretical and practical aspects of physical education into a single degree program.
- Students will explore both the theory and practical aspects of physical education, applying their learning in practical sessions, assignments, and work placements.
- The program prepares students for careers in teaching, coaching, sport development, and other related fields.
Course Schedule:
The program is structured over five years (including a placement year) or four years (full-time).
Modules:
Level 3:
- Core Modules:
- Skills and Practice in Sport
- Health and Wellbeing
- Practical Delivery in Sport and Physical Activity
- Behaviours in Sport and Physical Activity
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Projects in Sport and Nutrition
Level 4:
- Core Modules:
- Research Methods 1
- Exercise Physiology 1
- Psychosocial Principles of Sport and Exercise
- Human Movement
- Professional Practice in Physical Education 1
- Learning in PE & Sport Contexts
Level 5:
- Core Modules:
- Research Methods 2
- Professional Practice in Physical Education 2
- Introduction to PE Teacher Education
- Learning in PE & Sport Contexts 2
- Physical Education in Action 1
- Optional Modules:
- Study Year Abroad - Physical Education
- Exercise Physiology 2
- Sport, Physical Education and Society
- Sandwich Year - Physical Education
Level 6:
- Core Modules:
- Applied Placement in Physical Education
- Major Project
- Physical Education in Action 2
- Learning in PE and Sport Contexts 3
- Optional Modules:
- Behaviour change
- Performance Analysis in Sport
- Strength and Conditioning
- PE Teacher Education
- Interdisciplinary Coaching Science
Assessment:
- Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include a combination of exams and coursework.
- Assessment methods include written assignments, exams, practical work, individual and group presentations, portfolios, reflective logs, and a dissertation.
- Assessments are planned across the program to allow students to manage their workload and use feedback to improve their learning.
- Constructive feedback is provided regularly throughout the program to help students identify strengths and areas for development.
Teaching:
- The program adopts an active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
- Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, online activities, work-based learning, and independent learning.
- Peer Learning Groups (PLG) provide opportunities for students to discuss and develop course material in a more informal setting.
- Students are encouraged to engage in volunteering activities in the local community and gain additional qualifications to enhance their employability.
Careers:
- Graduates from the program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the sports and physical education industry.
- Potential career paths include teaching (following completion of relevant Initial Teacher Training programs), coaching, sport development, youth and community work, public service occupations, business sector graduate training schemes, and educational management.
Other:
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at LJMU is ranked 6th for Sports Science in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
- Students have access to world-leading sport and exercise sciences facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
- The university offers a range of support services for students, including personal tutors, study skills support, and dedicated disability and EDI coordinators.
- The program emphasizes the importance of work-related learning and provides extensive opportunities for students to work with young people in various settings.
- Students can participate in the in-house Sport Start scheme, which brings 12,000 children to the campus for sport and physical activity lessons each year.
- Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a year between levels 5 and 6.
- Home full-time per year: £9,250
International full-time per year:
£18,250
Placement year:
£1,850
Placement year international:
£3,830 All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.
