Program Overview

Introduction to the Physical Education Program

The Physical Education program at the University of Edinburgh is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach physical education to children and young people. The program is offered by the Moray House School of Education and Sport, which is ranked first in the UK for Education and one of the top 20 schools in the world for both Education and Sport-related studies.

Program Structure

The program is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive education in physical education. The program includes a range of courses that cover the theory and practice of physical education, as well as placements in schools and other educational settings.

Year 1

In the first year, students focus on the primary school curriculum as the foundation for lifelong engagement in physical education. They study physical education, health and wellbeing, educational studies, and sport science, and complete placements in a primary school.

Year 2

In the second year, the focus extends into the early years of secondary school. Students undertake an ongoing study of physical education, health and wellbeing, educational studies, and philosophical and sociological perspectives of physical education. They also complete placements in a secondary school.

Year 3

In the third year, students begin with an extended placement in a secondary school. They also engage in courses covering curriculum and pedagogy in educational studies and physical education, and select an option course to further inform their professional practice.

Year 4

In the final year, students take a physical education course on curriculum and pedagogy, and an educational studies course that involves a major independent study on an area of professional interest. They also complete a final extended block placement in a secondary school.

Professional Placement

The program includes a range of professional placements in schools and other educational settings. These placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings and to develop their professional practice.

Careers

Graduates of the program are eligible for professional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and can teach physical education in schools and other educational settings. Many graduates go on to work in promoted posts, and some pursue careers in related fields such as sports coaching or youth work.

Teacher Induction Scheme

Eligible graduates are entitled to a place on the Scottish Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS), which provides a guaranteed, paid, one-year teaching post with support from a school mentor and reduced class contact time.

EdBudds

The program also offers a peer support system called EdBudds, which provides students with advice and guidance from alumni who have completed the program.

MA PE Professional Learning Week

The program includes a professional learning week, which introduces students to professional learning at the start of their teaching journey. The week includes a range of events and activities, such as teacher wellbeing, concussion awareness, and disability inclusion training.

Entry Requirements

The program has a range of entry requirements, including academic qualifications, experience, and skills. Applicants must also undergo a selection process, which includes an afternoon of practical activities and a group interview.

Information for Applicants

Applicants can find more information about the program, including entry requirements, fees, and funding, on the University's website.

Research Areas

The Moray House School of Education and Sport has a range of research areas, including:

• Advanced Quantitative Research in Education
• Children and Young People
• Digital Education
• Language(s), Interculturality and Literacies
• Social Justice and Inclusion
• Sport-Related Research
• Teacher Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy

Research Centres and Groups

The School has a range of research centres and groups, including:

• Centre for Research in Digital Education
• Centre for Research in Education, Inclusion and Diversity (CREID)
• Edinburgh Sports Medicine Research Centre (ESMRC)
• Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC)
• Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre

Partnerships

The School has partnerships with a range of organizations, including schools, local authorities, and sports organizations. These partnerships provide students with opportunities for placements, research, and professional development.