Physical Education & School Sport

Physical education and school sport is the study of how physical activity, sport, and health are taught and developed in educational settings, drawing on exercise science, pedagogy, psychology, and sociology to understand both how people learn to move and why active lifestyles matter for lifelong wellbeing. PE teachers and sport coaches are not simply instructors; they create environments in which children and young people develop physical competence, self-confidence, teamwork, and habits of activity that can shape their health for decades. The discipline asks you to understand both the theory behind physical development and the practical craft of teaching.

At Edge Hill University, this three-year full-time programme develops your theoretical understanding of physical education alongside intensive practical teaching preparation. You will study the science underpinning physical activity, the psychology of sport and learning, and the sociology of physical culture, and you will master the fundamentals of pedagogical practice, developing engaging teaching techniques and the ability to inspire young people to stay active. A sandwich year in industry and a year abroad are both available, and work placements are built into the programme, giving you direct school-based and community sport experience before you graduate.

These structured opportunities are particularly valuable for those preparing for careers in teaching, where the reflective practitioner model demands sustained engagement with real classroom and sports hall environments.

With a typical entry tariff of 152 UCAS points, this degree suits students who combine sporting knowledge and enthusiasm with a genuine vocation for teaching. Graduates go into secondary school PE teaching, primary school sport, community sport development, coaching, leisure management, sport education, and health promotion. Many pursue postgraduate teacher training qualifications, including the PGCE or School Direct routes, to achieve Qualified Teacher Status.

Others move into sports coaching pathways, youth sport, or health and physical activity promotion roles.