Physical Literacy MSc
Are you passionate about promoting physical activity and sport to encourage lifelong health and wellbeing? Our MSc Physical Literacy will give you the tools to understand and teach physical literacy to a range of audiences.
Overview
| Course length: | 1 year full-time 2 years part-time |
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| Start dates: | September 2025 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University |
| Subject(s): | Sport and Physical Activity |
| Department: | Sport and Physical Activity |
Physical literacy is defined as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities and is an essential requirement to physical activity, health and wellbeing across the life course.
Our MSc Physical Literacy combines theoretical, applied and practical sessions, giving you the opportunity for hands-on learning in our outstanding sports facilities.
Through the MSc Physical Literacy you will develop conceptual and applied knowledge, understanding and skills to deliver physical literacy learning in school, sport, exercise and health-related settings. You will explore areas such as the foundational concepts of physical literacy, its application in teaching and coaching and how it is assessed and researched.
Everything you learn will be informed by cutting edge research and policy evidence from academics working at the forefront of this area. You will develop skills in critical evaluation and data analysis, and graduate with key transferable research skills.
Whether you are a graduate or an existing professional, MSc Physical Literacy will enhance your employability in careers delivering high quality physical activity and sport in various settings.
Course features
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Work placement opportunity
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International students can apply
What you'll study
If you choose to study full-time, you will study six modules over the course of the programme. In semester one you will receive a thorough and critical grounding in the concept of physical literacy, which will be complemented by the practical teaching and coaching application of physical literacy in different settings. In semester one you will also begin your placement module activities which run through to the end of semester two. In semester two the focus is on research methods and skills and the assessment of physical literacy. Semester two is also when you embark on your research projects, which are submitted and assessed in the autumn. For part-time students, this content is delivered in a similar order but spread over two years.
How you'll study
A combination of delivery modes are used including lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, and tutorials. The Applied Placement module SPT4410 offers varied experiential learning dependent on the placement setting. Delivery timings differ by module and stage of the programme but on average the tutor-led sessions require a time commitment of 8-10 hours per week.
How you'll be assessed
Assessment methods include written assignments, research reports, presentations, practical activities, reflection, and portfolio. There are no formal examinations on the programme.
Who will be teaching you
The programme will be delivered by experts in physical literacy, physical education, sport coaching, physical activity and pedagogy. Where appropriate, guest speakers will be invited to contribute to sessions to complement the content delivered by the programme team.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or upper second-class honours (2:1 or above) in a relevant physical education, sport coaching, exercise, or health-related discipline.
GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) is also required.
Recognition of Prior (and Experiential) Learning (RP(E)L): Professionally qualified and/or experienced candidates who do not meet the formal qualifications but who have a relevant 2:2 degree will also be considered but assessed individually.
If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
How to apply
This course is not currently open to applications. The application link will be added to this page when it is available.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
There’s plenty of opportunities to come take a look around campus. Attend one of our open days to see what life at Edge Hill University is all about.
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Facilities
Based in the Wilson Centre, the Department of Sport and Physical Activity places a strong emphasis on practical work underpinned by outstanding facilities. There are dedicated laboratories in performance analysis, biomechanics, physiology, psychology, musculoskeletal, biochemistry, vision analysis, sleep, exercise and performance, and functional rehabilitation, as well as a sports therapy clinic.
Extensive use is also made of the on-campus leisure facilities which include top-of-the-range 3G football and rugby pitches, hockey pitches, tennis courts, competition-standard athletics track and an athletics field. Our sports centre boasts a 25-metre swimming pool, double sports hall for badminton, basketball, netball and squash, a 100-station fitness suite, aerobics studio and a health suite with sauna and steam rooms.
Where you'll study
Wilson Centre
Sports Centre
Finance
Tuition fees
The course fees for the academic year 2025/26 have not been confirmed yet.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
This MSc programme comes at a critical time where there is a need in the employment market for practitioners and professionals to be enriched with appropriate expertise in the field, and to have the theoretical and practical skills to foster the development of physical literacy.
This MSc Physical Literacy degree enhances employability prospects for those looking to pursue careers as teachers, lead practitioners and coaches in key sectors such as schools and early years settings through physical education and school sport, and the Early Years Foundation Stage, respectively, as well as community and professional sport and other exercise or health-related sectors.
