BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport

  • Studying Abroad Option Available
  • Sandwich Year Option Available
  • International Students Can Apply
  • Work Placement Opportunity

Overview

UCAS Code:X390
Course Length:3 Years Full-Time
Start Dates:September 2020
Department:Department of Sport and Physical Activity
Location:Edge Hill University
Example Offers:BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)
View full entry criteria
  • Underpinned by cutting-edge research which provides the vital skills and knowledge required for employment in physical education, youth sport and physical activity related settings;
  • Develop a practical and contextual understanding of physical education and school sport;
  • Take advantage of some of the best sports facilities in higher education and an experienced research-active teaching team at the forefront of national developments.

This popular degree prepares students for a career within contemporary school-based physical education, physical activity, health and sport. It recognises how Physical Education and School Sport (PESS) is an important part of the National Curriculum and Government agendas, and helps you develop a practical and contextual understanding of physical education and school sport. Through innovative practical and theoretical delivery, using some of the best sports facilities in higher education, the degree will equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work confidently and effectively in the fields of physical education, children’s physical activity and health, or youth sport. The linked areas of study will enable you to work within these areas as well as understand the associations between them.

Student and Alumni Profiles

  • Alex Winstanley

    BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport
    Since starting my degree I've had constant opportunities for both personal and professional development and found all the staff to be very encouraging and enthusiastic.
     View full profile

  • Mark Smith

    BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport
    My course has given me all that it said it would and everything we do is relevant. At the moment I am spending lots of time in schools gaining valuable experience for the future as well as volunteering as a Community Sports Coach.
     View full profile
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In Depth

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will be introduced to the concept of developing physically literate young people with the purpose of enabling them to live active, healthy lives. Modules examine school-based health activities, different approaches to delivering physical education and school sport, children’s growth and development as well as the anatomy and physiology underpinning movement during exercise. You will also explore the key skills required for studying and writing academically in university.

In Year 2, you will extend your understanding of the issues that impact upon healthy lifestyles from schools into society, with practical activities to enhance your aesthetic awareness, knowledge and teaching. You will explore how young people develop cognitively, consider the various sociological factors that impact upon both educators and young people, and examine the contemporary policies that explicitly and implicitly influence physical education practice. Year 2 will also introduce to you the research process, developing your ability to devise research questions and develop sampling techniques.

Year 3 allows you to put theoretical perspectives into practice. You will extend your understanding of special educational needs and disabilities and undertake modules analysing disadvantaged populations, and issues of power and control in educational environments. You will also have the chance to demonstrate your understanding of physical education and school sport through a work placement and a module that seeks to further develop your practical teaching skills. A dissertation enables you to pursue a personal area of interest related to physical education and school sport through the undertaking of an independent research project.

How will I study?

A wide range of methods will be used to help you learn including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, presentations, directed independent study, research and ICT based learning. For each module you will have a module booklet and access to an electronic learning resource area that tells you what sessions are about, what to read, how you will be assessed and coursework guidance.

You will undertake a work-based placement during the final year of the programme.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is varied. You will learn to write essays, undertake projects, prepare poster presentations, plan/deliver/evaluate teaching sessions and propose and write a piece of original independent research. We use formal written examinations from time to time, but they never account for more than 50% of the marks for any module.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly experienced and enthusiastic staff with a wealth of experience of working within a physical education context.

The programme team are at the forefront of national and local developments in the subject and are actively involved in research projects that influence the way in which PE and school sport develops.

A Great Study Environment

A student in the indoor sports hall throws a basketball.All courses in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity place a strong emphasis on practical work, underpinned by outstanding facilities including dedicated biochemistry, biomechanics, performance analysis, physiology and psychology laboratories.

The performance analysis laboratory provides access to industry-standard software and audio-visual equipment for the analysis of athletic and coaching performance, while the biochemistry laboratory enables you to collect and accurately analyse a wide range of metabolites, using the latest technology, to determine the physiological responses of athletes and others, to a variety of exercise stresses such as running, cycling and rowing.

There is a dedicated sports therapy clinic, providing a clinical learning environment in which to gain practical experience, as well as a functional rehabilitation centre where bespoke rehabilitation programmes for individuals or small groups can be implemented.

Additional learning resources include high quality eye-tracking systems in a specialist vision analysis laboratory where you can measure hand-eye coordination, ocular-motor control, reaction times, cognition and other mechanisms associated with visual perception. Cutting edge musculoskeletal assessment tools combine with a dedicated strength and conditioning area in our MSk laboratory where you can assess athletes and implement (p)rehabilitation programmes. Isokinetic dynamometry, electromyography and dynamic balance assessment can all be conducted with immediate transfer to exercise prescription.

In the Sleep, Exercise and Performance laboratory, you can measure the responses of individuals to sleep, sleep deprivation and changes in the circadian rhythms of a variety of biological processes. This helps to determine the best time to exercise or when individuals need to sleep and recover.

Complementing the impressive academic facilities, there are £30 million of sport and leisure facilities across 60 acres on campus, including top-of-the-range 3G football and rugby pitches, hockey pitches, tennis courts, a competition-standard athletics track and an athletics field. The University 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.

Modules

Expand All

Year 1

SPT1642Foundations of Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching (20 credits)

Foundations of Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching focuses on the study of education through the physical medium. Through theoretical input and practical sessions, the expectations and requirements of current National Curriculum and school sport provision will be investigated and developed. This practical teaching module will also emphasise and foster links with the Teachers’ Standards. You will demonstrate personal development of teaching practice, gain an understanding of the fundamentals of teaching (such as the planning, development and management of an inclusive learning environment), and develop your knowledge of the Physical Education curriculum and progressive activities across key stages.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

SPT1643Foundations of Physical Education and School Sport Teaching and Learning (20 credits)

Foundations of Physical Education and School Sport Teaching and Learning provides you with an introduction to the essential pedagogical nature of the work of Physical Education and School Sport practitioners. The module will make you aware of the fundamental assumptions underpinning a selection of key learning theories, as well as developing your knowledge of how these theories could be applied to facilitate and assess learning in physical education and school sport settings. You will also become familiar with the issues and practices surrounding the creation and maintenance of positive learning environments.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

SPT1644Critical Enquiry and Academic Skill in Physical Education and School Sport (20 credits)

Critical Enquiry and Academic Skill in Physical Education and School Sport requires you to become familiar with the academic conventions of studying in higher education. You will become proficient with the expected standards of referencing and submission of work, thinking and writing in a critically analytical manner, and identifying appropriate literature from books, journals and other appropriate sources to inform their work. You will also be introduced to important ways of searching relevant databases both within and beyond physical education and school sports contexts.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

SPT1645Foundations of School-Based Physical Activity and Health (20 credits)

Foundations of School-Based Physical Activity and Health provides an introduction to concepts and issues related to physical activity and health in the context of schools and young people. You will be enabled to assimilate and apply policy and research evidence to further your understanding of the relationships between young people’s school-based physical activity and associated health outcomes.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

SPT1646Foundations of Children's Growth and Movement Development (20 credits)

Foundations of Children’s Growth and Movement Development provides you with a basic understanding of the developmental processes that a child undergoes from birth through to physical maturity. This is further combined with an understanding of movement skills, their classification and the sequential manner in which they are achieved through to adolescence. To improve and develop your understanding, the module will provide you with the observational and practical skills necessary to assess the motor capabilities of young children. Reflecting on current research should enable you to rationalise the need for application of this knowledge to developing children, in order that their full potential as a physically literate individual is possible.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

SPT1647Movement Science Foundations of Physical Education and School Sport (20 credits)

Movement Science Foundations of Physical Education and School Sport provides you with a basic understanding of the anatomical, physiological and biomechanical principles underpinning physical education.  You will also be exposed to the concepts of training and the adaptations that occur due to prolonged physical activity.  You will therefore be equipped with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills for developing scientifically informed practice within the physical education setting.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

Language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, are available to study as an integral part of this degree. A single Language module can be studied instead of either SPT1642 Foundations of Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching or SPT1643 Foundations of Physical Education and School Sport Teaching and Learning.

Year 2

SPT2642Contemporary Issues in Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching (20 credits)

Contemporary Issues in Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching focuses on the study of education through the physical medium. Through theoretical input and practical sessions, the expectations and requirements of the current National Curriculum and school sport provision will be investigated and developed. This practical teaching module will also emphasise and foster links with the Teachers’ Standards. You will further your understanding of the fundamentals of teaching (such as the planning, development and management of an inclusive learning environment), demonstrate an applied awareness of how theory can underpin practice, and develop your knowledge of the components that contribute to effective practical performance.


Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

SPT2643Sociological Issues in Physical Education and School Sport Teaching and Learning (20 credits)

Sociological Issues in Physical Education and School Sport Teaching and Learning enables you to consider identity within the sociological context of physical education and school sport. Using the concepts and methodologies of the social sciences, you will develop a critical understanding of the embodied nature of educational phenomena through an examination of the intersectionality between class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, (dis)ability and ageing (amongst others) and their contribution to the processes of cultural and social reproduction. You will be expected to critically reflect upon the challenges, choices and constraints that practitioners and young people routinely face within the complexity of the educational environment and wider society.


Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

SPT2644Psychology for Physical Education and School Sport (20 credits)

Psychology for Physical Education and School Sport recognises that enhancing children’s positive attitudes toward Physical Education and School Sport and creating motivationally favourable atmospheres are key to effective teaching and learning. This module provides you with the psychological knowledge and practical guidelines necessary for effective Physical Education and School Sport instruction. You will focus on specific themes and issues relating to children’s participation in Physical Education and School Sport and beyond, exploring the reasons for children’s engagement and disaffection in Physical Education and School Sport settings. This investigation will incorporate the study of psychological theories and concepts with consideration for the reciprocal roles of teachers and children in promoting positive and active learning environments.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

SPT2645Contemporary Issues in Young People's Physical Activity and Health (20 credits)

Contemporary Issues in Young People’s Physical Activity and Health focuses on current issues relevant to children and young people’s physical activity and health. You will become familiar with a range of contemporary issues relevant to physical activity, fitness, sedentary behaviour, and health indicators among children and young people. Measurement of physical activity and sedentary behaviour will be examined as will physical activity and health from the perspective of specific populations such as pre-school children and adolescent girls.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Practical(s): 40%.

SPT2647Developing Research Skills for Physical Education and School Sport (20 credits)

Developing Research Skills for Physical Education and School Sport fosters your understanding of the nature and process of conducting research in applied settings. The module will focus on developing your ability to define appropriate research questions, become familiar with (and select) suitable research methods and methodologies, and undertake data analysis. You will also be introduced to a range of research designs and sampling techniques.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

SPT2648Contemporary Policy Issues in Physical Education and School Sport (20 credits)

Contemporary Policy Issues in Physical Education and School Sport enables you to examine the theory and practice of the policy process, particularly in relation to education and physical education and school sport. In doing so, you will be able to examine the complex relationships that exist between evidence, politics, power and policy and work with real life examples from the provision of physical education and sport in schools. You will also become familiar with how the National Curriculum for Physical Education first developed, and has since evolved, in schools.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

If you studied a Language module in Year 1, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 2. This would form an integral part of your degree in place of either SPT2642 Contemporary Issues in Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching or SPT2643 Sociological Issues in Physical Education and School Sport Teaching and Learning.

Year 3

SPT3220Dissertation (40 credits)

Dissertation allows you to engage in an in-depth independent research project, specialising your focus on a relevant area of interest.


Assessment: Coursework: 80%, Practical(s): 20%.

SPT3643Advanced Issues in Physical Education and School Sport Teaching and Learning (20 credits)

Advanced Issues in Physical Education and School Sport Teaching and Learning enables you to critically consider the complexities of learning environments within the context of physical education and school sport. Underpinned by contemporary pedagogical theories, you will develop a critical understanding of the negotiated processes that practitioners face in developing and maintaining effective learning environments. Through an examination of socialisation processes, you will examine the opportunities, challenges, constraints and choices routinely faced by practitioners of physical education and school sport. You will reflect critically upon the interactions and micropolitics of cooperation, contestation and conflict routinely faced by practitioners in teaching and learning environments and consider how this may impact upon your future practice.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

SPT3645Special Educational Needs and Disability in Physical Education and School Sport (20 credits)

Special Educational Needs and Disability in Physical Education and School Sport enables you to gain knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and disability in the context of physical education and school sport. You will critique issues related to special educational needs and disability in special schools as well as mainstream school settings. A range of learning and physical disabilities will be explored to provide you with an accurate understanding of how you impact on teaching and learning from the perspectives of teachers and children. The application of this understanding will be developed through analysis of both current research and contemporary issues relating to the teaching of physical education and school sport to children with special educational needs and disabilities.


Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Practical(s): 30%.

You will select two of the following modules:

SPT3642Advanced Issues in Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching (20 credits)

Advanced Issues in Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching focuses on the study of education through the physical medium. You will investigate the expectations and requirements of the current National Curriculum and school sport provision, plan for the development of physical activities using appropriate resources, and learn to deliver inclusive physical activity sessions using a range of learning strategies.


Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

SPT3646Work Based Placement (20 credits)

Work Based Placement enables you to undertake a period of work-based learning that will provide a practical context for you to develop your ability to study and apply theoretical concepts related to physical education and school sport. The work-based placement will be supported with an academic component that will equip you with the skills and awareness of professional practice and development, as well as familiarising you with the demands and expectations with regards to professional standards. Fundamental to this will be the development of an awareness of personal reflection and the use of targets for future development. There will be an opportunity to explore the theory underpinning practice observed or delivered and to evaluate and reflect on how theory, research and practical competencies are applied to physical education, school sport and related settings.


Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Practical(s): 40%.

SPT3647Learning Through The Outdoors in Physical Education and School Sport (20 credits)

Learning Through The Outdoors in Physical Education and School Sport provides an introduction to the concept and value of learning through the outdoors, outdoor education and its role within the school curriculum. The module outlines how outdoor education is included in the National Curriculum and how schools can provide high quality learning experiences through the outdoors. A key aim is to foster an understanding and appreciation of how moving and learning in the outdoor environment can contribute to personal development, environmental education, skill acquisition, and the development of citizenship. An appreciation of the issues encountered within and specific to outdoor and adventure learning will be fostered, including the safety implications associated with learning through the outdoors and the minimising of potential risk.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

If you studied Language modules in Years 1 and 2, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 3. This would form an integral part of your degree in place of either SPT3642 Advanced Issues in Practical Physical Education and School Sport Teaching, SPT3646 Work Based Placement or SPT3647 Learning Through The Outdoors in Physical Education and School Sport.

Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

Timetables

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Entry Criteria

Entry Requirements

Typical offer 112 UCAS Tariff points, preferably to include Physical Education or a Science subject.

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’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Example Offers

Some examples of how you can achieve 112 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

  • A Level: BBC;
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’).

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

The programme will prepare you for a wide range of career pathways within a physical education and school sport context. You will graduate well equipped for employment in the sports industry or allied professional occupations. Alternatively, you may wish to train to teach.

How can I enhance my employability?

It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.

Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:

  • Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
  • Erasmus+ and Study Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
  • Learning a Language – you may be able to select language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as an integral part of your degree (for which you will gain academic credits). Alternatively, it may be possible to participate in Language Steps classes as additional study.

Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.

Finance

Tuition Fees

If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2020/21, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21 are £12,250 per annum.

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK and EU students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining this programme, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2020/21 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2020.

Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

Scholarships

Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students. These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

Additional scholarships, which you may qualify to receive, reward outstanding grades and are available to eligible UK and EU students.

To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

Apply

How to Apply

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

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.

Visit Us

If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective students, including monthly campus tours, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

Request a Prospectus

If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

Course Changes

Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

5th July 2019 - Changes to Entry Requirements

Entry requirements have been revised to 112 UCAS Tariff points, preferably to include Physical Education or a Science subject. Additionally, DBS Enhanced Disclosure continues to be required.