Physical Education

Why study Physical Education at Liverpool John Moores University?

• The PE programme is situated in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, ranked first in the North West and top 20 in the world for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2026)

• 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 for the role of Tutor, with children in school settings

• Taught in an inclusive, engaging learning environment, led by award-winning practitioners offering care, guidance and support

• 100% of students said this course challenged them to achieve their best work (National Student Survey 2025)

About your course
Our PE degree builds a critical understanding through theory, practice, and work-based learning. It develops applied knowledge in physiology, psychology and sociology to support life-long physical activity in young people and provides an excellent foundation for careers in teaching, sport and public service occupations.

This engaging and challenging BSc (Hons) Physical Education course is delivered by academics with an international research profile and applied teaching experience, who translate cutting-edge research and real-world practice directly into their teaching. The curriculum is progressive, beginning with broad foundations and applied knowledge in physiology, psychology and sociology to support lifelong physical activity in young people, before developing greater focus and specialism over three years.

Throughout the programme, you will explore both theoretical and practical aspects of physical education, developing a deep understanding of the subject and a critical appreciation of innovative concepts, pedagogies, and physical literacy. You will build real-world skills through work placements within the local community and work-related opportunities, embedded at every level of study, and undertake an innovative entrepreneurial project working within a sport and/or physical education setting. You also have the option of a sandwich year.

The programme is aligned with Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) standards, equipping you to meet industry expectations for professional roles in school settings and beyond. You will learn in an inclusive, supportive environment led by award-winning practitioners committed to your success and strong graduate outcomes.

The degree prepares you for a wide range of careers including, teacher training, postgraduate study (Master’s degrees and PhDs), and education roles across primary, secondary, and further education settings, as well as careers in business, community organisations such as charities, and the uniformed services. This reflects the versatility of the skills developed, equipping you to adapt, lead, and succeed across diverse professional contexts.

You will be assigned a dedicated student peer mentor who supports you before arrival at LJMU and throughout your studies. This forms part of a novel, research-informed induction programme led by trained student mentors. Uniquely, this is the only Physical Education programme in the UK to offer this innovative, peer-led approach, reflecting our commitment to evidence-based practice and a highly supportive student experience.

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.

Please visit the Liverpool John Moores University website for detailed module information.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

LJMU recognises that students perform differently depending on how they are assessed. That's why we use a combination of assessment methods, including written assignments, exams, practical work, individual and group presentations, portfolios, reflective logs and a dissertation.

Assessments are planned across the programme so that you can manage your workload, and use feedback to develop learning for future assignments. Constructive feedback will help you identify strengths and areas for development and is provided regularly throughout the programme.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity