Physical Education, Sport  and Youth Development (with Placement Year)

Support young people in sport with our hands-on Physical Education, Sport, and Youth Development degree
Kickstart a career in teaching, coaching, or sport development with our Physical Education, Sport, and Youth Development degree. You will develop a solid foundation in topics like teaching and coaching pedagogy, sociology, and the holistic development of young people.

Hands-on learning
Our Physical Education, Sport, and Youth Development course will blend theory and practical application, allowing you to learn hands-on. For example, you will take part in school-based lessons and applied activity sessions.

Support from experts
We have an excellent reputation for physical education and sport. You will learn from a team of lecturers with a wide range of expertise in:

• physical education (PE)

• sports coaching

• sport sociology

• adapted PE & disability sport

• dance.

Our academics are also devoted to your personal and professional growth. Our student, Sophy, tells us that their tutors “always offered support and encouraged us to push [our] boundaries”.

Work placements: build professional experience
You will complete a work placement to apply your learning to a professional environment. We have strong links with over 200 schools, as well as National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and sports clubs in elite and disability sport.

Postgraduate progression
Following your Physical Education, Sport, and Youth Development degree, any student meeting the entry requirements at the time of application will be offered the opportunity to interview for the PGCE Secondary PE programme.

About the Placement Year
A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.

It will enable you to:

• apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting

• build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in

• develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace

• get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.

Support from St Mary’s every step of the way

Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.

Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.

Why St Mary’s?
You will gain skills and support to make a positive impact – for yourself and for others – through high-quality teaching, real-world experience, and a community that lifts each other up. Our campus is a London oasis – blending city energy with open green spaces to think, connect, and grow.