Physical Education and Sport for Young People (Taught)

This MSc programme seeks to provide advanced learning opportunities for graduates in the field of Physical Education and sport for young people.

• The aim is to improve the lives of children and young people through sport

• PE & sport have been recognised as key contributors to the well-being of children in terms of mental, physical and social health.

• This programme supports the Sport NI strategy which states “We are passionate about maximising the power of sport to change lives. By 2025, we want the power of sport to be recognised and valued by all”

• It comprises a suite of vocationally-oriented taught modules as well as a research-based project.

What are the aims of the programme?

• To critically engage students in the pursuit of meeting the needs of children and

• young people through PE and sport in NI while reflecting on their own professional

• development for employability and career enhancement.

• To promote in our students the professionalism, knowledge, understanding,

• leadership and pedagogical skills indispensable for the achievement of the best

• practice in the service of children and young people through PE and sport.

• To empower students to reflect on and critically analyse, using a range of applied

• scientific approaches, rapidly emerging challenges to contemporary society, education

• and community sport, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to children and

• young people, and evolve new strategies to overcome these challenges.

• To utilise their advanced knowledge and understanding of working with and for

• children and young people in PE and sport to deal with complex issues systematically

• and creatively, identify and overcome barriers, and solve problems and communicate

• their conclusions clearly.

• To develop originality in the application of knowledge together with a practical

• understanding/application of applied scientific methods and research skills necessary

• to create and interpret knowledge in PE and sport for young people.

• To support a culture of self-reflective study, critical inquiry and scholarship through

• workshops, practical classes and lectures to enhance preparation, planning and

• practical skills.

• To educate participants in knowledge transfer strategies and enhance their awareness

• of networks for disseminating new knowledge.

• To further develop their key and vocational relevant skills and independent learning

• ability required for continuing professional and personal development through

• professional practice in working in PE and sport for young people.

• To enhance skills in gathering and providing evidence, the application of appropriate

• scientific methodologies for analysis, and engaging in the submission of evidence and

• analytical review in a supportive and critical framework of their work in leading change.

• To seek opportunities to achieve greater recognition of their work in PE and sport

• for young people in the form of publications, leading innovation and change among

• practitioners in their work setting and advanced qualifications at Masters level.

Core Modules:
MPE5001 – Leadership and Professional Development in PE and Sport working with and for Young People;
MPE5002 – Research Methods in PE and Sport working with and for Young People.

Optional Modules:
MPE5003 – PE and Sport and the Social Sciences;
MPE5004 – Cognitive Development and Pedagogy through PE and Sport;
MPE5005 – Psychology: Culture, Coaching and the Young Person.

Research Pathway Options:
MPE5006 – Consultancy based project;
MPE5007 – Dissertation or Academic Paper with Presentation.

The course has been designed to include authentic assessments which enhance employability and entrepreneurial skills.

Assessment methods include a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, case studies, presentations and practicals. There are no examinations.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS