Physical Education

Why Physical Education?
Our Physical Education (PE) degree allows you to build a knowledge of primary or secondary school PE, school sports development or teaching children with special educational needs. You’ll analyse and develop a range of teaching approaches, while optional modules allow you to tailor your degree to suit your own passions and career ambitions. Offering an ideal platform to progress to a teacher training qualification such as a PGCE, the course could also prepare you for a range of other roles in community sports partnerships and national governing bodies of sport. With opportunities to gain experience on relevant placements in educational settings, from schools to coaching companies, our graduates stand out from the competition.

You’ll draw on the expertise of experienced lecturers and gain practical experience teaching a range of pursuits, from traditional sports such as football and tennis, to activities such as Ultimate Frisbee and Zumba. There are opportunities to develop your CV by gaining coaching qualifications such as the FA Primary/Secondary Teachers Awards (additional costs may apply, see course web page for details). You’ll also benefit from brand new sports facilities at our Oxstalls campus, including an international-standard sports arena, 3G pitches, dedicated pitches for rugby, hockey and football and a cricket pavilion and pitch. This is in addition to our range of state-of-the-art sport and exercise science labs, fitness suites and strength and conditioning facilities.

Why University of Gloucestershire?
At University of Gloucestershire, we’ve been encouraging students to meet every ambition since 1847. Join us and you’ll benefit from our three UoG promises:

1. UoG Career Promise – if you are not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching* (*eligibility conditions apply).
2. UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.
3. UoG Connections Promise – whilst at UoG, you’ll find the connections to reach your goals. With over 4,000 placements and more than 60 clubs and societies to join, you’ll make connections for life.

Our ambition is boundless. Experienced lecturers promote a real-world ethos and treat our students as more than just a number. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study. Students never tire of finding inspiration here in the unique county of Gloucestershire – innovation and bravery thrive here. Cheltenham and Gloucester offer the best of city and country living, with the rolling hills of the Cotswolds paired with vibrant nightclubs and stunning parks in the bustling town and city centres.

After the course
Your story doesn’t end with us at graduation. We support our graduates to balance purpose with ambition, and 95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course*.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers.

Experience an open day
Book yourself a place at a University of Gloucestershire open day at www.glos.ac.uk/BookAnOpenDay. Our open days have been designed to inform you, inspire you, and help you make the right decision about your next step. It’s your chance to see the university for yourself, get a real insight into what we're about and meet your potential course tutors and lecturers. Our friendly student ambassadors will also be on hand to show you round your campus.

To find out more information about this course, visit www.glos.ac.uk/OurCourses, email us on enquiries@glos.ac.uk or call 03330 14 14 14.

In your first year explore the purpose of PE, lesson planning and delivery, and inclusive practice. In practical sessions examine innovation in games teaching, applied sciences and 'physical literacy', developing competence and confidence in children through PE. In your second and third years you'll have the opportunity to take modules linked to outdoor adventure activities – athletics, swimming, adapted PE and more – including a field trip to an outdoor education centre in the Brecon Beacons. Your final year focuses on refining your teaching practice, developing your teaching of GCSE and A-level courses. The course includes a balance of theory and practical learning. You'll be assessed through practical sessions, podcasts, coursework, presentations and post-placement reflection exercises.