Physical Education

Why Physical Education?
Physical Education (PE) plays a crucial role in the holistic development of individuals, yet traditional approaches often fail to engage or reflect the diverse needs of all learners. Our Physical Education degree is designed to challenge these outdated models and reimagine PE as an inclusive, equitable, and innovative space for all participants.

Through our dynamic, student-centred teaching method, such as interactive lectures, seminars, and practical workshops you will critically explore how PE can evolve to better serve diverse identities and abilities. Core themes include inclusion, equity and inequality, identity and self, curriculum and pedagogy, governance and management, and growth, development and maturation.

The course focuses on innovative and reflective practices in teaching and curriculum design. You’ll be encouraged to question various assumptions in PE, examine barriers to participation, and consider how to create environments that motivate and support lifelong engagement in physical activity. Graduates will be equipped with the critical tools to lead and advocate for transformative change in physical education settings.

Why University of Gloucestershire?
University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is a vibrant, close-knit and diverse community where small class sizes and dedicated personal tutors ensure students receive guidance and support from day one. UoG has been offering a wide range of degrees, courses and apprenticeships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels since 1847. 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.

Our promises to you\

1. UoG Career Promise – if you're 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 – offering thousands of placements, internships, clubs and societies to help students find their community and build valuable experience and career connections.

Career-focused courses
95% of our graduates are in work or further study and courses at UoG are designed in collaboration with industry partners and benefit from the professional experience and expertise of its staff. This approach ensures students gain practical, relevant knowledge that prepares them for real-world careers.

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.

Student life
Home to 11,300 students and 900 staff across four campuses, University of Gloucestershire offers dynamic learning environments on the edge of the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With over 45 festivals each year, global business placements nearby and more than 500 bars, clubs and pubs, Cheltenham is known as the ‘Festival Town’, while Gloucester blends rich history with a modern city feel, from its iconic cathedral to its famous docks.

Visit us
Come and explore our campuses, facilities, teaching areas and accommodation. You’ll get the chance to attend course talks and meet our lecturers, current students and support staff to answer all your questions. Book to come to an open day at glos.ac.uk/BookAnOpenDay.

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

Course Modules

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.