Physical Education

Degree Overview
Physical Education at UCFB offers an innovative pathway for people eager to make a lasting impact, guiding the next generation away from screens and into the world of active, outdoor experiences! Rooted in the principles of ‘pracademia’ -where academic theory meets real-world practice - this degree empowers students to become skilled leaders in physical education, physical activity, sports coaching and the mechanics of teaching.

On this course, students are not lecture room based learners; you are active participants in the community, gaining insights by working alongside professional teachers and sports coaches in local schools and organisations. With a curriculum centred on sport pedagogy and the art of teaching and coaching, you delve into the mechanics of movement, the psychology of motivation, and the practicalities of leading engaging activities. Plus, through outdoor trips and events, you learn how to spark excitement and instil lifelong healthy habits in children, making every lesson an adventure beyond the classroom!

Degree Content
This degree builds the skills needed to become a confident physical education practitioner, while providing the experience and knowledge required to work in schools, coaching companies and other physical activity settings. Students develop both practical and theoretical understanding of two key areas: physical activity expertise and teaching and sport pedagogy.

Students will explore the national curriculum and the importance of physical activity, covering a range of sporting options including the six key areas schools require: athletics, games, gymnastics, dance, swimming, and outdoor and adventure activities.

Work within local schools is central to this course, with many sessions supporting students’ placements while offering guidance and reflection on real-life teaching experiences.

Teaching Locations
UCFB Wembley

• Wembley Stadium

• Arch View House, First Way

• Silver Jubilee Park

In addition to our teaching locations, we also use specialist facilities throughout the academic year as well as additional facilities where required.

Degree Specifications
University Campus of Football Business is an embedded college of the University of East London. All graduates will receive a degree from the University of East London.

Career Prospects
UCFB Wembley students have been placed at a number of schools including Ark Academy, St Joseph’s primary school and Wembley Park primary school, as well as sports clubs Wembley Stallions and QPR. UCFB Manchester Campus students have gained experience at Connell College and St Agnes’ primary school, as well as sports organisations including the National Gymnastics Centre, British Dodgeball and British Triathlon.

Career paths include progressing onto a PGCE course to complete teacher training or joining a schools-led graduate teacher training programme (SCITT). Alternatively, graduates could work through the non-qualified teacher route; working in the physical activity or health sector as a personal trainer, wellness facilitator or for sports delivery companies e.g. Sport co-ordinators in clubs and schools.

UCFB Employability & Career Planning Programme
Over 90% of UCFB graduates are in employment within six months of graduating, with 62% of those graduates working within the global sports industry.

At UCFB, your career starts from day one. Alongside your academic studies, our Employability & Career Planning programme supports your development, helping you build the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in the sports industry.

Through a range of tailored opportunities - including best-in-class industry guest speakers, Premier Events, and work-based learning - you’ll gain valuable real-world insight and connections. With ongoing career support and access to placements, you’ll graduate as a well-rounded, career-ready professional.

Course Modules

First Year

• Principles of Teaching

• Teaching and the Practical Delivery of Sport

• Industry Competencies (Mental Wealth)

• Sports Science in Practice

• Delivering a Broad Curriculum

• Cybernetic Physical Education

Second Year

• Psychology for Physical Education

• Creative Physical Education

• Industry Readiness (Mental Wealth)

• Research Methods

• Sociology of Physical Education

• Behaviour Management

Third Year

• Innovations in Education

• Experiential Learning

• Professional Project

• Sports Initiative Development

• Industry Engagement (Mental Wealth)

A range of assessment types are used across this course, as appropriate to each module. Assessment is predominantly continuous, employing items that will include academic essays, reports, presentations, portfolios, reflective writing, as well as practical broadcast outputs.

Applied assessment tasks are used as far as possible to enable students to link theory with practice, thereby assessing knowledge and understanding alongside practical study-specific skills and key industry skills.

Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Course Leader, Module Leader and Seminar Leaders to ensure they are able to fully engage with all assessment within the course.