Physical Education and Sports Coaching

Do you really enjoy sport but are undecided on your future career?

This course will allow you to keep your options open whilst enjoying studying a range of interesting subjects which can be applied to a variety of sport and teaching-related jobs.

You’ll consider teaching and coaching skills from a range of perspectives such as working in schools and community settings. You’ll develop an appreciation of how the disciplines of physical education and sports coaching complement each other, studying a combination of practical and theoretical modules in pedagogy (how to teach and coach), sports science, analysing performance, sports policy, psychology, sociology and philosophy of sport.

Our vocational approach means you’ll learn by doing, applying theory to a range of practical activities such as games, athletics, outdoor adventure activities, gymnastics and dance. You’ll develop sector-specific skills and experience of using the latest high-performance sport technology, such as GPS tracking and 3D motion tracking equipment.

Thanks to our fantastic employer links, you’ll have the opportunity to work with schools and professional sports clubs and we’ll encourage you to volunteer or work in physical education and sports coaching alongside your studies.

The flexible nature of the degree means you’ll have the chance to adapt your knowledge, skills and experiences to any age group. You can also specialise in the areas that interest you the most, choosing from modules that include topics such as fitness, performance coaching or physical education.

At the start of your degree, you'll study modules shared with the Physical Education and School Sport and Sports Coaching degrees, giving you core underpinning knowledge and skills to progress on this degree or the option to change to either of these other two courses.

Professional placements
Previous placements have included assisting in primary and secondary schools and delivering fitness sessions alongside personal training and strength and conditioning professionals. Some students have worked with county sports partnerships or national governing bodies for sport, such as the Football Association, Rugby Football League and England Netball.

Career opportunities
You could go on to become a sports coach for children or athletes or work in the fitness industry, physical activity and health promotion, sport development or event management settings. Graduates have also gone on to further study to become a teacher or pursued a career in the uniformed services.