BSc (Hons) Physical Education, Sport and Health with a Year Abroad
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C64A
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
95%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Shape the future of physical education, sport, and health at UEA, where theory combines with real-world experience. Spark your creativity and fuel your passion for a transformative career in this dynamic field.
You’ll build a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of physical education, sport, and health while studying the human body and the positive impact of physical activity on wellbeing. You’ll discover expert training techniques to boost health, happiness, and performance, for everyone from absolute beginners to elite athletes. You’ll have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests, exploring topics such as sports psychology, policy and partnerships, and the science of physical activity.
You’ll work with experts in physical education, elite performance, and health promotion who are leading researchers and practitioners in their fields. Hands-on research and experience are emphasised, and you’ll undertake an extended work placement to enhance your real-world skills. In your third year, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions across the globe. Previous students have studied in Europe, Asia, Australasia, and North America.
At UEA, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art facilities, including the world-class Sportspark at the heart of our Active Campus. You’ll have the freedom to experience off-site adventures on the stunning North Norfolk Coast, Thetford Forest, and Norfolk Snow Sports Club. You’ll also benefit from our collaborations with local organisations like Norwich City Football Club, all of which make UEA the ultimate destination for sport.
Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to progress to a rewarding career in physical education, sport, and health. Our graduates thrive in dynamic fields, securing roles in schools, sports development, performance advising, event management, physical activity promotion, social prescribing, and private fitness ventures, amongst others. Whatever your career ambitions, we’ll support you every step of the way to unleash your potential at UEA.
Year Abroad
On this course, you’ll gain insight into how physical education, health, and sport are understood and taught in a new cultural context during your year abroad. You’ll be able to study at one of our exciting partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australasia, or North America.
Your time abroad will be an invaluable academic and cultural experience, and one that most students consider to be the highlight of their time at university. It’ll also demonstrate your flexibility and breadth of experience to future employers.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
We operate a common suite of year one modules across our Physical Education, Sport and Health (PESH) courses, which means you’ll have the flexibility to transfer to one of the following courses after year one if you choose:
In your first year, you’ll explore the fundamental principles of physical education, sport and health. You'll discover how the human body responds to sport and physical activity, examining fitness parameters and training principles—both for general wellbeing and elite performance. You’ll also be introduced to sport and exercise psychology, gaining insight into how we acquire and develop motor skills.
No matter your academic background, we’ll support you in developing your own professional identity in PESH, enhancing your learning skills, and ensuring a smooth transition into higher education.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Learning will take place in both larger interactive lectures and smaller seminars. In lectures, you’ll develop note-taking skills and the ability to present your own ideas and research to your fellow students.
In seminars, the focus will be on translating theory into practice. You’ll engage in both individual and collaborative tasks, working together with your peers to explore ideas and solve problems. Seminars also provide a valuable opportunity to practice presenting in front of a smaller group, enhancing your communication and presentation skills.
Independent Learning
You're expected to take initiative in your learning journey and be proactive about your progress. In addition to your regular classes, some lecturers may assign preparatory or follow-up tasks to delve deeper into the topics covered in formal sessions. These tasks may require independent work or collaboration with your peers.
Academic support
To help you get the most out of your time at university our Learning Enhancement Team, based in the Student Support Service, are on hand to help in the following areas:
- Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
- Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
- Academic writing (including how to reference)
- Research skills (including how to use the library)
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).
We welcome and seek students with disabilities to join us as we're striving to create a workforce that's more diverse and inclusive. If you've specific learning needs, please reach out to our Student Support Services team who will be happy to discuss the support available.
Student-athletes
If you’re an aspiring student-athlete, UEA+Sport will help you unlock your potential both in the classroom and on the playing field.
Assessment
Throughout your time at UEA, we’ll assess your learning in a variety of ways to prepare you for your career or further studies. These assessments will keep you engaged and challenged, and you’ll often have the freedom to choose topics that align with your interests, allowing you to become an expert in your chosen areas.
To help you adjust to university life, we’ll introduce you to different assessment styles, such as exams, presentations, essays, and professional portfolios showcasing your practical work.
Before submitting assignments, you’ll have opportunities to practice and receive feedback, helping you to improve. Some lecturers will offer written feedback, while others may provide verbal feedback, depending on the assessment format.
Structure
As you progress into year two, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your module choices to your future career aspirations. From psychology to aquatics, policy and partnerships to the scientific underpinnings of physical activity, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various areas, test out your preferences, and hone your expertise.
The emphasis will be on hands-on research and experience in physical education, sport, and health, which will lay the foundation for your year three dissertation research project. You’ll gain an understanding of common research methods used in the field, taught through a combination of practical sessions and lectures. You’ll also undertake an extended work placement with a local organisation of your choice within the physical activity and health sector.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As you begin to explore your interests in more depth, you’ll join smaller classes with fellow students who share your passions. This will give you the opportunity to connect more closely with your lecturers, particularly those who are experts in your area. These smaller group sessions are designed to enhance your study skills, such as teamwork, effective communication, academic reading and writing, and critical thinking. You'll also delve deeper into how theory is applied in real-world situations. Occasionally, you may have the chance to attend trips or listen to guest speakers, offering insights into potential career paths.
During your placement in a relevant workplace, you'll receive support in developing practical skills and qualities that will be transferable to your future career.
Assessment
Your assessment will come from the work you complete in your core, compulsory, and optional modules. This could include writing essays, completing reflective pieces, giving group presentations, creating innovative resources, putting together research proposals, or even trying out new techniques like making podcasts.
Structure
Your year abroad will provide you with the opportunity to broaden your academic knowledge, explore new areas of interest, and gain a global perspective on your field of study.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
During your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from lecturers, researchers, and practitioners at one of our partner universities. The teaching style will vary depending on the university you attend. This experience will enrich your understanding of physical education, sport, and health from a global standpoint.
Assessment
During your third year, you’ll be assessed by the instructors at your host university.
Structure
At the outset of your final year, you’ll have the skills to plan, conduct, and complete your own original research in an area of interest, under the guidance of an expert in the field. You’ll gather, analyse, and interpret data, learning how to effectively communicate your findings to the wider scientific community.
You’ll also choose from a selection of modules to deepen your understanding and align with your future career aspirations. From alternative sports to aesthetic activities, sociology, psychology, health promotion, and performance analysis—there’s something for everyone. By the time you graduate, you’ll have honed your academic, professional, and interpersonal skills, positioning you for success in your chosen career.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Lectures and small group sessions will continue to play a central role in your learning journey, where you’ll actively participate in discussions, drawing from your readings and research.
You’ll also experience greater academic autonomy through a solo research project, which will involve extensive self-study, data collection, and writing up your findings.
In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to take part in a placement within the industry. This hands-on experience allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting, helping you to further develop your skills while enhancing your employability prospects.
Assessment
In your final year, your assessment will be based on the coursework you complete. This may include practical demonstrations, essays, presentations, and designing creative resources. You'll also work on assessments such as video production and grant writing, which will help you build valuable employability skills. For your dissertation, you'll work closely with a supervisor who will guide you and provide feedback throughout the process.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled and confident advocate for all forms of physical education, sport, and health promotion. You’ll be well-placed to enter a range of sectors and organisations, including local authorities, county sport partnerships, the NHS, and the care sector. Potential roles could involve physical activity and health promotion, fitness, business research, educational research, sport science, and community intervention agencies.
Additionally, many of our graduates choose to further their studies with postgraduate courses in health and nutrition, social work, sports development, sports management and marketing, sports science, coaching studies, strength and conditioning, or a Master’s by Research.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Health and physical activity promotion officer
- Educational training and development
- Social prescribing (local authority or GP support)
- Public Health England
- Public and private care sector
- Private business owner
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require GCSE grade C or 4 in Science.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
We also require GCSE grade C or 4 in Science.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee webpage.
Extra costs, related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: