BSc (Hons) Physical Education
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C600
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Prepare for your future career in teaching Physical Education (PE) at UEA, home to the renowned School of Education and Lifelong Learning and the Norfolk School Games. Dive into the dynamic world of PE and learn how to inspire and engage the next generation.
On this BSc Physical Education course, 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 learn to design and deliver effective teaching sessions, understand the policy contexts of PE, and develop a broad teaching toolkit. You’ll explore both traditional and alternative sports, examine government policy, and acquire practical teaching skills.
Hands-on research and experience are emphasised, and you’ll undertake a rewarding extended work placement to enhance your real-world skills. You’ll also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities, including the world-class Sportspark at the heart of our Active Campus.
Our expert teaching staff - including active researchers, practitioners, and international PE consultants - will provide you with invaluable support and cutting-edge insights. Our School of Education and Lifelong Learning’s PGCE partnerships also offer unique opportunities with strong links to schools and educational settings across the region. You can enrich your studies with off-site trips to the stunning North Norfolk Coast, Thetford Forest, and local health and physical activity providers.
Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to progress to a PGCE in either primary school teaching or secondary physical education teaching. You’ll also be well-placed to enter various sectors and organisations, including sports coaching, physical activity promotion, educational research, and consultancy. Whatever your career ambitions, we’ll support you every step of the way to unleash your potential at UEA.
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
You’ll learn through a combination of large-group interactive lectures and small-group seminars. In lectures, you’ll develop your note-taking skills and your ability to share ideas in front of an audience. Discussion seminars are aimed at helping you put theory into practice. In these sessions, you’ll complete both group and individual tasks, working collaboratively to brainstorm ideas and solve problems. Seminars also give you a smaller group in which to build confidence in presenting.
Independent Learning
You’ll be encouraged to cultivate self-motivated learning and progress. Alongside your taught sessions, you might complete pre- or post-lecture tasks, increasing your exposure to the concepts introduced in sessions. You’ll need curiosity and drive to succeed in your studies.
Academic support
To help you get the most out of your studies, our Learning Enhancement Team, based in the Student Service, are always happy to help with academic queries, including:
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 actively seek and welcome students with disabilities as we strive for a more diverse and representative workforce. If you’ve additional sensory or learning-based needs, please talk to our Student Services about how we can help you succeed.
Student-Athletes
If you’re an aspiring student-athlete, UEA+Sport can support you in achieving your full potential from classroom to sporting field. For further details, visit UEA+Sport.
Assessment
Throughout your three years at UEA, you’ll be assessed in a variety of ways to prepare you for both career and research-based paths. These assessments will challenge and support you while allowing you to tailor your focus to your personal and professional interests. Assessment methods may include exams, conference presentations, essays, and professional portfolios featuring observational work.
Before submitting graded work, you’ll have the opportunity to complete practice assessments, enabling you to refine your skills based on feedback. Depending on the assessment type, lecturers may provide either written or verbal feedback to support your development.
Structure
As you progress into year two, you’ll study a combination of core and optional modules from a wide variety of subjects. You’ll learn how to design and deliver effective teaching sessions, how to understand the policy contexts of PE, and how to broaden your teaching toolkit.
Hands on research and experience in PE are emphasised, eventually becoming the building blocks of your year three Dissertation research project. You’ll receive an overview of common research methods in PESH, learnt via both practical sessions and lectures. You’ll also undertake an extended work placement with a local organisation of your choice, within the sector of physical education.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A 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
In your second year, you’ll begin to specialise in physical education, joining seminars with students who share similar research interests. You’ll engage more closely with experts in the field while developing key skills in collaboration, communication, academic reading and writing, critical analysis, synthesis, and the application of theory to practice.
You may take part in field trips or hear from external guest speakers, providing valuable insight into your career options and goals.
Through an industry work placement, you’ll gain transferable skills that’ll support your transition into the workplace.
Assessment
You’ll continue to be assessed using a range of coursework-based methods from traditional essays and presentations to more creative reflections, group projects, and even podcasts.
Structure
At the start of your final year, you’ll have the skills to plan, conduct, and complete an original piece of research in your area of interest, under the guidance of an expert lecturer. You’ll learn how to collect and analyse data, transforming your findings into a substantial research report.
You’ll also choose from a range of modules to further support your future career aspirations, with topics such as alternative sports, aesthetic activities, sociology, and psychology.
By the end of year three, you’ll have mastered a range of employability, professional, and personal skills that will be directly applicable to your future teaching career.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)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
Lectures and small group seminars will continue to shape your learning experience. You’ll engage in more in-depth discussions with your peers, drawing on your own research and reading.
You’ll also have the chance to take your research from inception to results, undertaking advanced independent work, including literature reviews, data collection, and critical writing.
Additionally, you’ll have the option to complete an industry placement, where you’ll apply classroom learning in a real-world setting and gain valuable experience to enhance your employability.
Assessment
Your final year assessments will be designed to prepare you for a range of post-graduation opportunities. You’ll complete coursework in diverse formats, including fieldwork, practical demonstrations, essays, presentations, and creative resource design. Some assessments will focus on employability skills, such as video production and grant writing. For your dissertation, you’ll receive one-on-one support from a dedicated supervisor, guiding you through research, analysis, and writing.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled and confident advocate for physical education, equipped to pursue a PGCE in primary or secondary PE teaching. Your expertise will also open doors to careers in sports coaching, physical activity promotion, educational research, and consultancy. Many graduates choose to further their studies with postgraduate courses in educational leadership, educational practice and research, coaching studies, strength and conditioning, or a Master’s by Research.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Secondary school teacher
- Primary school teacher
- Further education lecturer
- Educational training and development
- Sport coaching delivery and development
- Education consultancy
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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
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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: