BSc (Hons) Physical Activity and Health with a Year Abroad
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C63A
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
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
Empower people and change lives with our dynamic BSc in Physical Activity and Health with a Year Abroad. You'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change and graduate ready to shape a healthier, more active world.
On this course, you’ll blend scientific knowledge with the study of global issues and gain practical real-world experience. 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.
Taking a global perspective, you’ll examine the effects of physical inactivity across diverse populations and explore community-centred strategies for promoting healthy behaviours. You’ll learn how to challenge social inequalities and develop the skills to advocate for physical activity. 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 state-of-the-art facilities, including the world-class Sportspark at the heart of our Active Campus. Our top-ranked programme holds nationally accredited awards and the UEA Award for enhanced employability, ensuring you graduate with the skills and experience that employers value. You can enrich your studies with off-site trips to the stunning North Norfolk Coast, Thetford Forest, and local health and physical activity providers. You’ll also benefit from the expertise of our world-class staff and our strong collaborations with organisations like Active Norfolk, gaining real-world insights and industry connections.
Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to make an impact in roles such as physical activity and health promotion officer, social prescriber, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist. You may also choose to further your expertise with postgraduate study. 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 a valuable insight into how other countries and cultures approach physical activity and health by spending a year studying abroad. You can study at one of our 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 adaptability and resilience 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
You’ll take part in large group interactive lectures where you’ll be tasked with working on your note-taking skills and ability to share ideas in front of an audience.
Lectures will be followed by small group seminars, providing a more interactive and focused learning experience. Seminars are often skills-based, designed to help you apply theory to real-world situations. During sessions, you’ll engage in individual and group tasks, collaborating to discuss ideas and solve problems. Seminars also offer valuable opportunities to build confidence in presenting your thoughts and findings, further enhancing your communication skills.
Independent Learning
You’re encouraged to be self-motivated in your learning and take ownership of your progress. Alongside your taught sessions, some lecturers may ask you to complete preparatory or post-session tasks, building on theories, concepts, and issues introduced in formal sessions. These may require you to work independently, or with your peers in groups. You’ll need to be curious and have an ability to go above and beyond to succeed in your studies.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential, 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 actively seek and welcome students with disabilities, as we work to support the sector with a more diverse and representative workforce. If you’ve additional needs, such as sensory impairments or specific learning difficulties, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Student-Athletes
If you’re an aspiring student-athlete, UEA+Sport can support you in your journey to achieve your highest potential both academically and on the sporting field. For further details, check out UEA+Sport.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways throughout the three years, allowing you to demonstrate your learning in multiple formats. Many assessments are self-directed, giving you the flexibility to choose topics that align with your interests as you develop expertise in areas that matter most to you. To ensure a smooth transition to higher education, you’ll be introduced to a broad range of assessment types. These may include exams, conference presentations, professional portfolios with observational work, and written coursework.
You’ll have several formative (practice) opportunities before submitting any summative (graded) work, allowing you to benefit from valuable feedback that can help improve your learning. Some lecturers may provide written feedback, while others may offer verbal feedback, depending on the assessment type.
Structure
In your second year, you'll build on your knowledge through a combination of core and optional modules, allowing you to explore various aspects of the physical activity and health landscape. You'll study physical activity participation across different population groups, delve into the psychology behind movement and motivation, and learn behaviour change strategies to promote healthier lifestyles.
You’ll study common research methods used in the field through a combination of practical sessions and lectures, preparing you for your independent research project in year three. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on experience by undertaking an extended work placement with a local organisation of your choice within the physical activity and health sector. This opportunity will allow you to apply your learning in a real-world setting and build valuable professional connections.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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 specialise as a physical activity and health practitioner, you’ll join smaller lecture groups with like-minded students, fostering a more personalised and focused learning environment. You’ll build closer relationships with lecturers who are experts in their fields, providing you with valuable guidance and mentorship.
Small group seminars will continue, helping you refine your study skills, including teamwork and communication, academic reading and writing, and higher-order thinking like critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. These seminars will also reinforce the connection between theory and practice, strengthening your understanding of the subject.
Modules may include field trips and external guest speakers, offering real-world insights. Additionally, through a sector-related work placement, you’ll develop the knowledge, competencies, and skills necessary for future work settings.
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll continue to be assessed in a variety of ways. Assessments will be linked to your core, compulsory, and optional modules and may include essays, reflective portfolios, group projects, presentations, designing creative resources, research proposals, and even more innovative forms of assessment such as podcasts.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australasia, or North America. During your time abroad, you’ll learn about physical activity and health from experts in a different cultural context, expanding your understanding of the global importance of physical health. For further details, check out Study Abroad.
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 year abroad, you’ll be taught by experts at one of our partner universities, expanding your knowledge and skills while gaining valuable global experience from an international perspective.
Assessment
During your time abroad, you’ll be assessed by the teaching and research experts at our partner university.
Structure
In year four, you’ll develop the skills to plan, conduct, and complete an original piece of research in an area you’re passionate about, with guidance from an expert lecturer. You’ll have the opportunity to collect and analyse data and transform those findings into a comprehensive research report.
You’ll also choose from a range of modules to complement your previous study and future career aspirations. By the end of year four, you’ll have honed a wide range of employability, professional, and personal skills.
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 be central to your studies, with activities primarily discussion-based, drawing from your own wider reading and research. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to engage with your peers and deepen your understanding of key concepts.
In your final year, you’ll take ownership of your learning through an independent research project. This will involve significant self-study, including literature searches, data collection, and critical writing drafts, allowing you to explore a topic you're passionate about in depth.
Additionally, there is an optional final-year industry placement, offering you the chance to apply your academic and vocational learning in a real-world work setting. This experience will help you bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing your employability and critical reflective practice.
Assessment
In your fourth year, you’ll be assessed through a range of methods. Assessments may include coursework, practical demonstrations, essays, presentations, and creative resource design. You’ll also develop valuable employability skills through tasks like video production and writing funding bids. For your dissertation, you’ll work closely with a supervisor, receiving formative feedback throughout the process.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled and confident advocate for all forms of physical activity participation and health promotion. You’ll be well placed to enter a range of organisations including local authorities, Active Partnerships, the NHS and the care sector. In addition, many of our graduates decide to continue their studies with postgraduate courses such as Education, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health, Sports Science, Social Work, or a Master’s by Research.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Health and physical activity promotion officer
- Social prescribing (local authority or GP support)
- Fitness and exercise instructor or business owner
- Community physical activity development
- Educational training and development
- Public health
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: