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 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Prepare for your future career in teaching Physical Education (PE) at UEA, home of the renowned School of Education and Lifelong Learning and the Norfolk Schools Games. Explore the dynamic landscape of PE, entering a profession that can inspire the next generation of young people and learning how to develop creative and innovative curriculum opportunities for the 21st century.
Choose UEA for excellence in Physical Education. Our staff, comprised of active researchers, practitioners, and international PE consultants, provide expert insights, shaping module content for optimal learning and spearheading advancements in the field. Through innovative teaching methods and hands-on research and experience, we prepare you to make the next step to our esteemed PGCE in primary and secondary education.
Experience a course with embedded placements and empirical research, preparing you for real-world challenges. Explore diverse topics and embrace the fast-paced nature of the sector. Broaden horizons with traditional and alternative sports in the PE curriculum. Delve into government policy and acquire practical teaching skills for a successful career.
Explore UEA's world-class SportsPark, a hub for academic and practical teaching. Our School of Education and Lifelong Learning’s PGCE partnerships offer unique opportunities with strong links to Schools and educational settings across the region. The UEA provides excellent facilities and resources enhancing your learning experience and preparing you for the future.
Discover diverse career paths with a BSc in Physical Education. Gain nationally accredited coaching awards across various sports. The UEA Award boosts job prospects, leading graduates to roles in primary and secondary schools, senior leadership positions, and postgraduate studies. Receive personalised career support, shaping your professional journey.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll enrol in a common suite of Year One modules in our Physical Education, Sport and Health (PESH) cluster, which means you’ll be able to transfer to one of the following courses after Year One, as you identify your specific academic interest:
- BSc Physical Education, Sport, and Health
- BSc Physical Activity and Health
- BSc Sports Development
In your first year, you’ll take a series of core modules exploring the fundamental principles underpinning the study of Physical Education, Sport and Health. You'll discover how the body responds to physical activity and learn the principles of training for increased health and well-being, as well as focused training for elite athletes. You’ll be introduced to the psychology of sport and exercise and the process of motor skills development.
Whatever your academic background, you’ll be supported in developing your own professional identity in PE, Sport and Health. You’ll receive training in learning skills, allowing you to confidently enter into post-secondary 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 will 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 a drive to succeed in your studies.
Academic support
To help you get everything you can out of our studies, our Learning Enhancement Team, based in the Student Support 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 have additional sensory or learning-based needs, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help you succeed.
Student-Athletes
If you are an aspiring student-athlete, UEA+Sport can support you in achieving your full potential from classroom to sporting field. For further details, visit the UEA+Sport section of our website.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways across your three years at UEA in order to prepare you for a variety of career or research-based paths. You’ll find yourself challenged and supported through these assessments, and you’ll often be able to choose the topics you focus upon as you develop your personal professional interests. Assessments may include exams, conference presentations, essays or professional portfolios with observational work.
You’ll encounter several practice assessments before you complete any graded work, allowing you to act on feedback. Some lecturers may provide written feedback, and others, verbal, depending on the type of assessment.
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 policy contexts of PE, 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. The experience element of this module will allow you to 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 within the field of physical education, joining seminars of students with your same research interests. You’ll engage more closely with experts in these fields. You’ll build skills of collaboration and communication, academic reading and writing, critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation, and connecting theory and practice.
You might go on field trips, or encounter external guest speakers in your modules, giving you further insight into your career options and goals.
Through a work placement in your sector, you’ll develop transferable skills that will support you in 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 supervision of a lecturer with pertinent expertise. You’ll learn how to collect and analyse data and how to turn those findings into a substantial research report.
You’ll also choose from a range of modules to further support your future career aspirations. From alternative sports to aesthetic activities to sociology and psychology there is something for everyone.
By the end of Year Three, you’ll have mastered a range of employability, professional, and personal skills, 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 continue to form the basis for your learning. You’ll engage in more sophisticated discussions with your fellow students, based on your own research and reading.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to see your research through from inception to results. You’ll be given the opportunity for advanced independent work, completing literature reviews, data collection, and critical writing drafts.
You’ll have the option to complete an industry placement, where you’ll learn to transfer classroom learning into a work-related setting, and vice versa, with a view to increasing your employability.
Assessment
Your final year will again be assessed by coursework in an even wider range of formats to prepare you for a variety of post-graduation paths. These may include fieldwork, practical demonstrations, essays, presentations, and designing creative resources. Some assessments will focus on building employability skills, with projects in video production and grant writing. For your dissertation, you’ll work one-on-one with a supervisor who will provide you with support and feedback throughout the process.
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
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
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
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Health, Healthcare Science or Science
- 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.
- 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
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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, INTO UEA 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.
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
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:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled and confident advocate for all forms of Physical Education. You’ll have the skills and knowledge necessary to progress to a PGCE in either primary school teaching or secondary physical education teaching. You’ll be well placed to enter a range of sectors and organisations including sports coaching and physical activity promotion, educational research and consultancy.
In addition, many of our graduates decide to continue their studies with postgraduate courses such as 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.