BSc (Honours) Physical Education and School Sport

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

The BSc (Honours) Physical Education and School Sport degree at Sheffield Hallam University is designed for those who are passionate about sport, movement, and helping young people stay active. The course blends theory with hands-on experience to prepare you for a career in teaching, coaching, or school-based physical activity roles.

Course Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll explore the foundations of teaching and coaching in physical education. You’ll study topics such as Foundations of Coaching and Teaching, Foundations of Professional Practice in PE and School Sport, and The Science of Physical Education and Sport Coaching. These modules help you understand how children learn through movement, the role of sport in education, and how to plan and deliver engaging physical activities. You’ll also begin developing your professional identity through practical experience and reflective learning.

Year 2
Your second year focuses on applying what you’ve learned in real-world settings. You’ll spend time on a school placement, gaining valuable classroom and field experience. You’ll study areas such as inclusive practice, behaviour management, and the design of learning experiences in physical education. This year deepens your understanding of how to support different learner needs and encourages you to reflect on your teaching style, preparing you for future leadership in PE and sport.

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll refine your expertise and prepare for professional practice. You’ll engage with advanced modules such as Debates in Education and Educational Enquiry, alongside a major independent research project. You’ll also have the chance to complete a longer placement or industry experience, applying your knowledge in a professional environment. This final year strengthens your confidence as an educator and gives you the tools to progress into teaching, coaching, or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Physical education delivery and pedagogy | Sport coaching and school sport programmes | Inclusive practice in PE | Youth development through sport | Research and professional practice

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design, deliver, and assess effective PE sessions; apply theoretical knowledge to practical teaching; promote inclusion and wellbeing through sport; and reflect critically on your professional practice. You’ll graduate ready to make a positive impact in schools, sports organisations, and community settings.

Professional Alignment

This program aligns with professional standards recognised by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), ensuring that your skills and experience meet the expectations of employers in the PE and school sport sectors.

Reputation

Sheffield Hallam University is known for its strong employability record and hands-on teaching approach. Graduates from this course have a high rate of employment or further study, many progressing into teaching, coaching, or youth development roles. The university’s emphasis on practical placements and reflective learning makes it one of the top choices for students pursuing careers in physical education and sport.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re passionate about sport, fitness, and helping young people lead active lives, this degree gives you the perfect foundation to turn that passion into a rewarding career. The BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport course blends theory with hands-on experience, preparing you to work confidently in schools, community sport programs, or youth development settings.

What the Course Offers

Throughout the course, you’ll explore how physical education shapes children’s development, health, and confidence. You’ll learn to plan, deliver, and evaluate lessons, develop coaching techniques, and understand the science behind physical activity and performance. Modules include sport pedagogy, inclusive practice, biomechanics, psychology of sport, and curriculum design.

Practical learning is a major part of this degree. You’ll spend time in schools and community sport environments, where you’ll gain real-world teaching experience. You’ll also use the university’s advanced sports facilities — including biomechanics labs, motion analysis tools, and performance studios — to analyse physical performance and design effective PE programs.

Who the Course Suits

This program is ideal for students who enjoy sport, teaching, and teamwork. It suits those who want to inspire children and young people to live healthier, more active lives. Whether your goal is to become a PE teacher, sports coach, or work in health promotion, this course gives you the academic grounding and practical confidence to get there.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this program go on to exciting roles in education, coaching, fitness, and community sports. Many progress to postgraduate teacher training (such as a PGCE) to qualify as physical education teachers. Others pursue roles in youth sport coordination, performance analysis, or sports development with local councils and private organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you choose the BA (Hons) Education with Psychology and Counselling at Sheffield Hallam University, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how people learn, think, and develop emotionally within educational and social contexts. The course uniquely combines three fields—education, psychology, and counselling—helping you build the skills to support learners’ wellbeing and personal growth in a wide range of professional settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Graduates from this course are well-prepared for rewarding roles such as:

Learning Support or Inclusion Coordinator
Mental Health Support Practitioner or Counsellor-in-Training
Educational or Behavioural Support Assistant
Youth and Community Engagement Officer

How Sheffield Hallam University helps you get there:

Career & Employability Support: You’ll receive dedicated guidance through the university’s employability service, which includes career mentoring, job fairs, CV development, and interview workshops to help you transition confidently into work.
Real-World Practice: The course includes placements across schools, community organisations, and counselling environments, allowing you to gain valuable hands-on experience while studying.
Industry-Relevant Learning: You’ll study modules that connect theory to practice—such as child development, cognitive psychology, counselling skills, and inclusive education—ensuring your learning is directly applicable to real-world roles.
Graduate Outcomes: Many graduates go on to work in education, youth services, counselling support, or continue their professional training in psychology-related careers.
Long-Term Value: This degree provides a recognised foundation for careers across education, social care and mental health sectors—backed by Sheffield Hallam’s strong reputation for employability and applied learning.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Education with Psychology and Counselling, you could advance into postgraduate studies such as a Master’s in Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy, or Special Educational Needs & Inclusion. You could also pursue a PGCert (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) if you aim to become a qualified teacher or continue toward professional counselling accreditation through postgraduate training.