BSc (Honours) Physical Education and School Sport with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

This degree provides a four- to five-year route (including a foundation year) that supports students to build confidence and subject knowledge before moving into the full honours programme in physical education and school sport. It’s ideal if you’re passionate about sport, schools, movement and youth development, and you’d prefer a foundation year to begin your journey.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year (Year 0)
In this preparatory year you’ll focus on building key academic, professional and subject-specific skills to ready you for degree-level study. You’ll cover fundamental topics in sport, physical activity, pedagogy and movement, while also developing study skills, digital literacy, and personal/professional development. This year aims to set you up with confidence and the knowledge base to progress into the BSc honours part of the programme.

Year 1 (Honours Level 4)
In your first full honours year you’ll begin the core study of physical education and school sport. You’ll explore how young people learn through movement, the role of sport and physical activity in schools, foundational coaching and teaching skills, and underpinning science, sociology and philosophy of PE. Practical sessions and early placements will help you connect theory to real school and sport settings.

Year 2 (Honours Level 5)
During year two you’ll deepen your pedagogy and applied practice: designing learning sequences in PE and school sport, inclusive practice, behaviour support, and applied professional practice in school or sports-based placements. You’ll also engage more fully with subjects such as sport science, leadership, and research methods geared to school-sport contexts.

Year 3 (Honours Level 6)
Your final year focuses on consolidating your professional identity, leadership in school sport, independent research, and major practical placement or industry experience. You’ll undertake a capstone or major project in physical education and school sport, reflect deeply on your professional practice, and prepare for employment, coaching, further study or youth-sport development roles.

Focus Areas

Physical education delivery and pedagogy | School sport and youth physical activity | Coaching and movement science | Inclusive practice for diverse learners | Professional research and leadership in PE and sport settings.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate able to design, deliver and evaluate high-quality physical education and school sport programmes, apply scientific, sociological and pedagogical knowledge to movement and teaching, work confidently with children, young people and schools, lead inclusive practice, and carry out independent research or applied professional enquiry in the field of physical education and sport.

Professional Alignment

The programme aligns with recognised professional standards within school sport and physical education, ensuring your learning is relevant for roles in schools, youth settings, sport development contexts and further professional training including teacher training or postgraduate study.

Reputation (Employability)

Sheffield Hallam University is known for excellent teaching quality, practical learning environments and strong graduate employment outcomes in sport- and education-related degrees. With specialist sports facilities and strong links with schools and community settings, the programme offers a solid platform for a career in physical education, school sport leadership or youth physical-activity roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is designed to give you a strong academic base via the foundation year, then build into full undergraduate study where you’ll engage in practical, real-world physical education and school sport settings. You’ll combine classroom theory, sport science labs, community/school work and performance analysis to prepare you for roles in school sport, teaching support, or broader physical activity leadership.

Here are the practical experiences and tools you’ll engage with:

Foundation year preparation – In year one you’ll build your subject knowledge around sport, physical activity and education, while developing academic study skills, digital capabilities and professional confidence before moving into the full degree.
School and community based placements – As you progress you’ll complete work in schools and community sport settings, delivering physical education sessions or supporting school sport programmes — applying your learning in real contexts.
Advanced sports and performance facilities – You’ll use specialist spaces (e.g., biomechanics labs, performance analysis suites, strength & conditioning labs) to examine movement, performance and teaching of physical activity.
Collaborative teaching and sport projects – Working with your peers you’ll design, deliver and assess sport and PE programmes or modules, gaining leadership, teamwork, planning and coaching experience.
Digital and research-based tools – You’ll engage with digital platforms, data capture, movement analysis software and reflective tools to monitor learner outcomes, evaluate programmes and improve practice.
Inclusive education and sport practice – You’ll learn to work with diverse learners, understand how to deliver inclusive physical education and sport opportunities, and support health, wellbeing and active lifestyles through school sport.
Professional portfolio and work-based learning – Throughout you’ll build your portfolio that showcases your placement work, project reflections, performance analysis and professional development — strengthening your employability.
Optional placement year – The programme offers the option of a year-long work placement (between years three and four) to deepen your experience in a professional education or sport-related setting.

By the end of this degree you’ll graduate not just with theory, but with applied experience in teaching, coaching or delivering school sport; you’ll be confident using sport-science tools and ready to step into roles in schools, community sport or progression into teacher training or specialist sport roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you choose the BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport with Foundation Year at Sheffield Hallam University, you’ll begin your journey toward a career in teaching, coaching, or sports development with a strong foundation year designed to build your academic confidence and subject knowledge. The course blends classroom learning with practical experience, preparing you to inspire young people through physical education and active lifestyles.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
This degree prepares you for a variety of fulfilling careers such as:

PE Teaching Assistant or Specialist Teacher (with further training)
School Sport Coordinator or Activity Leader
Community Sport Development Officer
Youth Physical Activity or Fitness Coach

How Sheffield Hallam University helps you get there:

Foundation Year Support: The foundation year helps you strengthen your academic and practical skills, ensuring you’re fully prepared to succeed in the main honours degree.
Hands-On Learning & Placements: You’ll gain valuable real-world experience through placements in schools, sports clubs, and community programmes—enhancing your professional confidence and employability.
Outstanding Sports Facilities: You’ll learn in modern sports and teaching facilities, including performance labs and practical spaces that mirror real sporting environments.
Career & Employability Guidance: Sheffield Hallam offers personalised career support, helping you prepare for interviews, find placement opportunities, and connect with potential employers in education and sport sectors.
Graduate Outcomes: Many graduates secure roles in education, coaching, or sport development soon after completing the course, while others go on to teacher training or leadership positions within physical activity organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport (with Foundation Year), you can progress to postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Sport Coaching, MSc in Physical Activity and Health, or a PGCE in Primary or Secondary Education to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). These advanced qualifications can lead to leadership, research, or specialised teaching roles within education, fitness, and community sport.