BA Hons in Physical Education with QTS

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Brighton

Program Overview

This three-year degree is designed for students who want to become inspiring and confident PE teachers in secondary schools. It combines academic study with school-based training so you graduate fully qualified with QTS and ready to teach.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year builds a strong foundation in both PE performance and teaching skills. You will study modules such as Performance in Physical Education: OAA, Gymnastics and Swimming, Performance in Physical Education: Games, Dance and Athletics, Education Studies 1: Applied Pedagogy and Physical Education Theory. You will also complete an introductory school experience placement to understand real classroom dynamics from day one.

Year 2:
In your second year, you begin developing your identity as a PE teacher through practical teaching and reflection. You will complete a school placement and study core modules like Creating a Positive Teaching and Learning Environment and Intermediate Professional Semester. You can personalise your learning through option modules such as Sport for Development and Peace or Primary Physical Education: Theory and Practice of Teaching KS1 and KS2 PE.

Final Year:
Your final year prepares you for professional teaching roles across Key Stages 3–5. Key modules include Education Studies 3: Inclusive Practice and Physical Education in the 14–19 Curriculum, supported by an advanced professional placement where you lead lessons and take on teaching responsibilities. Optional modules help you refine your leadership and specialist PE skills before entering the profession.

Focus areas:
Developing physical performance across a range of activities, applying pedagogy to PE teaching, inclusive learning practices, planning and assessing PE lessons, and gaining real classroom experience through school placements.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to design and deliver engaging PE lessons, adapt teaching to diverse learners, apply PE theory to practice, and progress directly into secondary school teaching roles with QTS.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on this course learn by doing — not just by studying theory. From the very first year, you’ll be actively teaching, leading activities, and developing practical coaching and classroom skills in real school environments. Brighton’s strong focus on hands-on learning, alongside its excellent sports facilities and school partnerships, ensures you graduate as a confident and classroom-ready PE teacher with QTS.

To help you understand the real-world learning you’ll gain, here’s what experiential learning looks like on this programme:

Extensive on-site sports facilities: Students train and take part in practical sessions across various sports and physical activities, including games, athletics, dance, gymnastics, swimming, and outdoor adventurous activities.
School placements every year:
• Year 1: A short, introductory school-based training placement to understand how PE is taught and to observe classroom practice.
• Year 2: A longer school placement (around a full school term) where you begin planning and teaching your own lessons and developing behaviour management skills.
• Final Year: A full extended placement at a contrasting secondary school where you take on the role of a teacher, lead lessons, assess student learning, and manage classes independently.
Experience beyond standard classroom PE: Students help run inclusive sports festivals, outdoor activity days, and events for pupils with different learning needs—building confidence in teaching diverse groups.
Digital teaching and reflective practice: You will use an e-portfolio during school placements to reflect on your progress and show evidence of meeting the UK Teachers’ Standards.
Inclusive and progressive teaching practice: Practical learning is connected to modules such as Inclusive Practice and Physical Education in the 14–19 Curriculum, enabling you to teach across different age groups, abilities, and learning needs.
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA): You gain hands-on experience in activities like orienteering and team-building tasks, helping you learn how to promote resilience, leadership, and collaboration through PE.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this degree are fully prepared to step directly into teaching or wider roles in sport and education. The combination of school placements, hands-on experience, and professional accreditation means students leave as confident, employable, and classroom-ready PE teachers.

Typical career paths include:

Secondary School Physical Education Teacher
School or Community Sports Coach
Sport and Physical Activity Development Officer
Education or Youth Support Professional

Here’s how the University of Brighton helps shape your future success:

University services: Students benefit from personalised careers and employability support, including CV and interview coaching, school networking events, mentoring, and specialist education careers guidance to secure teaching roles with confidence.
Employment and salary outcomes: Approximately 90% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing this degree, with graduates earning a competitive average salary around £30,000 shortly after entering the profession.
University–industry partnerships: The university has strong school partnerships, working with more than 600 schools and colleges. This provides diverse placement opportunities in different regions and school types, helping students build teaching experience and professional contacts that often lead to job offers.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree includes Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a recognised professional teaching qualification that allows graduates to teach in secondary schools across England and is also recognised in Wales.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni progress into teaching roles, sports development, coaching, and leadership roles within education. A high percentage of graduates report that the skills and knowledge gained in their degree are directly relevant to their current work.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can progress into postgraduate study such as a master’s in education, sport and exercise education, leadership in physical education, or educational research. Many choose to continue into further professional development, including qualifications for school leadership or advancing into research pathways at MPhil or PhD level.

Additional Information & Requirements

GCSE Requirements: A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above is required, which must include English Language and Mathematics, reflecting proficiency in essential academic skills.
TOEFL: Alternative If submitting TOEFL instead of IELTS, a recommended score of 72–78 overall is expected, with balanced component scores to demonstrate strong English language proficiency
UCAS: Application Code Applications must be submitted through UCAS using the code X1C6, ensuring the course is correctly selected during the application process.
IELTS Requirement (English Proficiency): International students must have IELTS 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5, ensuring sufficient ability in speaking, writing, listening, and reading for academic success.
CBSE (India): Students should complete CBSE Class XII with an overall average of 60–65%, particularly with strong scores in English and relevant academic subjects to match the university’s entry level.
American Curriculum (GPA/AP): US applicants are generally expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0–3.2, and those with AP courses will be viewed favourably, especially if AP scores are in core or related subject areas.
International Baccalaureate (IB): A total of 30 IB points is required, including three subjects at Higher Level, ensuring a balanced academic profile with advanced subject preparation.
A-Level Requirements: Applicants are expected to achieve BBB–BCC at A-Level, which is equivalent to 120–104 UCAS Tariff points, demonstrating strong academic performance across three subjects.