BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary Years)

This degree equips you to teach physical education to 11–16 (and potentially up to 18)‑year-olds with a strong blend of practical, academic, and pedagogical training. It’s ideal if you're passionate about working in secondary schools — whether your goal is to become a PE teacher or take on leadership/coaching roles in sport and education.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll take core modules such as Foundations of Learning and Teaching, which introduces learning theory and the basics of pedagogic practice in PE. You’ll also study The Enquiring Practitioner, focusing on biomechanics and skill development, and Outdoor and Adventurous Activities in Education, which helps you gain confidence in outdoor and team-based physical activities. There are practical modules like Knowledge and Understanding of Individual Activities (Aesthetics) (gymnastics and dance), Principles of Play Through Invasion Games, Pedagogical Skills in Athletics and Swimming, and Purposeful Practice for Games‑Based Physical Education, giving you a strong mix of theory and very hands-on practice.

Year 2

In the second year, you build on your pedagogical and practical foundation, learning how to teach effectively through modules like Pedagogical Behaviours in Practice, where you reflect on teaching and coaching styles, and Managing Individual Differences and Behaviours, which focuses on inclusion, behaviour, and differentiated learning. You’ll get a better grasp of how to design lessons for different types of learners, and you’ll continue refining your coaching/teaching skills in both classroom and practical environments.

Year 3

In your final year, you take more specialised optional modules and complete a Dissertation Project (or independent research) where you can investigate an issue in PE teaching, pedagogy, or youth sport. Options may include International Education, which broadens your understanding of education in a global context, or modules related to coaching identity and evidence-based practice. You’ll have the opportunity to lead learning, design sessions, and critically reflect on your development as a teacher or coach.

Focus Areas

• Pedagogical theory and teaching practice in PE

• Physical literacy, skill acquisition, and biomechanics

• Outdoor and adventurous activities

• Inclusion and behaviour management in secondary PE

• Research and reflective practice in sport education

• Coaching identity and evidence-based teaching

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to design and deliver engaging PE lessons for secondary-aged students, apply theory to practice in diverse settings, manage behaviour and inclusion effectively, critically evaluate teaching strategies, conduct independent research, and articulate a personal coaching or teaching philosophy.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is designed to prepare you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) — after graduation, you’re eligible to apply for teacher training such as a PGCE in Secondary Physical Education. There are extensive school placements integrated into the degree, giving you real classroom experience with secondary students.

Reputation (Employability)

University of Chichester is known for its strong teacher-training environment. This PE programme benefits from expert staff, dedicated sports facilities, and a “learn-through-doing” philosophy. Graduates typically move into secondary PE teaching, coaching, youth sport development, or further postgraduate study in education or sport pedagogy.