Physical Education and Youth Sport BA (Hons)

Learn how to inspire children to develop healthy habits and a love of physical activity. Prepare for a range of career options in primary and secondary physical education and sports coaching. Make a difference that can last a lifetime.

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Learning and teaching in 2021

Overview

You’ll be introduced to the national curriculum of primary and secondary physical education with an emphasis on child development, diversity and inclusivity. Sports coaching benchmark statements are embedded in the coaching element of the course which, combined with the physical education component, gives this course an emphasis on practical delivery.

As part of the course, you’ll undertake a minimum of 277 hours in compulsory placement, gaining experience working with 3-11 year-old children and 11-16 year-olds as the course progresses. These practice elements take place throughout the three years of the course culminating in the final stage placement module (Professional Practice in Physical Education and Youth Sport 3).

Why us?

This course has 100% Overall Satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2020
Our Sport Sciences courses are ranked 15th in the UK (The Guardian University league tables, 2021)
You’ll be encouraged to join the University Sport Sunderland volunteer scheme to gain additional employment-related experience and apply your knowledge in real work situations
A highly practical-based course that will develop your knowledge and skills to enable you to apply for teacher training to become a physical education teacher or to work in the coaching sector
The course responds to feedback from practitioners that students with a desire to work in practical environments require more time in the field and less time in a classroom

'World-leading' research in Sport and Exercise Sciences according to the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF)
Our Sports Science courses were ranked 3rd overall in the UK in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey
Our Sports Science courses were ranked 3rd in the UK for Assessment and Feedback, 3rd in the UK for Retention and Progression, and 3rd in the UK for Employability in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey

Learning and teaching in 2021

We have developed an effective approach to your programme of study, blending face-to-face and online teaching. Physical Education and Sports Coaching skills will continue to be taught and practiced in our outstanding CitySpace facility. This approach will ensure you develop your practical skills on campus, while theoretical underpinning will be taught online using conference technology (Big Blue Button and Microsoft Teams). We will identify sessions to be completed on campus to allow you to develop your practical skills alongside your peers.

If you have any questions before commencing your studies, please contact your programme leader:
Physical Education and Youth Sport – Dr Steven Anderson steven.anderson@sunderland.ac.uk
Team Leader – Dr Lisa Board lisa.board@sunderland.ac.uk

Course structure

Our teaching methods are designed to develop both your knowledge and also skills that enhance employability. Methods include small group work, practical activities, workshops, lectures, tutorials, computer-based learning, presentations and independent learning.

There are also on-going assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include reports, practical work and presentations.

The University has regional links with schools and organisations to provide placement opportunities for the development of skills and experiences.

Year 1 (national level 4):

Academic and Professional Skills (20 credits)
Physical Education and Youth Sport 1 (40 credits)
Professional Practice in Physical Education and Youth Sport 1 (20 credits)
Introduction to Motor Skills (20 credits)
Introduction to Coaching Leadership (20 credits)

Year 2 (national level 5):

Research Design and Analysis (20 credits)
Professional Practice in Physical Education and Youth Sport 2 (20 credits)
Physical Education and Youth Sport 2 (40 credits)
Theory and Practice of Sports Coaching (20 credits)
Growth and Child Development (20 credits)

Final year (national level 6):

Dissertation (20 credits)
Principles of Physical Education and Youth Sport 3 (20 credits)
Professional Practice in Physical Education and Youth Sport 3 (20 credits)
Contemporary Practice in Physical Education (20 credits)
Developing Excellence in Sports Coaching (20 credits)
Adaptive Physical Activity (20 credits)

Facilities

Sunderland's outstanding facilities include laboratories with the latest fitness equipment and technology. There is also a fully equipped sports hall where you'll undertake the majority of your practical sessions.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement	GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+)

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

If you are offered a place on this course, you must have a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check before it commences. The University will cover the cost of the check and will send you relevant information on how to complete this. In addition you must also pass a health check which is an essential criteria for securing placements.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, we also offer this course with an Integrated Foundation Year.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is:

£9,250 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled
£12,500 if you are an international student

Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

This course responds to the drive for primary physical education specialists and offers preparation for secondary PE teaching to those who wish to undertake a postgraduate teacher training route after graduation. The course also embraces areas of sports coaching providing you with the opportunity to work in your chosen area.

Career options

Potential employers for graduates of this course include sports clubs, schools and colleges, national sports associations, sports and leisure companies, recreation services and local authorities.

During the course you'll be encouraged and supported to obtain National Governing Body Coaching Awards to support future development. This will allow you to develop the skills required to become an effective coach across a range of activities. Currently, the course has strong links with the Football Association and the English Cricket Board, as well as links to dance education and outdoor adventure activity specialists. These links, wherever possible, offer experiential learning in addition to certificated courses.

Job roles include PE teacher (primary and secondary), sports coach/instructor. Some roles may require further training.

Meet the students

For me the best thing about coming to university is meeting so many incredible people on my course

Stephen Creighton

Meet the team

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000
student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing.

Page last updated: 12 January 2021

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