Physical Education and School Sport with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Prepare for a fulfilling career in education, school sport, physical activity, and health

• Learn teaching techniques from experts and find out how to make young people passionate about movement

• Access world-leading facilities such as Ponds Forge and the English Institute of Sport

• Apply your practical skills and knowledge in real-life situations with work placements

• Develop the skills to succeed in sport, health and educational environments

Are you driven by a love for sports and want to help people to embrace physical activity? On the Physical Education and School Sport course, you will explore a wide range of topics to prepare you for the world of physical education and school sports – from practical activities and developing professional practice to sport science, sociology, philosophy and research.

The foundation year is suitable either if you don’t meet the entry requirements for the degree, or if you’d like further preparation before you start. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence you need to progress onto the course.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

At Sheffield Hallam we prioritise practical learning through teaching, working and doing. Our experienced staff have all worked in education – from primary to secondary and post-16. You’ll be learning from the best, and they’re here to guide you through your degree, developing your digital capabilities, critical thinking and inclusive approaches that value equality and diversity.

You’ll combine theory with hands-on projects in our exceptional sports facilities – giving you true-to-life experience and excellent preparation for a rewarding career in a range of roles. The course is also carefully designed and aligned with professional teaching standards. You’ll gain the professional expertise and knowledge to be well-positioned for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Key themes

We’re dedicated to helping you develop your sports skills and knowledge – alongside the confidence to support children's physical activity and health in schools.

You’ll explore theoretical, philosophical and practical aspects of physical education and school pport – gaining insights into the roles of physical education graduates in sports, physical activity, and broader professional settings. Topics include teaching strategies, physical education delivery, education policy, reflective practice, sport and exercise science, philosophy, sociology, professional standards and safeguarding.

You’ll learn how to investigate contemporary issues that shape the broader context of PE and school sport by actively engaging in school-based work. In turn, you will enhance your comprehension of the National Curriculum in relation to sport and physical education across all education levels, gaining a holistic understanding of the field

Applied learning

Work placements

Often, students undertake their placements within school settings - secondary and primary. The course prepares students to apply for ITE.

There’s a mandatory short placement at the end of your third year. Over a minimum of 120 hours, you will be learning while you work and preparing to progress into employment after you graduate.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement (25 weeks minimum) or multiple placements between your third and final years. This gives you further valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

We connect students with schools and education facilities at all levels – in the UK and abroad.