Physical Education

Why study Physical Education at Liverpool John Moores University?

• The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked first in the North West and top 20 in the world for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2025)

• Developed by expert academics with an international reputation for the delivery of physical education

• Combines practical and theoretical aspects of physical education

• Gain real-world experience and skills within the local community through work placements and an optional sandwich year. LJMU offers strong partnerships with both primary and secondary schools for placement opportunities

• Offers excellent career opportunities in a variety of areas, such as teaching (upon completion of an Initial Teacher Training programme), sport coaching, sport development or youth and community work

• Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)

• 97% of students surveyed said the teaching staff on this course were good at explaining things (NSS 2024)

About your course
On our PE degree, you'll learn about a wide range of topics, including teaching methods, physical training concepts, psychological theories related to sport and exercise, social issues in physical education such as gender, race and media, and historical and philosophical aspects related to PE.

This engaging and challenging BSc (Hons) Physical Education course integrates the theoretical and practical aspects of physical education into one exciting degree programme. There continues to be a high demand for graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to promote health and fitness, competitive sport and engagement with physical activity in a range of educational, community and other settings. This degree offers you the chance to specialise in physical education, exploring both the theory and practical aspects of the subject.

Students on the course apply their learning in practical physical education sessions, through assignments such as research projects, and work placements in industry. This combination of up-to-date theory and practical application serves our students well as they develop their careers through teacher training programmes, post-graduate study (Master's degrees and PhDs), in education (primary and secondary schools, further education), and at a host of non-teaching areas (businesses, community groups such as charities, and the uniformed services).

During your studies, you will develop your own philosophies and interests while being introduced to innovative concepts of physical education. You will gain a wide variety of essential professional skills and qualities that can form the foundation for a successful career teaching physical education in primary, secondary or further education, though teaching is not the only career pathway available.

The programme synthesises the practical and theoretical aspects of physical education through an extensive range of activities and contexts. You will have the opportunity to take part in innovative entrepreneurial projects by working within sport and physical education in different educational establishments and sporting ventures. This includes excellent work-related learning and placement opportunities with organisations such as LJMU's in-house Sport Start scheme.

You will be assigned a student peer mentor, and this support will be available before you arrive at LJMU and for the duration of your academic studies.

Please visit the Liverpool John Moores University website for detailed module information.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

LJMU recognises that students perform differently depending on how they are assessed. That's why we use a combination of assessment methods, including written assignments, exams, practical work, individual and group presentations, portfolios, reflective logs and a dissertation.

Assessments are planned across the programme so that you can manage your workload, and use feedback to develop learning for future assignments. Constructive feedback will help you identify strengths and areas for development and is provided regularly throughout the programme.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity