Physical Education and School Sport

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.

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).

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 sport – 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 second 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 second 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. In the past, this has included short placements in Spain and Tanzania, plus opportunities to study abroad.

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Foundations Of Coaching And Teaching
Foundations Of Professional Practice In Pe And School Sport
The Nature And Purpose Of Physical Education And Sport Coaching
The Science Of Physical Education And Sport Coaching

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Developing Practical Pedagogy
Professional Practice In Pe And School Sport
Science And Health In Physical Education And School Sport

Elective modules

Alternative Physical Activities
Analysis Of Sport And Games
Event Management For Sport And Physical Activity
Exercise Prescription For The Prevention Of Disease
Sport As A Tool For Social Change
Sports Club Development
Sports Facility Management Simulation
Technology For Sport And Physical Activity
Testing And Analysis In Sport And Physical Activity

Year 3

Optional modules

Placement Year

Final year

Compulsory modules

Independent Project In Sport And Physical Activity
Pe Spaces And Social Change

Elective modules

Approaches To Talent Development
Coach Education And Development
Economics And Finance Of Sport
Entrepreneurship And Innovation For Sport And Physical Activity
Exercise Prescription For Long Term Conditions
Health Promotion
Innovative Practical Pedagogy
Major Sport Events
Nutrition For Sport And Physical Activity
Performance Analysis Of Sport
Programming And Prescription Of Training In Sport And Physical Activity
Psychology Of Sport And Exercise
Sport And The Media
Sport, Brands And Culture
Sport Data Analytics
Sport Injury
Sport Journalism

Coursework, Practical