Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £16,655 per year
Student satisfaction
This course scored 90% for teaching satisfaction in the 2023 National Student Survey.
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.

Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
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).
You learn through:
- Lectures, seminars and workshops
- A virtual learning environment (VLE)
- Work-based learning experiences
- Placements
- Field trips
- Practical activities in both simulated and in-situ environments
- Independent study
- Research opportunities
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
Course support
The course is designed to help you demonstrate your learning outcomes – with authentic assessment activities relating to real-world scenarios, your specific goals and your skills development.
Throughout your studies, various individuals will support your learning and target setting – guiding you towards resources for academic, professional and personal development.
These support roles include:
- Course and Module Leaders
- Your Academic Adviser
- Your Student Support Adviser
- Your Employability Adviser
- Central services like counselling, Library and IT
Course leaders and tutors

Shane Kent
Senior Lecturer Physical Education and Sport CoachingShane is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Academy of Sport.

Julie Binney
Senior LecturerJulie has been a Senior Lecturer in the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity since 2002
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. In the past, this has included short placements in Spain and Tanzania, plus opportunities to study abroad.
Field trips
On field trips you will be able to understand how your learning is applied first-hand to real-world situations, gaining valuable insight into working practice. These include away days and outdoor learning activities.
Past students have taken outdoor activity trips to Manvers Waterboat Centre and Whitely Woods, and there’s the chance to visit Fiji, working alongside Fijian communities and Fijian youths as part of Think Pacific. You’re also able to use the incredible facilities here in Sheffield – from Ponds Forge to the English Institute of Sport.
Guest lectures
You will get the chance to learn from external speakers, including members from The Art of Being Brilliant, which is an organisation focusing on 'Mental Wealth', confidence building and resilience in our student population. You’ll also learn from school-based staff and PGCE staff from within the university who will provide a realistic mock interview before you apply for teacher education courses.
You’ll hear from specialist industry experts who share context-specific examples of the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will need for your career ahead. Topics include mental health, confidence building and resilience – as well as mock interviewers from schools and PGCE courses at Hallam to help you get ready to apply for teacher education after you graduate.
Networking opportunities
Your employability is enhanced by the involvement of employers and industry partners – from the real-world projects you complete to the opportunities to make professional connections and build networks at careers fairs and workshops.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- School and college education
- Pastoral roles
- Special educational needs
- Teaching Assistant roles
- PE Technician roles
- Head of PE roles
- Departmental lead roles
- Activity-specific school sport – e.g. dance, gymnastics, swimming, outdoor and adventurous activities
- Leadership and management
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- PE Teaching roles in secondary education
- Teaching roles in primary education (non-specialist and specialist PE)
- The tertiary education sector
- Public service organisations
- National and global federations of sport
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities

Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You’ll have access to world-class facilities and equipment to develop your knowledge and skills in the delivery and analysis of physical education and school sport. Our sport-specific training facilities and research laboratories include:
- The UK Sports Institute
- The Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park
- Physiology and biomechanics labs for movement and physical activity analysis
- A strength and conditioning teaching lab
- A physical activity suite
- A performance analysis suite, video analysis and motion capture
- An environmental chamber
- Sport psychology consultation rooms
Learn more about your department
Find out about the Sports and Physical Activity subject area at Sheffield Hallam University.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 64
This must include at least 24 (Grade D) from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- DDE at A Level.
- MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Pass overall from a T level qualification with D or E from core.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Science at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.
If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
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
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Foundations Of Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Introduction To Investigating Contemporary Issues In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Year 2
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Foundations Of Coaching And Teaching | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Foundations Of Professional Practice In Pe And School Sport | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: The Nature And Purpose Of Physical Education And Sport Coaching | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: The Science Of Physical Education And Sport Coaching | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Developing Practical Pedagogy | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Professional Practice In Pe And School Sport | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Science And Health In Physical Education And School Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Alternative Physical Activities | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Analysis Of Sport And Games | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Event Management For Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Exercise Prescription For The Prevention Of Disease | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Sport As A Tool For Social Change | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Sports Club Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Sports Facility Management Simulation | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Technology For Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Testing And Analysis In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 4
Module | Credits |
---|---|
Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Independent Project In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Pe Spaces And Social Change | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Approaches To Talent Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Coach Education And Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Economics And Finance Of Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Entrepreneurship And Innovation For Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Exercise Prescription For Long Term Conditions | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Health Promotion | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Innovative Practical Pedagogy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Major Sport Events | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Nutrition For Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Performance Analysis Of Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Programming And Prescription Of Training In Sport And Physical Activity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Psychology Of Sport And Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Sport And The Media | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Sport, Brands And Culture | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Module: Sport Data Analytics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Sport Injury | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Sport Journalism | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/2025 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/2024 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £16,655 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Sport and physical activity courses (PDF, 432.5KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.