Employability
96% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating (2019/20 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £15,860 per year
Course summary
- Develop your understanding of the National Curriculum for Physical Education (PE) in primary, secondary and further education.
- Put yourself in a strong position to apply for teacher training and postgraduate study.
- Develop the interpersonal skills you’ll need to practice in educational and managerial settings.
- Explore contemporary issues that influence the wider context of PE and school sport.
PE teachers can transform young people's lives. On this course you’ll prepare for a rewarding career by studying physical education and school sports – including practical activities, sport science, sociology, philosophy, research and developing professional practice.
The foundation year is suitable for applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for an honours degree or who wish to have further preparation before starting a degree course. You will undertake study in relevant areas of science or social science to provide you with a grounding knowledge and prepare you for progression onto your chosen degree pathway.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Student View
Watch student Hollie Barton talk about what it’s like to study on this course.
How you learn
In your foundation year, you will study 4 modules that have been specially designed to prepare you for the degree pathway in your chosen area. The assessments for the course have also been designed with flexibility in mind and allow you to complete assessments on topics that you are interested in and relate closely to your chosen degree pathway.
You’ll learn through problem-based, collaborative frameworks which prepare you for professional work. The course is structured around a combination of taught, directed and self-directed learning opportunities. You’re expected to undertake multiple roles – with our supportive staff helping you to build your skills.
You’ll also have the opportunity to study and work abroad –gaining hands-on experience of the education environment – with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.
You learn through
- lectures
- practical workshops
- work placements
- coursework
- phase testing
Course leaders and tutors
Julie Binney
Senior LecturerJulie has been a Senior Lecturer in the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity since 2002
Applied learning
Work placements
There’s a mandatory six-week (minimum) placement in an appropriate setting, which is a significant component of the course. You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.
These school-based opportunities could include early years, primary PE, secondary PE or further education colleges. With the support of your tutors you’ll decide which of these sectors best suits your professional goals. You’ll then personalise your learning pathway through activity-based learning, alongside teachers and leaders in the schools.
Live projects
You can also work on projects with various companies during this course. These might include school sport partnerships and sports clubs, who often lead and manage projects in wider sport and coaching organisations. You’ll likely be working on live projects with sport development and coaching professionals in local community settings.
This provides you with the opportunity to apply theory to real-world practice, further enhancing your employability and professional skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake additional placements, internships and volunteer roles across a range of activities.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- secondary education
- primary education
- further education
- leadership and managerial roles
- project management
- the police
- the armed forces
Student success story
Our industry links provide superb opportunities for our students. Here, two undergraduates talk about how placements at Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday have brought them closer to their dream jobs.
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 | Keeping safe on Campus
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
We have a number of world-class sports facilities, which our students have previously been able to take advantage of to gain real world experience, including the English Institute of Sport.
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
- 112-120
From at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. We accept General Studies. For example:
- BBC-BBB at A Level.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Merit overall from a T level qualification in Health or Science qualification.
-
Distinction overall from a T level qualification in Health care Science.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ or general studies.
GCSE
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
• An approved Access to HE Diploma in a sport related subject. Normally we require 15 of the level 3 credits to be graded at distinction.
You also need to demonstrate an ability to
• study academic subjects at degree level
• debate topics and issues
• draw on conclusions from written material
• study independently as well as a member of a group
• use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
• successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations
This is normally achieved by completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.
* GCSE English and mathematics equivalents accepted are:
• equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
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: Developing Professional Practice One | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Games - Practical Activities | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Gymnastics - Practical Activities | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Introduction To Thinking Sociologically And Philosophically | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Outdoor And Adventurous Activities | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Science Of Physical Education And Coaching | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Aquatics And Dance - Practical Activities | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Athletics And Health-Related Exercise | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Developing Professional Practice Two | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Research Methods In Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Sport Science Two | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: The Politics Of Physical Education | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applied Practical Pedagogy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Developing Professional Practice Three | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Project In Sport | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applied Health And Exercise Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Pe Spaces, Identity And The Body | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Physical Education As A Tool For Social Control/Change | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Science For Teaching Gcse/A'level Pe And Btec Sport | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and are therefore subject to changes in government policy. 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 2023/24 is £15,860 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, 233.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
