Physical Education and School Sport
Physical education and school sport is the field concerned with teaching young people to move, to play, and to develop the physical literacy and positive relationship with physical activity that can support health and wellbeing throughout their lives. PE is not simply about developing athletic ability in those who are already capable: at its best, it creates conditions in which every pupil can find value and enjoyment in physical activity, developing confidence, resilience, teamwork, and a sense of their own embodied competence. School sport extends this through structured competition, extracurricular activity, and the links between schools and community sport.
At Sheffield Hallam this programme includes a foundation year, giving you a preparatory stage to build the academic and subject knowledge needed before you enter the main degree. Across the degree you will develop both practical expertise in a range of physical activities and the theoretical understanding needed to teach PE effectively. You will study sport science, sociology and philosophy of PE, pedagogical approaches to physical education, and the practical dimensions of planning and delivering lessons across different age groups and ability levels.
A sandwich year and work placement experience are embedded in the programme, giving you extended professional experience in school or sport settings before you graduate.
The combination of academic rigour and practical application prepares you both for teaching and for the wider world of school sport leadership, coaching, and sports development.
Graduates move into careers as PE teachers, school sport coordinators, sports coaches, community sport development officers, and physical activity promotion roles in health and leisure settings. Many go on to postgraduate teacher training if they wish to qualify as a PE teacher in a secondary school, while others progress directly into sport science, coaching, or sport development roles. The degree is also a strong foundation for further academic study in sport science or education.