Physical Education and School Sport
Physical education and school sport is the professional discipline concerned with developing young people's understanding of movement, health and physical activity, and with creating the conditions in which all pupils can engage meaningfully with sport and exercise throughout their school years and beyond. It draws on sport science, psychology, sociology, pedagogy and philosophy to build both the practical competence and the professional understanding that effective PE teaching and school sport leadership requires. The subject matters because the habits of physical activity established in childhood and adolescence have long-term consequences for health and wellbeing.
At Sheffield Hallam University this programme is studied part-time and includes a foundation year, making it accessible to students who need additional preparation before the full degree. The programme also includes a sandwich year and a placement component, ensuring that professional practice is central to your development throughout your studies. You will explore topics spanning practical activities, sport science, coaching, sociology and philosophy of sport, research methods and the development of professional practice skills relevant to working in schools and community settings.
The combination of academic study and direct professional experience prepares you for the realities of PE teaching and school sport roles.
Graduates work as PE teachers in primary and secondary schools, often completing a PGCE or School Direct teacher training route alongside or after their degree. Others move into sports development, community sport roles, sports coaching, school sport partnerships, leisure management, health promotion and youth work. The analytical and pedagogical skills the programme develops are also relevant in sports psychology, fitness and wellbeing services and educational consultancy.
Many graduates pursue postgraduate qualifications in education, sport coaching or sport science to deepen their specialist expertise.