Physical Education and Sports Coaching

Physical education and sports coaching addresses two closely related but distinct concerns: how we teach people to move, play, and engage with physical activity across their lives, and how we coach athletes and participants to improve their performance and reach their potential. Physical education has a particular focus on the school and community setting, examining how movement and sport are introduced, valued, and taught to children and young people. Sports coaching takes a more performance-oriented view, drawing on exercise science, psychology, and pedagogy to develop effective coaching practice across a range of contexts and ability levels.

At York St John University this three-year, full-time degree develops your understanding of both dimensions. You will study the science of physical performance alongside the pedagogy of physical education, learning how to plan and deliver effective teaching and coaching sessions, how to support the development of young people through sport, and how to apply evidence-based methods to improve performance. The programme includes a foundation year for those who need to build their academic foundations before the main degree.

It also offers a sandwich placement year and the opportunity for a year abroad, as well as substantial work placement activity, which may include placements in schools, sports clubs, or community settings.

Graduates pursue careers as physical education teachers in schools, working within the national curriculum to promote health, movement, and sport. Many also work as sports coaches with clubs, academies, national governing bodies, or community sports organisations. Roles in sports development, health and wellbeing promotion, outdoor education, and sports administration also draw on this degree.

Postgraduate study in sports science, education, or coaching is a common route for those who want to specialise further or pursue senior roles in the profession.