Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport

Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport is a field of study that draws together the science of human movement, the theory and practice of education and coaching, and the wider social and policy context of sport and physical activity in the UK and globally. PE is one of the most important subjects in the school curriculum, with significant implications for children's physical and mental health, their relationships to their bodies, and their engagement with physical activity across a lifetime. Studying it at university level means engaging seriously with psychology, physiology, sociology, pedagogy and the theory of coaching and leadership, not simply learning how to teach sport.

At the University of Derby, this part-time programme is available with a foundation year for students who need additional preparation before degree-level study, and includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, offering an unusually comprehensive range of professional and international experience alongside the academic curriculum. You will develop your understanding of sport science and physiology, educational theory and pedagogy, coaching principles, health promotion and physical activity behaviour, and the policy and management frameworks within which PE and sport operate. The programme is designed for students with a genuine passion for sport and physical activity who also want to understand and influence how others engage with it.

Graduates move into careers in PE teaching following a PGCE or School Direct qualification, sports coaching, community sport development, health promotion, leisure management, sports administration, and the fitness industry. Many also work in special educational needs contexts, youth work, and outdoor education. Postgraduate study in sports science, physical education, coaching, or sports management is a natural next step for those who want to specialise further or move into research and leadership roles.