Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport with Foundation Year

Physical education, physical activity and sport is a discipline concerned with how people are educated about and through movement, how physical activity is promoted and delivered across different settings, and how sport functions as a social, cultural and educational institution. It draws on exercise science, pedagogy, psychology, sociology and public health to develop educators and practitioners who can inspire people of all ages to engage with physical activity and realise its benefits. The degree with a foundation year makes this route accessible to students who need additional preparation before degree-level study.

At the University of Derby this four-year programme includes a foundation year that builds the academic and scientific foundations needed for the main curriculum. Once established, you will study physical education pedagogy, exercise physiology, sport psychology, health promotion, curriculum design, and the social and cultural dimensions of sport and physical activity. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, giving you extensive professional experience in educational and sporting environments and international exposure alongside your academic development.

You will develop both the subject knowledge and the practical skills of an educator and sports practitioner.

Graduates go on to careers in physical education teaching (typically through a PGCE or School Direct route after graduation), sports development, leisure and fitness management, community sport, health and wellbeing promotion, national governing body roles, and a range of other positions in the sport and physical activity sector. Local authorities, Sport England and its regional partners, national governing bodies, schools, leisure centres, universities, and voluntary sector sports organisations are all employers. Postgraduate study in physical education, coaching, sports science, or exercise physiology is a natural route for those wishing to develop specialist expertise or academic careers in the discipline.