Physical Education

Physical education as an academic discipline goes beyond learning to teach sport: it examines the place of physical activity in human development, health, and society, and prepares graduates to promote active lifestyles and physical literacy across educational and community settings. It draws on sport science, pedagogy, psychology, physiology, and sociology to understand both how the body functions and how physical education can be made engaging, inclusive, and effective for all young people, regardless of their starting point or background.

At the University of Gloucestershire, you will study physical education over three years full-time, developing your knowledge of the science underpinning physical performance alongside the pedagogical and professional skills needed to teach and promote physical activity. The programme has strong connections with the local physical activity sector, and Gloucestershire's connections with Active Gloucestershire, a local charity committed to making the county more active, reflect the kind of community and health-focused perspective that modern PE professionals increasingly need alongside their teaching skills. You will develop practical teaching competency alongside your theoretical understanding.

The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Graduates pursue careers in secondary school physical education, sports coaching, community sport development, health and fitness, and the broader active health sector. Many go on to initial teacher training to qualify as PE teachers, and the degree provides a strong academic foundation for that transition. Others work in sports development roles with national governing bodies, local authorities, leisure trusts, and community organisations.

Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in sport science, physical education, coaching, or exercise physiology.