PE and Sports Coaching

Physical education and sports coaching address two closely related but distinct challenges: how do we help young people develop physically and come to value movement, and how do we support athletes and participants to improve their performance and experience of sport? PE is a foundational subject in schools, developing physical literacy, health habits and the confidence that comes from being able to move well. Sports coaching extends those principles into club and community settings, working with individuals and teams to help them reach their potential.

At the University of Chester, this three-year full-time programme prepares you to work in both contexts, and it includes a year abroad to broaden your professional and personal experience.

You will study the science of human movement, exercise physiology, motor learning and skill acquisition, pedagogy and curriculum design, coaching theory and practice, sports psychology, sports nutrition and the social and cultural dimensions of physical activity. The programme combines academic study with significant practical experience in PE and coaching settings, developing both your knowledge and your ability to apply it with real participants. You will engage with contemporary debates about physical education in schools, the role of sport in public health and the ethics and responsibility of the coach.

Graduates from this degree move into teaching, coaching, sports development, leisure management, exercise instruction and physical activity promotion. Many pursue a PGCE to qualify as PE teachers, while others work with sports clubs, national governing bodies, local authorities, health services and the growing physical activity sector. The year abroad adds an international perspective and professional experience that is increasingly valued by employers across the sport and education sectors.