Physical Education and Sports Coaching

Physical education and sports coaching is a degree that prepares you to inspire and develop people of all ages through sport and physical activity. Physical education has a particular concern with young people and the educational dimensions of sport, developing the skills needed to teach PE effectively and to foster lifelong engagement with physical activity. Sports coaching addresses the science and art of improving performance, drawing on exercise physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and pedagogy to understand what helps athletes and recreational participants reach their potential.

Together they develop practitioners who can work across educational and community settings with confidence and skill.

At York St John University this part-time programme includes a foundation year for those who need additional preparation, as well as a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and a work placement component, giving you substantial professional experience and an international perspective before you graduate. The programme is designed for those who want to make a difference and inspire people of all ages to get involved in sport and get the most from it. You will develop knowledge of sport science, coaching methodology, curriculum design, child development, and the practical skills needed to coach and teach across a range of sports and activities.

You will develop pedagogical skill, scientific understanding of physical performance, coaching competence, and the professional values that underpin ethical and effective work with young people and athletes.

Graduates pursue careers in secondary school physical education teaching, sports coaching at club and community level, sports development, leisure management, health promotion, and performance support. Postgraduate study in education, sports coaching, or sports science is a natural next step for those seeking specialisation or leadership roles.