Physical Education with QTS

Physical education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a degree designed specifically for those who want to teach physical education in secondary schools, combining the academic study of sport, movement, and physical activity with the pedagogical training and school experience needed to qualify as a teacher. Physical education in schools is about far more than sport: it aims to develop children's physical literacy, health habits, teamwork, and self-confidence, and good PE teachers play a significant role in the wellbeing and social development of young people. A degree that leads directly to QTS gives you both the subject knowledge and the classroom skills to begin teaching on graduation.

At the University of Brighton, this three-year full-time programme integrates academic study in physical education, sports science, and education studies with substantial school-based training. You will study the theory and practice of teaching physical education across a range of activities, explore the physiology, psychology, and sociology of sport and physical activity, examine curriculum design and assessment, and develop your understanding of inclusion, safeguarding, and professional responsibilities as a teacher. Brighton has strong partnerships with schools in the South East, providing a rich and varied range of placement experiences where you develop your teaching skills under the supervision of experienced PE teachers and school mentors.

Graduating with QTS means you are ready to apply for teaching positions immediately.

Most graduates from Physical Education with QTS go directly into secondary school teaching, where PE teachers are in consistent demand. Career development within teaching includes progression to Head of Department, leadership roles in school sports, and opportunities to work as sports coaches, sports coordinators, and health and wellbeing leads alongside classroom teaching. Some graduates move into professional sports coaching, community sport development, physical activity promotion in public health, or sports administration.

The degree provides a clear and direct pathway into a stable and purposeful career working with young people.