Sport, Coaching and Physical Education

Sport, coaching and physical education is a degree that takes seriously the claim that sport and physical activity are central to human wellbeing, not peripheral to it. Physical education in schools develops not just physical literacy but confidence, resilience, teamwork and the habits of an active life. Coaching in clubs and community settings supports athletes at every level to develop their skills and reach their potential.

Both require people with genuine knowledge of human movement, physiology, psychology and pedagogy, alongside the practical skills to put that knowledge to work.

At the University of Gloucestershire, the three-year full-time programme develops your understanding of the science and practice of physical education and coaching. You will study exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, motor development and the principles of pedagogy and curriculum design for physical education. The coaching component develops your practical skills in working with groups and individuals across different sports and age ranges, using current models of athlete development and evidence-based coaching practice.

Gloucestershire's partnerships with local and regional sport and education organisations, including Active Gloucestershire, enrich the practical dimensions of the degree and support the development of your professional networks.

The degree prepares you for roles across sport, education and health. Physical education teaching is a natural destination for many graduates, requiring a PGCE or School Direct programme after the degree. Coaching roles in sports clubs, community sport programmes, national governing bodies and local authorities are also accessible.

Roles in sport development, health and exercise promotion, and working with specific populations such as young people, older adults or people with disabilities are also areas where graduates find rewarding careers.