Secondary Education (Physical Education) PGCE
Durham University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesSecondary Education: Physical Education PGCE
University of Reading United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesSecondary Physical Education (including School Direct) with QTS PGCE
University of Chester United Kingdom
Find out morePhysical Education, Sport and Physical Literacy MA
University of Wales Trinity Saint David United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesInitial Teacher Training - Physical Education: Secondary with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) PGDE PGDE
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysical Education (3 - 14) Postgraduate Certificate
University of Edinburgh United Kingdom
Find out morePGCE in Secondary Education (Physical Education) with Recommendation for QTS PGCE
Brunel University London United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPrimary Physical Education (PE) Specialist with QTS PGCE
Edge Hill University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysical Education (Secondary PGCE - Graduates only) PGCE
Cardiff Metropolitan University United Kingdom
Find out moreSecondary Education Physical Education PGCE
University of Greenwich United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPGCE Secondary (Physical Education with EBacc Subject) PGCE
Bishop Grosseteste University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysical Education (PGDE - Graduates only) PGDE
University of Strathclyde United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPGCE Secondary Physical Education PGCE
University of Chichester United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysical Education (Secondary Education) PGCE
University of Brighton United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesSecondary Physical Education PGCE
University of Bedfordshire United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesLooking for your first degree in Physical Education? See bachelors degrees in Physical Education in the UK
Physical education is a discipline that covers the teaching and provision of sports and exercise in schools and other education settings. A cross-discipline subject, physical education studies will develop your knowledge and skills in both teaching and education, and sports and coaching. These skills will mean that you are able to pursue a career of your choice, either within education or outside education.
Undergraduate
An undergraduate level degree in physical education will provide you with a foundation of knowledge in the area. You might study modules on the fundamentals of sport coaching, teaching physical education, sport and exercise science, the growth and development of children and adolescents, and physical activity and health.
Your degree will be delivered through a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as incorporating practical sessions. Depending on your course, you may be presented with the opportunity to take part in a placement year or module. This will give you the chance to apply and develop your skills in a real teaching environment.
Postgraduate
A postgraduate degree in physical education will allow you to build on the knowledge you gained at undergraduate level. You will also be able to further develop your practical skills. Your modules will cover more complex and specialist areas of sport and physical education. These may include the psychology of physical education, contemporary issues in physical education, diversity and social justice within sports, and acquiring movement skills.
Your degree will be delivered through lectures and seminars, as well as practical sessions. It is likely that you will have the chance to take part in a placement, allowing you to gain more advanced and hands-on work experience.
Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you choose to work after you have graduated. It can also help you to decide which area you wish to write your research project or dissertation on. Common specialisations include:
The accreditation of your degree programme will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be influenced by your level of study. At undergraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Education (BEd). At postgraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Arts (MA), a Master of Education (MEd), or a PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education), or the international equivalent. If you choose to take a postgraduate research degree, you will be awarded a Master of Research (MRes), a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Depending on your institution, your course may also be accredited by a professional or academic body. For example, if you are awarded a PGCE or QTS, you will graduate as a qualified teacher. Other courses may be accredited by bodies such as the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), as well as others.
Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years, when studied full-time. A postgraduate degree will normally take one to two years. If your course includes a placement year, this will normally add another year onto your studies.
Some institutions might offer part-time study options. Studying a degree part-time normally means that your course will last anywhere between three and eight years, with some universities offering more flexible study options.
Graduates of a physical education degree will find that there are a wide range of career opportunities available to them. If you choose to work in a role directly related to your degree, jobs could include physical education teacher (primary, secondary, or higher education), physical fitness coach, sports tutor, or talent development officer. If you choose to work in a role not directly related to your degree, jobs could include performance analyst, nutritionist, or sports coach.
A postgraduate degree in physical education will allow you to build on the knowledge you gained at undergraduate level. You will also be able to further develop your practical skills. Your modules will cover more complex and specialist areas of sport and physical education. These may include the psychology of physical education, contemporary issues in physical education, diversity and social justice within sports, and acquiring movement skills.
Your degree will be delivered through lectures and seminars, as well as practical sessions. It is likely that you will have the chance to take part in a placement, allowing you to gain more advanced and hands-on work experience.
Study in the UK
The UK is a popular destination for international students who want to study abroad. With a wide range of universities offering a variety of courses, there are so many opportunities that students might not be able to find elsewhere. Each university will pride itself on offering high quality education from leading teaching professionals. A qualification gained in the UK will be well regarded across the globe, making an education in the UK a great investment in your future. As well as this, there are many highly ranked universities in the UK, around 17 of which are consistently appearing in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings.
See our detailed guide to studying in the UK for international students.
Sign up to StudyLink.com, the home of quality study abroad advice.
Sign up nowRead our selection of advice articles for those looking to start on their study abroad adventure. Covering topics from study visas, applications, funding and choosing the right course and institution:
Read StudyLink's suggestions on your first steps when deciding where to study abroad, with helpful tips to make your decision easier.
Find out more about international student visas for studying abroad, as well as how, where and when to apply for yours.
In this article we look at how to approach choosing where in the world you would like to study.
Find out more about English language tests, your options and what is required as an overseas student.