Physical Education and Sport BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The University of Northampton’s degree in physical education and sport BA provides a mixture of classroom-based sessions (to introduce theories and concepts) and practical activities that enable you to develop your own coaching/teaching delivery styles to children and adults.

  In year 1 you will look to develop your skills in teaching and learning, coaching, and understanding of the fundamentals in psychology, sociology, and sports management.

  In year 2 there is a strong focus on gaining experience in the field. You will complete a work placement in a setting of your choice. This can be with one of our partner hosts such as a local school or one of our local sports teams. Or you might have a placement closer to home that you would like to explore. We will support you to find, apply for and be successful in your work placement. You will be able to select some of your modules in year 2 which will allow you to personalise your degree to your strengths and interests.

  In year 3 you will choose your modules based on your year 2 choices. The focus for this year is research skills and graduate employability. You will complete a research project on a contemporary topic of your choice that will allow you to develop your skills in collecting and analysing data, using reading and research to provide an evidence-based argument and presenting your work at our annual Student Sport Conference. We will work with you to prepare for your next steps into work or further study. Graduates from physical education courses should be excellently placed to pursue a career in sport development, sport coaching, move into further study to become teachers, or apply the transferable skills nurtured to a range of other graduate careers.

  Alongside the BA physical education degree, you are also encouraged to take an active engagement in practical work experience with internships at the local professional football, rugby and cricket clubs, and volunteering in community sports clubs. We also offer the opportunity of attaining coaching qualifications whilst studying, which often run on campus. This varies year to year, but in the past has included Level 1 NGB courses, lifeguard, first aid and disability inclusion training and we work closely with local sport partners to offer reduced rates on courses wherever possible.

  Placement Opportunities

  In this Physical Education and Sport degree, you will complete a work placement in your second year at a local sport/ physical education provider. This will allow you to build your skills, knowledge and attributes in a career that interests you and leave us as an industry ready graduate. We have strong partnerships with our local schools, Northamptonshire Sport, Northampton Saints, Northampton County Cricket and lots more.

  • Stage 1
    • SPO1074 Introduction to Physical Education (20 Credits)
    • SPO1024 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
    • SPO1038 The Social Context of Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
    • SPO1039 How to be Successful at University (20 Credits)
    • SPO1042 Sports Coaching Science (20 Credits)
    • SPO1057 Introuduction to Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition (20 Credits)

    All modules in Stage 1 are compulsory.

  • Stage 2
    • SPO2018 Sport Research Methods (20 Credits)
    • SPO2007 Sports Development (20 Credits)
    • SPO2079 Developing Professional Practice (20 Credits)
    • SPO2021 Teaching and Learning in Physical Education (20 Credits)
    • SPO2048 The Developing Athlete (20 Credits)
    • SPO2080 Sport Pedagogy in Context (20 Credits)

    All modules in Stage 2 are compulsory.

    Optional Placement Year

    SPO2050 Sport Optional Placement Year (20 Credits) (Designated)

  • Stage 3
    • SPO4006 Sport Development Dissertation (40 Credits)
    • SPO3024 Contemporary Issues in Sport Development (20 Credits)
    • SPO3076 Becoming a Physical Educator (20 Credits)
    • SPO3075 Advanced Professional Practice (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • SPO3043 Physical Activity and Society (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • SPO3070 Social and Welfare Issues in Sport (20 Credits) (Designated)

    Modules in Stage 3 are compulsory unless otherwise stated.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time degree in physical education and sport at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your sport education course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for the Physical Education and Sport BA degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  The University of Northampton’s four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  What experience do I need to study Physical Education and Sport BA?

  As long as you meet our entry requirements no prior experience is necessary. You should have a passion for working with children and adults in an educational/ sporting context as many roles that you can do with this degree include children and adults.

  How will I learn on the BA Sport Education Degree?

  We work in class groups on this degree. You will be in a group of around 25 students both in the sports facilities and in classrooms. This means you get lots of time working in groups, pairs and with the tutors. We love conversation and debate. You will be taking part in practical sessions.

  What can I do with a degree in physical education and sport?

  Any degree will give you graduate skills that make you employable, these include time management, organisation, public speaking and presenting. The Physical Education and Sport degree will specifically develop your skills in teaching and coaching through modules that study planning, teaching and assessment, coaching and sports development. These lend themselves to careers in teaching and coaching, working in the sports industry to develop initiatives to increase participation, community education work and events management. Lots of our graduates go on to train to be a teacher.

  What do I do on a physical education and sport work placement?

  Your placement will be compulsory in your second year, and you can choose to do one in your third year of study. You can choose the setting, lots of our students choose coaching or educational settings. You will find your self supporting teachers and coaches with their delivery, taking small groups, supporting with planning and administration, attending events and looking for opportunities to develop your skills in the role. Your placement is what you want to get out of it and we encourage you to be proactive.

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