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.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Sport Pedagogy for Coaching 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1011

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for the learner to be introduced to the concept of pedagogy in the teaching and learning of sport. Developing an understanding of the coaching process, and models for/of coaching, from a cross-disciplinary and athlete-centred perspective, is central to the delivery of the module. Learners will be predominantly engaged in practical, small-group and blended learning delivery methods.
    • Introduction to Physical Education and School Sport (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1013

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop curriculum, subject and curriculum knowledge in the context of physical education and school sport. This module introduces students to the safe and effective management of learners in physical education and sport both in the school and coaching environment. This module explores key issues and concerns that impact upon teaching and learning in physical education and sport.
    • Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1024

      Status: Compulsory
      Sport and exercise psychology is an exciting discipline area providing the opportunity to explore the psychological influences on human behaviour. The module offers an introduction to key psychological theories and concepts relevant to sport, exercise, physical activity and coaching contexts.
    • The Social Context of Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1038

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the various ways in which sport and exercise are shaped by the social contexts in which they occur. It offers a broad introduction to sociological investigation by outlining some key contemporary social issues in sport, exercise and physical activity. Thus providing a foundation for the further study of socio-cultural issues connected to sport, exercise and physical activity.
    • How to be Successful at University (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1039

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give students the essential academic and employability skills in order to improve their capabilities and excel at university, and then onto their chosen career.
    • Introduction to the Sport Industry (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1059

      Status: Compulsory
      The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the sport industry. Students will explore the key organisations and stakeholders responsible for sport delivery within the public, private and voluntary sector of sport. Insights into current sport industry trends will be gained through the analysis of various case studies.
  • Stage 2
    • Sports Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2007

      Status: Compulsory
      This module focuses on the varied roles of sport development on the delivery of sport in the United Kingdom. The changing nature of sports development is governed by government priorities for sport and is often conflicted by the twin principles of delivering mass participation and achieving international success. These principles are explored to explain their relationship to successful sport development.
    • Work Placement (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2010

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is prepare students for employability in the field of Sport Development and Physical Education. They will apply for and carry out 120 hours of work placement and link their placement to theory and reflection to develop their understanding and experiential knowledge within the field.
    • Sport Research Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of research designs, methods and research skills within a subject-based context. It equips the student with a framework in which to conceptualise quantitative and qualitative traditions and applications. The emphasis will be upon understanding and experiencing the research process and developing critical skills necessary to collect, analyse and present data.
    • Teaching and Learning in Physical Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2021

      Status: Compulsory
      This module consolidates and extends students' subject and pedagogical content knowledge in relation to school physical education. This module introduces, and encourages students to explore, the range of teaching, learning and assessment approaches in physical education.
    • Positive Psychology Coaching (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2036

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students knowledge and understanding of how exciting concepts in positive psychology (e.g. character strengths, flow, positive relationships) can be applied to sport, exercise, coaching and physical education contexts to influence key outcomes (e.g. performance, wellbeing).
    • Strategic Sport Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2043

      Status: Designate
      This module explores key concepts of strategic sport management, including strategic direction, analysis, implementation and evaluation. Contemporary case studies provide a vehicle for exploring the relationship between strategic sport management theory and practice within the context of public, private and voluntary sport organisations.
    • Sport, Society & Social Equality (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2044

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to outline a range of social theories and explore how they can be applied to further an understanding of sport. A particular emphasis is placed on the study of social inequalities in sport, and how social theories can be used to explain participation trends in sport and physical activity. The module then invites students to apply their theoretical knowledge to a research setting and explore the ways in which theory can inform research design and practice in sport and social equality.
  • Stage 3
    • Event Management in Sport (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3010

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is for students to develop an appreciation of the complexities involved in staging a sport related event. Students are required to work collaboratively with each other and external partners to plan, deliver and evaluate their own event by adopting research-informed good practice in event management.
    • Work Placement 2 (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3023

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding from the work experience module at level 5. The assessment of the module will be an investigation or project working collaboratively with a work placement host, completing the required 120 hours.
    • Contemporary Issues in Sport Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3024

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to critically examine a range of contemporary issues in the field of sport development, particularly those that directly impact upon the role of the sport development officer. It aims to explore 'real world' sport issues in areas such as youth, community and elite sport settings. Relevant models and concepts from sport development literature and real world case studies will be drawn upon to help critically analyse these areas, building upon earlier content that introduces sport development principles in SPO2007.
    • Critical Issues in Physical Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3026

      Status: Compulsory
      This module consolidates and extends students' subject, curriculum and pedagogical content knowledge in relation to physical education and school sport. The module provides opportunities to critically examine key issues in physical education. This includes how the subject has evolved as a curriculum discipline and an examination of its place and purpose in education.
    • Physical Activity and Society (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3043

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of the module is to develop a critical understanding of the significance and importance of physical activity practices, research and policies within contemporary society. Specifically, the module explores the credibility of various claims made about the contribution of physical activity participation to public health and wellbeing within the context of the available evidence and lived experiences.
    • Coaching Professional Development and Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3065

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to examine the importance of professional development within sports coaching and to understand the bodies and organisations vital to this process. Coach education, mentoring systems and professional bodies are to be evaluated and placed within theoretical context.
    • Social and Welfare Issues in Sport (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3070

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of the module is to examine contemporary social and welfare issues in a range of sporting contexts. The module will use a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on sociology, policy and relevant research. Case studies will be used to encourage debate and discussion around these contemporary issues and associated strategies.
    • Preparing for Teaching (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3071

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is preparation for working in education. It provides students with an understanding of current educational policies and practices in the field Physical Education and sport in educational settings. The module typically involves critical reflection about personal and professional development.
    • Sport Development Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: SPO4006

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an opportunity to apply knowledge, concepts, and research techniques to a question or problem in sport, exercise, or physical activity. The dissertation module builds and expands on students' prior knowledge of research and aims to foster the development of expertise in methodology and skills in the planning, conducting, and writing up of research reports.

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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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