BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary Years) Bachelor's degree at the University of Chichester
BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary Years) at University of Chichester covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
About this course
BA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary Years) is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Chichester, based in Bishop Otter Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Sport and exercise sciences graduates from this provider, 91% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 80; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 91% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year One 6 modules
- Foundations of Learning and TeachingCore
Module details
This module aims to introduce you to learning theory and pedagogic practice in physical education and sport. The module seeks to develop your understanding of contemporary ideas of learning, and how this translates into teaching behaviours. You will begin to recognise the importance of research-informed practice in physical education.
- The Enquiring PractitionerCore
Module details
While learning the technical components involved in the teaching and coaching of specific skills, you will also be introduced to fundamental biomechanical principles which impact performance. The module will apply research and enquiry to real-life lived experiences that are associated with your potential future career paths.
- Outdoor and Adventurous Activities in EducationCore
Module details
This module will introduce you to outdoor adventure activities in an educational context typically focusing on KS2 and the start of KS3. This may be the first time that you have experienced this area of study, and this module will help you develop the necessary knowledge and pedagogical skills that will allow you to operate effectively during your teaching career.
- Knowledge and Understanding of Individual Activities (Aesthetics)Core
Module details
This module aims to analyse movement related to gymnastics and dance. You will explore gymnastics in its broadest sense within elements identified as formal, educational, sporting and rhythmic. You will use the application of biomechanical principles, including Laban technique, as you explore the evaluation of gymnastic and dance performance.
- Principles of Play Through Invasion GamesCore
Module details
You will participate in a range of practical sessions that will examine attacking and defensive principles of play, as you analyse the technical and tactical aspects of performance in invasion games.
- Active SchoolsCore
Module details
Explore the issues surrounding physical education and its role in the health and activity agenda. Consideration of personal and social barriers and facilitators within and outside the school environment will also be given.
Year Two 7 modules
- Theoretical Physical Education 1Core
Module details
This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of some of the major concepts in theoretical physical education. You will build on aspects of research and enquiry previously developed in 'The Enquiring Practitioner', to consider how they may be able to contribute to the area in the future through your own research and data collection.
- Theoretical Physical Education 2Core
Module details
This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of some of the major concepts in theoretical physical education. The module will focus on providing you with an understanding of key concepts and how research in this area may be conducted. You will build on aspects of research and enquiry previously developed in 'The Enquiring Practitioner', to consider how you may be able to contribute to the area in the future through your own research and data col
- Purposeful Practice for Games-Based Physical EducationCore
Module details
You will participate in a range of practical sessions that will explore different types of practice and have the opportunity to design practices for developing technical, tactical, and/or physical aspects of games-based performance.
- Pedagogical Skills in Track & Field Athletics and SwimmingCore
Module details
This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and personal performance of track and field athletics events and swimming strokes. You may have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding of technical aspects by planning and leading small group sessions.
- Striking and Fielding: Net and Wall GamesCore
Module details
While learning the technical components involved in the teaching and coaching of specific skills, you will also be introduced to fundamental biomechanical principles which impact performance.
- Conceptualising Sports CoachingOptional
Module details
This module aims to take a very personal approach to conceptualising the sports coach and their working practices. Through a process of reflective and introspective activities, you will be encouraged to consider your identity as a coach and how this influences your practice; thus, the development of the beginnings of a philosophy of coaching is fundamental to the module. The concept of evidence-based practice underpins content which will explore and analyse contemporary issues in sports coaching
- International EducationOptional
Module details
This module invites you to reflect on school systems unfamiliar to you through a professional placement. Your placement will reflect your career aspirations (primary, secondary), aiming to give rise to the opportunity of working abroad, whilst developing a vast array of employability skills. The module will challenge you to consider yourself as a developing professional within the fields of physical education and sports pedagogy, whilst developing an appreciation for children who have English as
Year Three 6 modules
- Pedagogical Behaviours in PracticeCore
Module details
The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the various pedagogical behaviours (coaching behaviours and teaching behaviours) (e.g. divergent questioning) that are utilised by sports coaches and teachers of physical education. You will have the opportunity to lead practical sessions and implement the pedagogical behaviours discussed in the theoretical lectures and workshops. You will need to critically reflect on the pedagogical behaviours that you applied and h
- Practical Pedagogy (Placement)Core
Module details
An opportunity to experience a placement within a practical setting. This module aims to develop and refine pedagogical skills so that you can enhance pupil/performer progress and learning within a practical environment.
- Dissertation ProjectCore
Module details
This module is the culmination of previous learning and is the major element of your independent enquiry on your programme. The module requires that you reflect on, and utilise the knowledge base, context, and application of taught modules, as well as placement experiences. It is designed to encourage you to generate and explore your own 'problem' assisted by supervision from a tutor.
- Managing Individual Differences and BehavioursCore
Module details
The module aims to build on your knowledge and understanding of effective teaching and coaching by understanding and applying principles of equality and inclusive practice. You will develop an understanding and critically evaluate the learning environment that actively promotes equality and inclusion for all learners. It will develop your pedagogical confidence and encourage you to think critically about your teaching and coaching. Indicative content will include ideology of inclusion, young peo
- Outdoor and Adventurous Activities in Education 2Optional
Module details
This module aims to use a residential experience to explore the application of different OAA teaching methods to fulfil a range of pupil needs. This module enables you to build upon your understanding of what outdoor learning is and its uses; therefore, facilitating a critical evaluation of the process and output of residential experiences.
- Classroom PedagogyOptional
Module details
This module will use a series of lectures and workshops to explore curricula employed in classroom teaching such as: the national curriculum GCSE PE BTEC Sport A-level PE. You will consider how schemes of work and lesson plans are developed for delivery in school and college classrooms.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course focuses on physical education for secondary-age learners, grounded in sport and exercise science. Year 1 establishes foundations: anatomy and exercise physiology, introduction to sport psychology, and practical coaching skills across sports. Year 2 deepens technical and scientific understanding through biomechanics, training physiology, athlete testing and programme design, and research methods in sport. Year 3 moves to specialisation and application: you'll usually choose options such as strength & conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, or coaching, undertake an applied placement with teams, schools or clients, and complete an independent dissertation combining practical and research work. Throughout, practical sessions run alongside theory, building skills in analysing performance, designing training, and working with athletes or students.
Who it's for
This course suits those aiming to teach Physical Education in secondary schools. You'll need A-level or equivalent qualifications; most accepted students held these. The typical UCAS tariff among recent entrants was 96–111 points. Full-time study is available, taught in English.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is taught full-time over 3 years at the University of Chichester, a UK degree-awarding body located at Bishop Otter Campus. Instruction is in English. The degree is nationally recognised and holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The university also offers bursaries and scholarships. Check the university's funding pages for details.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Chichester →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £21,000 – £30,000 | 80 |
| 3 years after | £23,500 | £18,000 – £27,500 | 425 |
| 5 years after | £29,000 | £23,000 – £33,000 | 435 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 80; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 80; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 23% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Sports and fitness occupationsSOC 2020 343 · 19% of published destinations · ASHE median £13,819
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 345; response rate: 52%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sport & Exercise Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Sport CoachAspire PeopleSport Science LeadBiolyz FlexCoBTEC Tech Awards Sept 22 - Sport - ExaminerPearsonEquine Vet: Independent Clinic for Leisure & Sport HorsesBritish Veterinary LGBT+Learning Mentor (PE/Sport)Prospero TeachingCasual Youth Worker: Sport, Community Growth & BelongingActive Herefordshire & WorcestershireIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
91% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.3 out of 10: NSS 88.3% · in work or study 91% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Chichester
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Bishop Otter Campus
1,336 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Chichester from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £16,800 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Chichester’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Chichester and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Chichester
BA (Hons) Outdoor and Adventure EducationBA (Hons) · University of ChichesterBA (Hons) Physical Education (Secondary QTS)BA (Hons) · University of ChichesterBA (Hons) Physical Education and Sports CoachingBA (Hons) · University of ChichesterBA (Hons) Physical Education (Primary Years)BA (Hons) · University of Chichester
Common questions
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