BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching with Foundation Year · York St John UniversityBachelor's degree · Duration varies
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York St John University · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at York St John University

BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching with Foundation Year at York St John University covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.

BSc (Hons)
Award
Years
Part-time
Study mode
YSJ Main Campus
Location

About this course

Become a PE teacher or sports coach and inspire people of all ages to get involved in sport and get the most out of it. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 6 modules
  • Human Anatomy and Physiological Systems for Sport and ExerciseCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Gain an understanding of the importance of human anatomical and physiological systems for sport and exercise. Learn about the structure of core systems, including: Nervous, Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Respiratory. You will explore how these function at rest and in response to exercise. Develop the necessary skills to correctly perform a range of physiological measures that can be used to evaluate an individual's health status and physiological responses to exercise.

  • Sport and Exercise PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    On this module we will introduce you to basic methodological approaches, theories, and concepts that are used to study the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours of participants in sport and exercise. You will learn how to understand and explain the psychology of sport and exercise.

  • Teaching Physical Education and SportsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    You will be introduced to the key teaching approaches required to deliver safe and effective PE lessons and sports sessions. Gain the knowledge and skills to prepare, deliver, and reflect upon taught sessions across a range of practical areas. Practical learning sessions will give you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice.

  • Biomechanics and Human MovementCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    On this module you will learn the fundamental mechanics that underpin all aspects of human movement for performance and health. You will take a multidisciplinary approach, which will provide a vital foundation for the many perspectives covered throughout this course. We will introduce you to essential concepts of research, scientific enquiry and academia.

  • Research in Sport and ExerciseCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module will help to prepare you for the in depth research you will carry out later in your degree. We will introduce you to a broad range of fundamental concepts and principles which guide research in the field of sport. We will also teach you to recognise and interpret these fundamental concepts when you encounter them in published research. You will learn the analytical skills to make sense of findings reported in published research, and answer basic research questions in sport. Through t

  • Sociology of SportCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    If you are pursuing a career as a practitioner in a sports-related field, it is important for you to understand the increasingly complex and diverse nature of modern society. You will be introduced to a range of social issues in sport from a sociological perspective, including: Gender, Ethnicity, Disability. Develop a more critical and detached understanding of long-term power-struggles surrounding issues in sport through the adoption of a sociological perspective.

Year 2 6 modules
  • Contemporary Issues in Physical Education and Sports CoachingCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Explore the key issues within the areas of PE and Sports Coaching that impact on both practitioners and participants. Gain a knowledge and understanding of social, political, practical and policy-based issues, as well an awareness of how these have emerged and can be addressed in day-to-day practice.

  • Applied Sport and Exercise PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Sport and exercise psychology includes a range of complex theories and a vast amount of accompanying research. Explore how these theories and concepts are empirically tested in sport and exercise contexts. You will learn how the findings of research allows the applicability of different theories and concepts to be evaluated. This module will improve your research skills in the area of sport and exercise psychology and provide a basis for a discerning approach to using research in academic and pr

  • Teaching and Learning with Children and Young PeopleCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Effective practice in PE and sports coaching requires a critical understanding of how to work with children and young people. Explore key concepts aimed at improving instruction, practice and feedback, by developing an understanding of how to successfully combine traditional approaches with contemporary teaching. By the end of this module, you will be able to contribute effectively to the holistic development of children and young people in PE and sports coaching.

  • Practical Teaching ExperienceCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    You will build on your knowledge from previous modules by considering the ways in which key teachings can be used with a range of participant groups and across differing practical scenarios. The module culminates with a 'real world' teaching experience with local school children. You will be able to plan and deliver lessons that consider the needs of all pupils and then reflect upon the effectiveness of their lessons as well as that of their peers.

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in SportCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Gain an in-depth insight into debates surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion. Considering the current social and cultural climate of modern sports, you will need to be empathetic and culturally aware in your future career. You will explore key issues through the principles of social justice.

  • Research Methods and Design in Sport and ExerciseCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Advance your skills in both research methods and research design. This will enable you to move beyond being an informed consumer, to becoming an informed critical thinker. You will learn how to produce quality research using a range of quantitative and qualitative research designs commonly employed in sport research.

Year 3 5 modules
  • Advanced Issues in Physical Education and Sports CoachingCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Learn about the significant contemporary issues within the areas of PE and Sports Coaching that impact both practitioners and participants. Develop an understanding of relevant policy, socio-economic influences and current research across a range of issues linked to performance, engagement and life-long participation. You will build upon this knowledge when you have the opportunity to take part in placement opportunities and work with external groups.

  • Professional PlacementCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Apply your knowledge to real workplace scenarios and gain valuable experience that you will be able to draw upon in your future career. Work on areas where you can develop and with a wide range of stakeholders. You will create, address and reflect upon three action points throughout the duration of your placement experience.

  • Extended Teaching and Coaching ExperienceCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Build upon your skills and knowledge from previous modules. Apply these across an extended teaching and coaching experience with an external group with different requirements from those in earlier modules. This is an opportunity to further develop your skills to help you make the step into teacher training or paid employment.

  • Professional Practice and Duty of Care in SportCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    As a future practitioner in physical education and sports coaching, it is important that you understand the duty of care expected and needed within sporting environments. Examine a range of topics from a sociological theoretical perspective, including: Gender inequality, Sexism, Homophobia, Racial inequalities, Racism and prejudice, Language, bullying and abuse, The coach-athlete and teacher-pupil relationship, Medical ethics, Athlete welfare.

  • Research Paper (Dissertation)Compulsory40 credits
    Module details

    Engage in all aspects of the research process to answer a specific question in a topic related to your interests. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you will revise, refine, extend or reconstitute a research proposal submitted for the Research Design and Analysis in Sport and Exercise module. Manage a proposed research project through the ethical approval process, carry out the proposed research and present it in the form of a research paper.

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 prepares you to become a PE teacher or sports coach, equipping you with practical and scientific expertise to inspire people of all ages to participate in sport effectively. You'll usually begin with foundational knowledge in anatomy, exercise physiology, and sport psychology, alongside practical coaching skills across different sports. As you progress, you'll move into biomechanics, training physiology, and research methods to deepen your understanding of how to assess and develop athletic performance. In your final year, you'll typically choose specialist pathways such as strength & conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, undertake applied placement work with teams or schools, and complete an independent research project.

Who it's for

This course suits those pursuing a career in physical education, sports coaching, or related fields within Sport and Exercise Science. The part-time study mode allows you to balance academic learning with work or other commitments. A foundation year provides additional preparation if you need it before progressing to the main degree.

University & format

This BSc (Hons) is studied part-time at York St John University, a university founded in 1841, located at YSJ Main Campus. Teaching is delivered in English. The degree is a nationally recognised UK qualification. York St John has received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider

Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysExplore our Open Days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

2026 entryLive availability check

Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists around 104 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check York St John University's official course page for the current offer.

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

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.

Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by Apply directly to the provider

    Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask York St John University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Home£9,790 / yr
International£12,100 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at York St John University →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
total borrowing, course length not published

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All York St John University funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

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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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£22,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£19,125 – £27,000
After 5 years LEO
£23,375 – £33,000
national rangeaxis £18,000 – £34,000

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.

Job market & outlook

How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
62%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
80%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Sports clubs & NGBs
  • Leisure providers
  • Schools
  • The NHS

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

York St John University

All students12,150
International37.1%
Aged 25+31.6%

Biological and sport sciences across the UK

Students111,380
Aged 25+16.5%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around YSJ Main Campus

2,229 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 714Anti Social Behaviour 546Shoplifting 353Public Order 133Criminal Damage Arson 121

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 York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £12,100 / 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 York St John University’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 York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by York St John University. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
See the career and earnings data for Sport & Exercise Science below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. 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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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