BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching at York St John University. You will combine core theory in sports science and pedagogy with practical coaching and teaching experience, supported by research methods, specialist options aligned to your interests, and an independent project that lets you pursue a…
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 is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Sport and exercise sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 35% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £21,000. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 89% (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 1 6 modules
- Human Anatomical 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 and respiratory systems. Explore how these function at rest and in response to exercise. Develop skills to correctly perform a range of physiological measures.
- Psychology of Sport and ExerciseCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduction to basic methodological approaches, theories, and concepts used to study the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours of participants in sport and exercise. Learn how to understand and explain the psychology of sport and exercise.
- Teaching Physical Education and Sports SessionsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduction to key teaching approaches required to deliver safe and effective PE lessons and sports sessions. Gain knowledge and skills to prepare, deliver, and reflect upon taught sessions across a range of practical areas. Practical learning sessions provide opportunity to put knowledge into practice.
- Biomechanics and Human MovementCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn the fundamental mechanics that underpin all aspects of human movement for performance and health. Multidisciplinary approach providing vital foundation. Introduction to essential concepts of research, scientific enquiry and academia.
- Foundations of Research in SportCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Introduction to broad range of fundamental concepts and principles which guide research in the field of sport. Learn to recognise and interpret fundamental concepts in published research. Develop analytical skills to make sense of findings and answer basic research questions in sport. Become an informed reader able to evaluate and interpret research evidence.
- Sociology of SportCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Understanding of increasingly complex and diverse nature of modern society. Introduction to range of social issues in sport from sociological perspective, including gender, ethnicity and disability. Develop critical and detached understanding of long-term power-struggles surrounding issues in sport.
Year 2 6 modules
- Issues in Physical Education and Sports CoachingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Explore key issues within the areas of PE and Sports Coaching that impact on both practitioners and participants. Gain knowledge and understanding of social, political, practical and policy-based issues, and awareness of how these have emerged and can be addressed in day-to-day practice.
- Sport and Exercise Psychology: Research and ApplicationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Exploration of complex theories and research in sport and exercise psychology. Learn how theories and concepts are empirically tested in sport and exercise contexts. Improve research skills in sport and exercise psychology and provide basis for discerning approach to using research in academic and practice settings.
- Teaching and Learning with Children and Young People in PE and Sports CoachingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Critical understanding of how to work with children and young people. Explore key concepts aimed at improving instruction, practice and feedback, by developing understanding of how to combine traditional approaches with contemporary teaching. Contribute effectively to holistic development of children and young people.
- Practical Teaching and Coaching ExperienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Build on knowledge from previous modules by considering ways in which key teachings can be used with range of participant groups and across differing practical scenarios. Real world teaching experience with local school children. Plan and deliver lessons that consider needs of all pupils and reflect upon effectiveness.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in SportCompulsory20 credits
Module details
In-depth insight into debates surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion. Considering current social and cultural climate of modern sports, develop empathy and cultural awareness. Explore key issues through principles of social justice.
- Research Methods and Research Design in SportCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Advance skills in both research methods and research design. Move beyond being informed consumer to becoming informed critical thinker. Learn to produce quality research using range of quantitative and qualitative research designs commonly employed in sport research.
Year 3 5 modules
- Contemporary Issues in Physical Education and Sports CoachingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn about significant contemporary issues within the areas of PE and Sports Coaching that impact both practitioners and participants. Develop understanding of relevant policy, socio-economic influences and current research across range of issues linked to performance, engagement and lifelong participation.
- Placement Experience in Sport and Physical EducationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Apply knowledge to real workplace scenarios and gain valuable experience. Work on areas where you can develop with wide range of stakeholders. Create, address and reflect upon three action points throughout duration of placement experience.
- Extended Teaching and Coaching ExperienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Build upon skills and knowledge from previous modules. Apply across extended teaching and coaching experience with external group with different requirements from earlier modules. Further develop skills for stepping into teacher training or paid employment.
- Professional Ethics and Duty of Care in SportCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Understanding of duty of care expected and needed within sporting environments. Examine range of topics from 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, and athlete welfare.
- Research Paper (Dissertation)Compulsory40 credits
Module details
Engage in all aspects of the research process to answer specific question in topic related to interests. Under guidance of academic supervisor, revise, refine, extend or reconstitute research proposal. Manage proposed research project through ethical approval process, carry out research and present in form of 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 to inspire people of all ages to get involved in sport and achieve their potential. A course like this typically begins with foundations in anatomy, exercise physiology and sport psychology, alongside practical coaching skills. You'll usually move through Year 2 to biomechanics and the physiology of training, learning to analyse technique and test athletes, as well as research methods in sport science. In Year 3, you'll specialise further through options such as strength & conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation or PE teaching routes, alongside applied placement work with teams, clients or schools, and an independent dissertation project based on lab or field research.
Who it's for
You are drawn to sport and exercise, and you want to make a tangible difference in how people experience physical activity. You work well with people of different ages and backgrounds, can communicate clearly, and are comfortable balancing theory with hands-on practice. You may be aiming for a career in schools as a PE teacher, or in club, community or elite coaching environments. You'll thrive if you enjoy problem-solving within real-world coaching and teaching scenarios, and if you're willing to engage seriously with the science behind sport and movement, not just play the sport itself.
Careers & job market
Across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of leaving. Of those working, 62% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data shows that graduates in this field earn between £22,000 and £30,000 in their first role, with variation widening over time, after five years, earnings range from £23,375 to £33,000. Your own trajectory will depend on the sector you enter (schools, higher education, commercial or voluntary sports organisations) and your progression into leadership or specialist roles.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at York St John University, a university founded in 1841, located at the Main Campus. The course is taught in English and leads to a nationally recognised bachelor's degree. It holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is accredited as a recognised UK degree-awarding body.
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.
Placement year. 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% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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 York St John University →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
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.
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 | £21,000 | £18,000 – £24,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £21,000 | £17,000 – £24,500 | 200 |
| 5 years after | £26,500 | £21,500 – £30,500 | 200 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
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: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. 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.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
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: 65; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/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.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £21,000. 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 8.9 out of 10: NSS 89.1% · in work or study 90% · continued 89%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John University
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 YSJ Main Campus
2,229 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 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.
Related courses
More at York St John University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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