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Southampton Solent University logo

MAPhysical Education and School Sport

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Starting in2025
Entry requirements: 2:1
Or higher
Up to: 20% alumni discountFind out more
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a physical education and school sport master's degree at Solent University

Develop the academic knowledge and practical skills that underpin a career in physical education and youth sports.

  • 0th
    UK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
  • £0m
    invested in our campus estate and facilities in the last five years
  • The course team have strong partnerships with local education providers and sports organisations who can provide further opportunities for students to grow their portfolio of real-world experience.
  • Our dedicated Sports complex features two sports halls, a biomechnicas lab, a physiology lab, a public gym, a health and fitness and personal training teaching gym, and sport and exercise therapy clinics.
  • The course will equip you with research and academic skills helping you to pursue a PhD or an academic career
  • Free sport education career consultation is delivered by our careers advice service, Solent Futures, which is available to all Solent students and graduates for life, helping you to progress in your current career or discuss options for a change in career.
  • This course is eligible for a Postgraduate Master's student loan from Student Finance England and can be used to cover costs (ie, accommodation, tuition fees) associated with postgraduate studies (it was up to £12,167 for 2023 entry).

Course overview

Throughout the course you’ll develop an in-depth knowledge of teaching and learning in the PE and school sport environment, as well as critically analysing relevant youth sport and education policies that shape current practice. As a graduate from this programme you’ll be able to use research to confidently critique practice in physical education and youth sport, enhancing your practice.

You’ll be encouraged to reflect and consider the social, cultural and ethical issues that impact on policy and practice within physical education. Drawing on evidence from research you’ll be able to shape practice and develop strategies to engage young people in new and innovative ways.

As a master's student you’ll also study research methods and think about ways you can evaluate your own professional practice, as well as the practice of others. You will develop techniques to ‘research’ pupils or young people ensuring they have a voice.

The curriculum is underpinned by research informed teaching and the team are research active, having worked with young people in physical education roles and coaching. You’ll be supported to synthesise information from a range of sources, becoming an evidence informed practitioner.

During the course you’ll work on scenarios and case studies to ensure an engaging curriculum, this will aid your understanding of the context in which physical education, youth and school sport is delivered.

Your final research project, which is written in the format of a published paper, will aim to build on existing academic knowledge in an area selected by you. You’ll also be able to tailor the course towards your own specific career ambitions, selecting topics within modules and tailoring assessments accordingly. Research informed teaching is embedded at Solent and is a key element of the course curriculum on this master’s programme.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

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Course features

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Apply direct

    You can apply direct to Solent University for this course

  • Part-time option

    You can study this course part-time

This course is for

Students who have studied sport, PE or education studies will be suited to this programme. Experience of working in schools, or with young people, in a sport or coaching setting will be advantageous. 

What this course leads to

This degree can open opportunities in the industry, or in academia.

  • Start a PhD
  • Go on to teacher training
  • Go on to sport coaching

Meet the team

Students learn from a team with a broad range of academic and industry experience.

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.

Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

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