“Working on the U15s England camps is something that inspired me hugely to be the best I can be in my field.”
MAPhysical Education and School Sport
Apply direct
Starting in: 2025
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
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.
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- £0minvested 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.
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.
Year one
Core modules
Critical Pedagogies
This module engages with theory, research and evidence to discuss contemporary issues in physical education and school sport and explores best practice through critical debate.
Research Methods in Sport
This module will help you develop the necessary skills to undertake research and design your research at master’s degree level.
PE in Practice
You will be supported through a physical education, youth sport or school sport placement or your current employment if you are currently working within a school environment.
Year two
Core modules
Policy in Practice
You will study a range of policy and practice considerations relating to your specific course area and ask yourself: why do we have policy; how has it developed over time; and what is its key priority?
Research Paper
This module follows on from Research Methods and supports you in developing your selected research project. You will learn about the processes and academic debates around undertaking research i.e. planning, submitting ethics, designing, conducting and writing your research into a written and publishable format.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
The course has a strong focus on practical assessment, including presentations, live briefs, problem-solving, and research proposals.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Learn transferable skills
Students learn a range of transferable skills, including developing evidence-based research and evidence to provide a rationale for change in education.
Why choose a career in physical education and school sport?
The need for physical education teachers continues to grow to support the health and future development of children and young people, as well as roles within sports development to help schools and communities get more actively involved in sport by organising projects and initiatives.
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.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“Working on the U15s England camps is something that inspired me hugely to be the best I can be in my field.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Research at SolentTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island part-time fees: £4,575 per year
- International and EU part-time fees: Students from outside the UK are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study. Please visit our visas and immigration page for more information.
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Compulsory costs
- Students are required to undertake DBS criminal records checks as part of their enrolment. This is compulsory and is payable by the student at a cost of £60. The DBS check is organised by the University.
Optional costs
- Additional National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications: Prices vary, please click here to view courses.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Discover Solent University Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Find out what Southampton has to offer Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:1 or higher
- If you do not have these qualifications or are unsure of your eligibility please contact the University.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
An honours degree at2:1 or higher
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Make your application
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
