“Facilities are beyond expectations. It was amazing to have a new multi-purpose sports hall to complete our lessons in.”
BA (Hons)Physical Education
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: PE01
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a physical education degree at Solent University
Inspire the next generation and get practical experience teaching through our School Sports Partnership to deliver physical education on this CIMPSA endorsed degree.
- Top 0in the UK for teaching in sport and exercise science studies, out of 83 institutions (NSS 2024)
- 0%positive responses for learning opportunities (NSS 2024)
- 0%positive responses for academic support (NSS 2024)
- Solent ranked in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (out of 131 institutions) (The Times Good University Guide 2025).
- Gain additional qualifications endorsed by 1st4sport and the Assocation for Physical Education. These include national governing body coaching awards in a multitude of sports including football, rugby, badminton, netball, tennis...
- Work placement is embedded across all three years of study with 2 to 5 hours of practical experience each week. You’ll deliver PE sessions every week at schools or in our Sports Complex.
- The course team maintains close links to local and national sports organisations, who provide you with a variety of real-world experience.
- Learn in our modern sports complex, featuring two sports halls, two fitness studios, strength and conditioning and high-performance gyms, health and fitness and personal training teaching gyms, and a sport and exercise therapy clinic.
- After your degree, you can progress onto a postgraduate teacher training course.
Course overview
This physical education degree has been specifically developed to help prepare you for a career in teaching. You will gain first-hand experience of teaching physical education across a variety of schools, the latest child development practices, and issues facing the education sector. Work placements spread across all three years of study ensure that you will graduate feeling fully prepared to undertake your initial teacher training with either a PGCE or School Direct training provider.
The curriculum has been put together based on feedback from a panel of postgraduate teacher training providers. This means that you’ll be in the strongest possible position when it comes time to apply for training opportunities. Course themes include physical education, teaching and learning, child development, physical and motor movement in young people, educational psychology, and research methods. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise your knowledge and prepare to work with age groups that match your personal career ambitions.
We are proud to manage the Southampton School Sports Partnership, a scheme that was introduced to improve the quality of sports education within the city. Our involvement in the partnership gives sport development, coaching and physical education students access to 72 primary schools, 15 secondary schools and six further education colleges in and around the Southampton area. Working alongside these partner institutions will help you to put the theory you’ve learnt into practice. This practical work forms an essential part of your assessment.
We are proud to be an associated partner with the Association for Physical Education (afPE). This partnership demonstrates the courses aim to develop critical practitioners who may wish to progress into teaching roles.
As a physical education student, you’ll work closely with our expert course team. Tutors hold a wealth of experience gained from time spent working across the whole of the education sector, and you’ll benefit from their first-hand knowledge of each discrete population group. Their insight will allow you to better understand the specific pedagogies of child development, and see how proper intervention during childhood can help to create the next generation of physically active adults.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Endorsed by:
Course features
Additional qualification
This course offers additional qualifications for you to obtain with your degree
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
Students on this course come from a variety of academic backgrounds, but share a passion for physical education and the positive impact it can make on young lives.
Most applicants will be working towards a career in teaching, but the course is also suitable for those who are interested in community sport and leisure management.
What does this course lead to?
This course provides the perfect springboard for those who are working towards a career in PE teaching. Upon completion of the course, you will be in an ideal position to pursue postgraduate teacher training. This training typically includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or teacher training scheme (like Schools Direct).
If you decide that teaching isn’t for you, the broad range of subjects covered in this degree will still allow you to make an impact in other related careers. These include sports coaching, leisure management and graduate-level roles across the service industry.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Meet the team
The course team and other university staff maintain close ties with industry practitioners. These connections also provide us with a steady programme of guest speakers.
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
Physical education students will make use of our sports grounds, teaching gyms, indoor sports halls, and psychology laboratory.
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.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Research and Study Skills in Education
You will have come to university with a desire to develop your study skills and further your knowledge within your particular area of study. This module will introduce you to key research and study skills required to successfully achieve this. You will be challenged to explore your existing ideas and encouraged to seek out new information in order to develop your understanding of knowledge generation. This module is integral to your course studies and it will help prepare you for your ‘research journey’ at university. It aims to ignite a research and study spark in you, and inspire you to want to find out more.
The Principles of Teaching and Learning
This module will look to develop your confidence and skill in lesson planning and practical delivery. It is important to ensure that lessons are safe, progressive, and purposeful for all participants. In this module, you will explore theory and apply this in practice to provide the best possible sessions for your participants in the future. You will have the opportunity to gain essential experience in a supportive environment delivering to your peers, where you will appraise your newly acquired skills.
Physical Education in Theory
This module will encourage you to question your own knowledge and experience and begin to develop a evidence base for the meaning of teaching and learning through PE.
Developing Children across the Curriculum
By the end of this module you will be able to demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the complex factors that contribute to changes in physiological and psychological responses within children as they move through childhood into adulthood, including examining issues of growth, maturation, physical, cognitive and emotional development across children and young people.
Social and Cultural Issues
In this module, you will study the evolution and development of sport, the historical processes which have affected the inclusive and/or exclusive nature of sport, social concepts such as social class, race and ethnicity, sex and gender, and disability, and how social issues affect the accessibility for specific social groups to participate in sport.
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.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Practical activities
- Project work
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in physical education?
You could earn:
Outdoor activities/education manager
Typical salary: £25,000
Senior instructors can earn around £25,000, depending on the organisation and their experience and specialist skills. Experienced centre managers can earn between £35,000 to £40,000.
Primary school teacher
New entrants (England): £28,000 to £38,810
After gaining experience and expertise, there are opportunities to move up into the role of leading practitioner in England and Wales.
Sports development officer
Starting salary: £18,000 to £23,000
Salaries can rise to £30,000 with experience. A sports development manager can earn up to £40,000. Salaries vary depending on types of employer.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“Facilities are beyond expectations. It was amazing to have a new multi-purpose sports hall to complete our lessons in.”
Solent Futures
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
Endorsements
Endorsed by:
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MA Physical Education and School Sport
The MA Physical Education and School Sport programme will help you to develop the academic knowledge and practical skills that underpin a career in physical education and youth...
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
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. These additional costs are listed below. 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 costs were:
Compulsory costs
- General
Students must purchase a Solent sports kit. As a package, this will cost approximately £135.
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. - Year two
L2 Certificate in Coaching Multi-skills Development in Sport: approx £100. - Year three
L3 Certificate in Physical Education and School Sport Delivery: approx £100
Optional costs
- Optional discounted professional body endorsement (NGB): Prices vary, please click here to view our courses.
- Additional kit
Bursaries, 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.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500.
Find out more about the scholarship
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
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D, a T-Level Merit, or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- GCSE Mathematics and English at grade 4 or above (previously grade C).
- All students will be required to undertake a criminal convictions check through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
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.
104-120UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
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 minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 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.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
