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Southampton Solent University logo

BA (Hons)Physical Education

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Starting in2025
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UCAS code: PE01
Institution code: S30
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 0
    in 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.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

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.

Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

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 UK admissions

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

Contact international admissions

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

Endorsed by:

CIMSPA logo

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.

Facilities are beyond expectations. It was amazing to have a new multi-purpose sports hall to complete our lessons in.

Headshot of Laura Watson

Laura Watson

PE specialist for dance, trampolining and gymnastics

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.

    A group of students sat in front of a fountain in a park

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