Emma Whewell
Associate Professor in Learning & Teaching
level:UG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:true;clearing:false;full_time:false;part_time:true;start_month:September;location:Waterside
Physical Education and Sport BA (Hons)
Key Facts
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UCAS Code
BA: C602
BA with Foundation: C604 -
Duration
Full Time: 3 years
Part Time: 4 - 6 years
Full Time Foundation: 4 years
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BBC at A Level or,
DMM at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,535
Part Time: £1,585 (per 20 credits)
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535
Updated 18/11/2025
Updated 18/11/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
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 physical 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.
For overall student positivity*
For Satisfied with Teaching for Sports Science**
For Satisfied with Feedback for Sports Science***
*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.
**Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide, Sports Science Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Teaching
***Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide, Sports Science Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Feedback
Highlights
- Strong emphasis on employability with work placement opportunities for Physical Education and Sport students at levels two and three
- Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship
- Close partnerships including Northampton Saints, Northampton Town FC and Northants County Cricket Club.
- Purpose-built Sports Zone
- Work placements with our local primary, secondary and special schools
- An enrichment offer to develop your skills, knowledge and attributes
- An outdoor learning space and Forest School
- Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.
- HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible students* (*see Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions)
Students use the Sports Dome facility as part of their practical, hands-on learning.
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:
- BBC at A Level or,
- DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Merit 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 Physical 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.
What You'll Learn
The University of Northampton’s degree in physical education and sport 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.
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.
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.
Sport and exercise psychology is an exciting discipline area providing the opportunity to explore the psychological influences on human behaviourThe module offers an introduction to key psychological theories and concepts relevant to sport, exercise, physical activity and coaching contexts.
The purpose of this module is to give students the essential academic and employability skills in order to improve their capabilities and excel at university, and then onto their chosen career.
This module introduces the learner to the multi-disciplinary nature of sports coachingIt intends to offer a general insight into the areas of; performance analysis, movement analysis, strength and conditioning concepts, sports physiology, anatomy and sports injuryThe module will provide a greater understanding of core subject disciplines thereby enabling sports coaches to develop a holistic approach to coaching athletes.
The purpose of the module is to provide students with an understanding of the core principles related to motor learning and skill acquisition in sport and exercise settings, developing knowledge from both an athlete and coach perspective, enabling them to apply theortetical-based information into practical environments to enhance optimal performance.
Introduction to Physical Education
20 Credits
Code: SPO1074
20 Credits
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
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 Physical 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.
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.
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 may be incurred if you decide to participate in optional field trips/visits as part of the Physical Education and 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 this degree. You can purchase a kit but this is not compulsory. The exact cost of the kit will be provided at the start of the course.
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.
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
James Mason
Senior Lecturer in Physical Education
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
The purpose of the module is to examine contemporary social and welfare issues in a range of sporting contextsThe module will use a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on sociology, policy and relevant researchCase studies will be used to encourage debate and discussion around these contemporary issues and associated strategies.