Physical Education and Sport BA Welcome Pack
Welcome to Physical Education and Sport BA – September 2026.
Welcome to the Physical Education and Sport course at the University of Northampton. As your Course Leader, I am delighted that you have chosen to join us and look forward to supporting you throughout your studies.
This course is designed to provide you with a broad understanding of physical education, sport, coaching, and physical activity, while helping you develop the practical, academic, and professional skills required for a successful career in the sector. Throughout your degree, you will explore contemporary issues in sport and education, develop your research and analytical skills, and gain valuable experience through practical learning opportunities.
You can expect a variety of teaching methods, including, seminars, workshops, practical sessions, and independent study. Our assessments are designed to reflect real-world practice and will include presentations, reports, essays, practical demonstrations, group projects, and research-based assignments. This approach allows you to showcase your strengths and build a diverse portfolio of skills.
During your first week, you will have the opportunity to meet your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will provide guidance and support throughout your time at university. You will also meet fellow students and academic staff, take part in induction activities, and become familiar with the campus, learning resources, and course expectations.
Your first year includes a range of engaging modules that introduce key concepts and ideas in physical education and sport, helping you build a strong foundation for future study. I encourage you to get involved in university sport, societies, and extracurricular opportunities to make the most of your student experience.
The team and I look forward to welcoming you to the course and supporting your success.
Your Course Leader
James Mason
Senior Lecturer in Physical Education
james.mason@northampton.ac.uk
As your Course Leader, I am responsible for the overall management, quality, and coherence of your degree. I am the primary link between you as students, our teaching staff, and university management, ensuring the course runs smoothly and delivers you a high-quality educational experience. You will also be supported by your own Personal Tutor during your time at the university who will provide more holistic, one to one support.
Additional staff
- Karen Woolley, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education
- Emma Whewell, Head of School, Sport and Public Health
- Faye Richardson, Lecturer in Physical Education
Preparing for your course
In preparation for your course starting in September, we will hold an online session beforehand so you can meet your Academic Team and other students studying the same course. This will be held on Monday 24 August, 10am. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact James Mason: james.mason@northampton.ac.uk
Monday 24 August
Session: Pre-introduction workshop
- Time: 10am-11am
- Location: Online Via Teams
- Link: TBC
Monday 21 September
Session: What to expect from your Course
- Time: 10am – 12pm (BST)
- Location: Waterside Campus – exact room to be confirmed
Session: Meeting your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)
- Time: 1pm – 2pm (BST)
- Location: Waterside Campus – exact room to be confirmed
Friday 24 September
Session: Getting-to-know-you-Games
- Time: 10am – 12pm (BST)
- Location: Sports Dome, Waterside Campus
Session: Meeting the 2nd and 3rd year Physical Education and Sport Students: Sharing Experiences
- Time: 1pm – 2pm (BST)
- Location: Sports Dome, Waterside Campus
Equipment
You are not required to purchase any mandatory kit or textbooks to start this course.
As a heavily practical based course students will require sportwear for many modules. We will provide all students with one of our course branded t-shirts, and students can purchase further course branded kit from Kit Locker. While purchasing this is not mandatory, we do encourage students to consider an additional pair of tracksuit bottoms / leggings for circumstances when completing work based learning activities and representing both our course and institution.
