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Overview
Inspire the next generation through high-quality primary education
Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) education partner
Learn to lead the next generation
Our BA (Hons) Physical Education (Primary Years) degree is for those interested in learning what high-quality physical education entails for children aged 5-11.
If you are passionate about inspiring the next generation through high-quality primary education, this is the course for you.
Apply theory to practice
This degree allows you to apply theory to practice by working with children in a variety of contexts.
Throughout this degree programme, you will deliver sessions in schools, organise festivals and learn alongside primary teachers in one of our partnership schools.
Build your degree around your interests
Our physical education courses have been specifically designed to give you choices and options that allow you to tailor your course to your own interests and ambitions, so you will graduate with a degree that is individual to you.
Engage in research-led learning
Throughout this course, you will study modules that use the latest research to inform your teaching practice, including aspects relating to schools’ impact on mental and physical health of its pupils.
Gain vital experience on dedicated work placements
Each year, you will have the opportunity to develop your level of professional experience and improve your employability on various work placements that help support your learning and progress through the course.
Proud history of teacher training
The University of Chichester has been training teachers for over 180 years and we look to train employable professionals who will make a positive difference to children’s education.
Learn from expert and experienced staff
Our team of qualified physical education specialists and sports coaches are here to support you throughout your degree and get to know how best to help your reach your full potential.
On this course you will:
- Gain a thorough understanding of the intricacies of physical education at primary school level.
- Apply theory to practice through our dedicated work placement schemes.
- Learn from experienced professionals who will look to support you through your degree.
- Feel prepared for a career within primary education or coaching with young children.
The Course
Gain an understanding of the role of physical education in the development of the whole child
Learn how to be an effective leader within a primary education environment
By the end of the course, you will have a thorough understanding of the importance of physical literacy and the role of physical education in the development of the whole child.
A developed understanding in curriculum, assessment and pedagogical practice will put you in an excellent position to continue onto teacher training.
Gain a strong initial footing in physical education
The first year provides you with a strong foundation of knowledge as well as academic flexibility that is useful if you are unsure of your desired career path.
Personalise your subsequent learning to fit your career ambitions
This course has been specifically designed to give you options, allowing you to personalise your learning and achieve your ambitions.
Teacher training
If you wish to train as a teacher, you could undertake one of our progression routes onto the PGCE in Secondary PE or Primary Education.
We also provide opportunities to train through school-based programmes such as SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training).
Explore other options
If you are not sure that you want to be a teacher, but know that you love PE and sport, then this degree will equip you with excellent transferable skills such as leadership, organisation, communication and management of yourself and others.
Indicative modules
You will study a selection of core and optional modules during your degree. Each module is worth a particular number of credits and is delivered differently depending on the needs of the module.
This list is indicative and subject to future change.
Modules
Select a year
Foundations of Learning and Teaching
This module aims to introduce you to learning theory and pedagogic practice in physical education and sport. The module seeks to develop your understanding of contemporary ideas of learning, and how this translates into teaching behaviours.
You will begin to recognise the importance of research-informed practice in physical education.
The Enquiring Practitioner
While learning the technical components involved in the teaching and coaching of specific skills, you will also be introduced to fundamental biomechanical principles which impact performance.
The module will apply research and enquiry to real-life lived experiences that are associated with your potential future career paths.
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities in Education
This module will introduce you to outdoor adventure activities in an educational context typically focusing on KS2 and the start of KS3. This may be the first time that you have experienced this area of study, and this module will help you develop the necessary knowledge and pedagogical skills that will allow you to operate effectively during your teaching career.
Knowledge and Understanding of Individual Activities (Aesthetics)
This module aims to analyse movement related to gymnastics and dance.
You will explore gymnastics in its broadest sense within elements identified as formal, educational, sporting and rhythmic.
You will use the application of biomechanical principles, including Laban technique, as you explore the evaluation of gymnastic and dance performance.
Principles of Play Through Invasion Games
You will participate in a range of practical sessions that will examine attacking and defensive principles of play, as you analyse the technical and tactical aspects of performance in invasion games.
Active Schools
Explore the issues surrounding physical education and its role in the health and activity agenda. Consideration of personal and social barriers and facilitators within and outside the school environment will also be given.
Theoretical Physical Education 1
This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of some of the major concepts in theoretical physical education.
You will build on aspects of research and enquiry previously developed in ‘The Enquiring Practitioner’, to consider how they may be able to contribute to the area in the future through your own research and data collection.
Purposeful Practice for Games-Based Physical Education
You will participate in a range of practical sessions that will explore different types of practice and have the opportunity to design practices for developing technical, tactical, and/or physical aspects of games-based performance.
Pedagogical Skills in Track & Field Athletics and Swimming
This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and personal performance of track and field athletics events and swimming strokes. You may have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding of technical aspects by planning and leading small group sessions.
Striking and Fielding: Net and Wall Games
While learning the technical components involved in the teaching and coaching of specific skills, you will also be introduced to fundamental biomechanical principles which impact performance.
Learning and Teaching in a Primary School
The module introduces you to research that explores the relationship between good teaching and good progress for all pupils, including promoting learning-focussed behaviours, adaptive teaching and a range of other teaching and learning strategies.
Forest Schools Principles and Practices
A forest school is a journey of self-discovery and awareness in the outdoors in which participants are given the freedom to explore their surroundings, themselves and others through their curiosity and imagination.
The approach is heralded by some as inspirational but described by others as re-branding of old ideas giving questionable impact.
This module explores principles that underpin the forest school approach and reflects on evidence for its effectiveness.
Practical Pedagogy (Placement)
An opportunity to experience a placement within a practical setting. This module aims to develop and refine pedagogical skills so that you can enhance pupil/performer progress and learning within a practical environment.
Dissertation Project
This module is the culmination of previous learning and is the major element of your independent enquiry on your programme.
The module requires that you reflect on, and utilise the knowledge base, context, and application of taught modules, as well as placement experiences.
It is designed to encourage you to generate and explore your own ‘problem’ assisted by supervision from a tutor.
Managing Individual Differences and Behaviours
The module aims to build on your knowledge and understanding of effective teaching and coaching by understanding and applying principles of equality and inclusive practice. You will develop an understanding and critically evaluate the learning environment that actively promotes equality and inclusion for all learners. It will develop your pedagogical confidence and encourage you to think critically about your teaching and coaching.
Indicative content will include ideology of inclusion, young people at risk of exclusion, teaching approaches and strategies to meet all pupils needs, and creating and maintaining a positive learning environment. The module will be delivered through a series of practical workshops supported by theoretical lectures and will include a school-based placement.
Enrichment Through Physical Education
This module will build on what you have already learnt about physical education from the compulsory modules of the programme. You will develop a deeper understanding of the ways that pedagogy and curriculum can be enriched through a critical understanding of contemporary, research-informed practice in physical education.
This module will engage you with current research reports, debates and good practice to explore specific aspects of physical education and in doing so, reflect on how primary schooling can be enriched through this deeper understanding.
Promoting Best Principles in Physical Education
This module will build on what you have already learnt about physical education from the compulsory modules of the programme and the first semester subject study module. It will help you grow in confidence to become an advocate for the best principles of physical education in primary schools.
You will critically reflect on your position as a teacher and explore the importance physical education in primary schools. In so doing, you will consider where and how your area of interest fits into school frameworks and policy. Whilst this module is not about becoming a subject co-ordinator, the importance of leadership values and attributes will be explored through the context of physical education.
Teaching and Assessment
Innovative teaching methods that develop your full potential as a future teacher
We want you to be creative and innovative teachers so we teach you in creative and innovative ways.
Teaching
You will spend a large proportion of your time in practical sessions and on teaching placements. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff will teach you through a variety of highly-practical approaches.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods across the modules including lectures, group work, seminars, practical workshops and laboratory sessions.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including:
- Your ability to plan and deliver a range of physical education lessons
- Your understanding of how movement skills are developed
- Presentations
- Your ability to plan for learning outside the classroom in the context of forest schools, residential experiences and other outdoor activities
- Completion of research projects.
Experience
Discover a wide range of excellent sporting facilities that support your learning
Broaden your horizons with residential experiences
Our BA (Hons) Physical Education (Primary Years) course offers the opportunity to partake in residential experiences to increase your knowledge and understanding of outdoor and adventurous activities and to also begin to learn how to plan and run residentials.
We understand the importance of building relationships and connections early on in your university journey, for this reason, year 1 will encompass an Outdoor Adventure Activities in Education module. The benefits of spending time problem solving, communicating and working as a team are widely recognised and will provide lasting memories and friendships as you move into years 2 and 3.
Classroom resources
Discover over 20,000 classroom resources available to use on your placements and to support your academic learning.
Placement partners
We have developed strong connections with our partners to provide you with work placement opportunities.
Close community
Our commitment to a friendly and close-knit student community contributes to a high degree of success for our graduates.
Tudor Hale Centre for Sport
Our world-class Tudor Hale Centre for Sport acts as the focus for sports science, therapy and physiology.
Sports Hall
Our specialist sports hall can be used for a wide range of indoor sports, including basketball, netball, badminton and volleyball.
Specialist outdoor sports pitches
Alongside our grass football and rugby pitches, we also have our International Hockey Federation compliant floodlit astro turf.
Expert staff
Learn from experienced physical education and sports coaching specialists here to support you throughout your degree.
FA Women's High-Performance Football Centre
As one of only nine centres in the UK, we provide additional opportunities for women to develop as players and coaches.
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
Subject specific librarians
If you have difficulty finding material for an essay, seminar or project, subject librarians will be happy to provide assistance.
Fitness Suite
We offer a variety of cardio, resistance and weight equipment, with a dedicated strength and conditioning room.
Sports Dome
The Sports Dome is a large indoor facility which can be used for sports such as cricket, football, hockey and many more.
Sports injury clinic
Sports Therapy students use our specialist injury clinics for practical sessions and to run a practice.
Sian
Work Placements
Discover school placements opportunities that provide you with vital workplace experience
We believe that placements are integral to your development as a student and are integrated within our University-based work.
School placements opportunities are available which provide you with a strong vocational focus as you increase your employability and apply your theoretical learning to a real-world environment.
You will be able to choose your own placement setting, with a dedicated Placement Coordinator available to assist and support students throughout the process. You will be able to utilise their network of contacts across local clubs and schools to find the right placement for you.
You can also choose to complete your placements anywhere in the country, with many students choosing placements within their home towns.
“The use of placements really enhanced my CV.”
“Great real-life experiences through placement.”
“Good range of teaching placements within a variety of schools.”
“It massively improved my ability and confidence to teach a wide range of sports through great experience in placements and lectures during my time here.”
Study Abroad
Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad
As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies to enrich your educational experiences.
It’s a chance to broaden your horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse yourself within a new culture.
You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination and institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to ensure you get the best out of your time studying abroad.
Careers
Prepare for a wide range of careers both in and outside of teaching
Our BA (Hons) Physical Education (Primary Years) course provides you with an engaging and relevant programme that may facilitate progression into a career working with children both within and outside of educational settings.
This course provides you with a valuable degree qualification that will take you forward in whichever career you choose in the future.
You could progress into a career teaching physical education at primary level or look to move into other avenues within the scope of coaching and sporting and physical activity.
Teacher training pathways
This course provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to progress into teaching training pathways to gain qualified teacher status (QTS) so that you can begin a career within education.
Those who wish to pursue a career as a physical education teacher can explore several options, including our PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary Physical Education courses here at the University of Chichester.
Guaranteed PGCE interview
Graduates from our BA (Hons) Physical Education (Primary Years) course are guaranteed an interview on our PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary Physical Education courses.
Ellie
Open up your career options
Many students remain undecided about whether they want to teach PE or coach, but they do know that they are committed to following a career in sport and physical activity.
Some of our well-established and successful alumni of this course have continued into a wide variety of careers, including:
- Coaching
- Police
- Paramedics
- Intelligence services
- Military
- Therapies
- Research.
Postgraduate pathways
You could also continue your academic studies further with a postgraduate degree.
Our postgraduate options include:
- PGCE Primary (5-11)
- PCGE Secondary Physical Education
- MA Sport Leadership and Management
- Postgraduate Research (PhD).
University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.
Gifted Athlete Support Programme
Supporting athletes with their studies and sporting ambitions
The University’s Gifted Athlete Support Programme (GASP) helps students combine academic study with sport by offering support to compete at the highest level.
Our student athletes will have access to our experts in sport coaching, exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, sport nutrition, sport psychology, sport therapy or physiotherapy and receive:
- Financial support*
- Fitness Suite at the Tudor Hale Centre for Sport
- Administrative support from SU Sport
- GASP-branded kit.
*Level of financial support dependent upon level of achievement in sport.
Gifted Athlete Support Programme (GASP)
Learn more about our Gifted Athlete Support Programme, our past graduates and how you can apply.
Course Costs
Course Fees 2025/26
UK fee
International fee
EU/EEA Fee Reduction Scholarship
EU/EEA students automatically pay the equivalent of UK fees via the EU/EEA Fee Reduction Scholarship
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
Course specific costs
You will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check costing £40 which needs to be paid for before the start of the course.
Entry Requirements
UCAS
A Levels
T Level
BTEC
IELTS
Contextual offers
We believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background.
When we receive your application we consider your personal circumstances and the factors surrounding your achievements to see if you are eligible for a contextual offer. This is an offer with a reduced entry tariff – typically the equivalent of 16 fewer UCAS points (two A-level grades).
Find out more about our contextual offers.
Interview and DBS
An entry interview and Enhanced DBS check are required for this course.
