BSc (Hons)
Physical Education and Sport

Module Overview

This module deepens students’ understanding of social issues in sport and physical education (PE) by developing their ability to apply sociological theories and critically engage with contemporary cultural debates. Building on the foundation of the Sporting Landscape module, students will explore how sport and PE reproduce or resist social inequalities through structures of power, representation, and practice.

The module supports students in critically analysing the reciprocal relationship between sport, PE, and wider social forces such as politics, socialisation, media, and commercialisation. Through a blend of theory and research, students will engage with issues related to class, race, gender, sexuality, disability, and youth voice.

The module encourages the development of key graduate attributes and Skills for Life, including critical thinking, research literacy, social responsibility, curiosity and creativity. Students will be supported to become advocates for equity and inclusion, and agents of change within sport and PE contexts.

Module Overview

This module equips students with the essential skills to plan, deliver, and lead a sport-related project through progressive stages of teamwork, strategic management, and leadership development.

Learners will begin by exploring collaborative methods, honing effective communication and shared responsibility within group settings. Building on these foundations, students will apply strategic planning techniques and operational practices in real-world PE, sport, or physical activity contexts. The final stage focuses on developing leadership competencies, where students critically evaluate and steer initiatives using reflective and adaptive approaches. Through this project journey, learners will emerge with practical experience, confidence, and insight into leading within diverse sport environments.

Module Overview

This module aims to showcase how research is applied in practice, in policy and in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and social responsibility. In lectures, students will be introduced to examples of how research is applied in the workplace, how research is used to shape policy, and how research relates to the SDGs and social responsibility. In parallel, a series of workshops will teach students to apply this knowledge. This module develops the following Skills for Life: global mindset, leadership & influence, active learning, critical thinking, solving complex problems and equality & inclusion. Specifically, on this module, students will develop their global mindset and leadership & influence through considering how research is applied in a global context, including contributing to the SDGs and writing for a general audience. By developing a dissertation proposal, students will be active learners, required to think critically and solve complex problems while centring equality and inclusion.

Module Overview

This module aims to use pathophysiology and epidemiology to examine the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, physical fitness, and health. Students can learn both the risks and benefits of physical activity and exercise, understanding the contraindications to exercise for a range of special population groups. Students will be supported in areas such as the measurement of health-related fitness for at-risk individual and make suitable recommendations for exercise to benefit health. The specific objectives of the module are to: (1) establish an understanding of the dose-response relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, physical fitness and health; (2) develop an understanding and knowledge of key health problems and their pathophysiology; (3) provide the required knowledge to conduct safe and effective screening and pre-exercise assessment for sedentary individuals; and (4) develop an understanding of how to produce suitable exercise recommendations for specific individuals.

Module Overview

This module aims to enable students to consolidate and expand their knowledge of the foundations of sport physiology, developed at Level 1 by encouraging the application of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology. Students will learn how physiological assessments are used to evaluate sporting performance and they will undertake a range of practical assessments related to key performance-related components of fitness. The specific objectives are to: (1) develop theoretical understanding of sports specific components of fitness; and (2) improve independent proficiency in monitoring, assessing, and evaluating physiological performance using underpinning theoretical knowledge.

Module Overview

This module will facilitate a deeper level of knowledge, understanding and critical awareness in key areas of health and exercise psychology. Through the evaluation and critical appraisal of behaviour change approaches/models, theories, and research evidence, students on this module will consider how knowledge is developed and applied in the context of physical activity/exercise promotion and maintenance. Students will be required to challenge existing knowledge and best practice across developing and topical lines of research, which will foster skills such as critical thinking, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

Module Overview

This optional, year-long module enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this module, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.

Module Overview

This module aims to enable students to develop knowledge and application in the area of data collection strategies to monitor and analyse sporting performance. It will involve the delivery of theoretical underpinning and field-based performance analysis strategies and their application to assessment of practical sport. Students will typically develop skills and competency in using specialist equipment and software and communicating data through a variety of formats. Students will typically develop skills in critical thinking, active learning, digital and data literacy, and curiosity.

Module Overview

This module will facilitate a deeper level of knowledge, understanding and critical awareness in key areas of sport and performance psychology. Through the evaluation and critical appraisal of core concepts, theories, and research evidence, students on this module will consider how knowledge is developed and applied to aid performance and psychological outcomes in sporting contexts. Students will be required to challenge existing knowledge and best practice across developing and topical lines of research, which will foster skills such as critical thinking, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

Module Overview

This module aims to create a valuable opportunity for students to gain important insights and improve their skills and prospects relevant to employment or further study (i.e. within psychology, sports science, therapy, rehabilitation or related subject areas) by undertaking relevant work experience.

Module Overview

This module develops advanced knowledge and applied skills in human physiology within health contexts. Students will critically engage with current concepts, contemporary research, and theoretical frameworks, applying these to real-world scenarios in health promotion and support alongside disease prevention. The module explores contemporary topics in health physiology, including chronic disease pathophysiology, exercise prescription, progressive risk assessment, and health promotion strategies. Students will evaluate how physiological theory and evidence-based practice inform the design and implementation of interventions aimed at improving population health. Students will typically develop skills in critical thinking, complex problem-solving, equality and inclusion, emotional intelligence, and intercultural awareness.

Module Overview

This module develops advanced knowledge and applied skills in human physiology within performance contexts. Students will critically engage with current concepts, contemporary research and theoretical knowledge, applying these to real-world scenarios in performance. Students will examine contemporary topics in performance physiology and critically evaluate how physiological theory and research inform the assessment and enhancement of athletic performance. Students will typically develop skills in critical thinking, complex problem-solving, equality and inclusion, emotional intelligence, and intercultural awareness.

Module Overview

This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to engage in an applied practice project within a community organisation, professional organisation or sports club setting. Students will co-produce a project that addresses real-world challenges, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. Specifically, the module will require students to plan, design, deliver, and evaluate a project that responds to the need and/or development of a group/individual in a relevant context or setting. Students will typically develop skills in critical thinking, complex problem solving, equality and inclusion, resilience and flexibility, active learning and open-mindedness.

Module Overview

This module will deepen students’ understanding of psychological concepts, theories and models in sport and exercise settings. Students will critically engage with contemporary research and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, including case studies and applied interventions. Students will have the opportunity to assess an athlete’s psychological profile and explain how psychological interventions could be designed and implemented. Students will typically develop skills in critical thinking, complex problem-solving, equality and inclusion, emotional intelligence, and intercultural awareness.

Module Overview

This module provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic relevant to the field of their particular degree and to demonstrate original and critical thought. The Dissertation module tests a student’s ability to identify an appropriate research question and to design a method that allows data collection and analysis to be conducted in order to answer the proposed research question. Students will typically develop skills in scientific literacy, critical thinking, data analysis, and written and oral communication. Skills for Life will be gained in Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Curiosity & Digital & Data Literacy.

All Dissertation projects must be derived from and/or embedded within a clear theoretical framework. Students have to demonstrate their knowledge of research skills in order to analyse the data gathered and their theoretical knowledge in interpreting the results of their study in relation to the background literature. This can be done through the use of quantitative methods, qualitative methods, or a combination. The module is assessed through the presentation of their research via a poster presentation and the production of a written thesis. The role of the supervisor is to guide them through these processes and the students will be supported through a range of masterclasses covering topics aligned to the development of the students' research.

Module Overview

This final-year module challenges students to critically explore and reimagine equity in sport, physical education, and physical activity. Building on prior sociological knowledge and theoretical tools, students will engage deeply with issues that reflect contemporary, historical, and emerging concerns in PE and sport

Through a sociological lens, students will analyse how history, policy, ideology, and structures of power can shape and limit the possibilities for inclusion and justice in sport, PE and physical culture. Students will be encouraged to consider how different bodies and identities are welcomed or marginalised in PE and sport, and how practices can be disrupted and reimagined.

A key focus will be on connecting research, theory, and lived experience to creative and context-sensitive responses to inequality, culminating in a student-led change project. The module cultivates graduate attributes including critical thinking, research literacy, curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to social responsibility and ethical practice.

Module Overview

This module critically explores how educators, coaches, and practitioners can design and deliver inclusive and adaptive experiences that celebrate human difference, challenge ableism, and actively dismantle barriers to participation.

Through a combination of theory, reflective practice, and applied learning, students will examine the social and cultural factors shaping inclusion in PE, sport, and physical activity. The module introduces frameworks and strategies for inclusive and adaptive practice that respond to the diverse needs, preferences, and aspirations of individuals across educational, community, and competitive settings.

Emphasis is placed on collaborative approaches for engaging Disabled people from varied backgrounds and with complex learning profiles, while also considering the intersectional realities that shape participation.

By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to contribute meaningfully to more equitable and accessible physical activity spaces, whether in schools, inclusive sport programmes, or broader community initiatives.