Physical Education and Sport | BSc (Hons)

Dr Donna Windard - Programme Leader

I specialise in research which increases our understanding of the impact of recent UK sport and educational policies on the structure and organisation of PE, teachers' ideologies and teachers' pedagogies. I currently supervise both undergraduate and postgraduate students at Lincoln, and contribute to a number of research groups including the Health Advancement Research Team, and Youth Sport Research Group.

Academic Staff List

Welcome to BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport

Physical education is an important vehicle for improving health, behaviour, sports participation, and performance, and as such continues to have political and educational significance across the UK.

Lincoln's BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport degree is a multi-disciplinary programme. It utilises current research, policy, and practice in order to develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding relevant to the physical education and sport sector.

The course has been designed for those who have a desire to work with young people in schools or youth sport settings, and engagement in real-world activities is integral to the programme. Students can develop their teaching abilities, knowledge, and experience of curriculum activities, while having opportunities to gain experience through practical sessions and placements in schools.

How You Study

First-year modules are designed to provide students with a foundation in teaching and pedagogy, school and youth sport development, social science, sport science, and research. Students are encouraged to develop key transferable skills.

During the second and third years, students can choose from a range of optional modules and tailor their learning to personal interests and career aspirations.

Modules can include Physical Education Pedagogy; Sociological Issues in PE and Sport; Concepts in Educational Contexts; Policy in Sport Development and Physical Education; and Psychology of Performance and Participation.

Teaching is delivered in a variety of ways including lectures, seminars, practical sessions, lab sessions, workshops, and tutorials.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Developing Physical Literacy 2023-24SES1026MLevel 42023-24A high-quality physical education or coaching programme can develop a range of physical and cognitive skills within a child that can subsequently encourage positive life experiences. These experiences can include confidence development, the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, alongside experiencing achievement whilst fulfilling potential. Through theoretical and practical experiences, including a school placement, this module aims to develop the knowledge and applied understanding of concepts and practices that can support child development.CoreFoundations in Sport and Exercise Science 2023-24SES1051MLevel 42023-24This module aims to examine the structure and function of the human body during sport and exercise. It will seek to address the physiological, biomechanical and psychological determinants of performance, with the aim of enabling students to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles involved and introducing students to a range of practical skills for measuring performance in the laboratory and/or field.CorePhysical Education Pedagogy 1 2023-24SES1027MLevel 42023-24This module aims to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and experience of teaching physical education. Students will have the opportunity to study the core principles of teaching: theories of learning, planning, pedagogy, communication, differentiation, progression, inclusion, assessment and reflection. These principles will be revisited at levels two and three but within different sporting contexts (aesthetic activities, net/wall games and individual activities). The specific objectives are to: - Utilise the core principles of teaching when delivering team games. - Provide the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of team games in the National Curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4. - Provide the chance for students to enhance their knowledge of health and safety issues related to the teaching of team games. - Provide the opportunity to develop an understanding and experience of multi-skills and games-based approaches.CoreResearch Skills 2023-24SES1023MLevel 42023-24On this module, students have the opportunity to develop useful study skills for the sport and exercise scientist and benefit from an introduction to the underpinning concepts of scientific study and research methods. This module aims to enable students to benefit fully from the higher education learning environment and develop their reflective practice, alongside an understanding of the philosophy of science as related to scientific study in sport and exercise.CoreSociological Issues in PE and Sport 2023-24SES1028MLevel 42023-24This module aims to introduce students to the field of sociology as applied to the study of sport and physical education. Students will be encouraged to think critically about sport and its place in society and in education. In particular, subjects such as the stratification of society (i.e. by race, sex, religion, class, age, ability etc.) and the sporting experiences of different social groups in the community and in schools, can be investigated. This module encourages students to think critically about sport, PE and their (reciprocal) relationships with politics, the media and broader social processes such as sportisation and commercialisation.CoreSport Development Environment 2023-24SES1052MLevel 42023-24This module aims to introduce students to the structure of, and central issues in, the present sport development environment. It aims to provide an overview of the structure and purpose of sports organisations and describes the hierarchical relationship between the major agencies responsible for delivering sport. Students are encouraged to begin developing a critical understanding of government aims and objectives and how they impact on those working at the delivery level (e.g. coaches, teachers, Sports Development Officers).CoreAdvanced Research Skills 2024-25SES2069MLevel 52024-25This module aims to build directly on the key research concepts delivered at Level 3, as well as seeking to provide an introduction to a wide range of methodologies applicable to exercise, physical activity, health and sport performance research. Students have an opportunity to undertake independent research activities to develop their analytical skills through applied evidence-based practice.CoreConcepts in Educational Contexts 2024-25SES2248MLevel 52024-25This module aims to provide an introduction to the key concepts in education, enabling students to begin to develop and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills within this area. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the changing theories and practices in secondary education and can develop their knowledge of the curriculum, behaviour and classroom management in education, primarily relating to secondary school settings. Students are encouraged to consider psychological perspectives in education, as well as offering students the opportunity to examine historical and political aspects of education through literature and practice. Students have the opportunity to develop and reflect on their practice and that of teachers in the department whilst on placements in local secondary schools.CorePhysical Education Pedagogy 2 2024-25SES2030MLevel 52024-25This module aims to further develop students knowledge of the pedagogical concepts first covered in year one and how these can be applied to the teaching of aesthetic activities at Key Stages 3 and 4. Students may utilise this knowledge and understanding whilst on placement in secondary schools. In addition, there will be a specific emphasis on applying knowledge of movement and physical literacy. The specific objectives of the module are to: - Utilise core principles of teaching within aesthetic activities. - Provide the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of aesthetic activities in the National Curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4. - Give students the chance to enhance their knowledge of health and safety issues related to the teaching of aesthetic activities. - Provide the opportunity to develop student understanding of principles of human movement and physical literacy and engage in the practical application of these to aesthetic activities.CoreFitness Testing & Training 2024-25SES2027MLevel 52024-25This module aims to address why an understanding of core fitness components is essential for the coach in practice, investigates key training principles and how these can be integrated into coaching session plans, and seeks to explore applied testing and training approaches to evaluate individual and group performance ability. Each of these aspects can be considered in the context of coaching experience, practice and application.OptionalPerformance Analysis 2024-25SES2028MLevel 52024-25This optional module provides an opportunity for students to build on knowledge gained at level one within the Foundations in Sport and Exercise Science module. Students can develop their understanding of the theory underpinning the subject, as well as field-based performance analysis strategies and their application to assessment of practical sport.OptionalPhysical Activity and Health 2024-25SES2029MLevel 52024-25This introductory health module is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge of the positive role of physical activity in society. A major emphasis will be placed on identifying the key factors involved in determining health status; addressing the link between sedentary behaviour and health.OptionalPolicy in Sport Development & Physical Education 2024-25SES2031MLevel 52024-25This module aims to build on the knowledge and concepts developed within the level one module Sport Development Environment and enable students to advance their understanding of the central strategies and policies in sport development, physical education and school sport. The central aim of this module is to allow students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of major sport policies and strategies and to explore sport provision at a local level, in order to think analytically about the policy process and the complexities associated with policy implementation.OptionalProject Management for Sport 2024-25SES2032MLevel 52024-25The module is designed to encourage students to learn about the concept of project management and to understand how it relates to sport. The Lincolnshire Event Safety Partnership guidance will be used within this module to provide students with an opportunity to develop realistic and local knowledge about project management within a contemporary setting.OptionalPsychology of Performance and Participation 2024-25SES2033MLevel 52024-25This module aims to introduce and develop knowledge of key concepts and theories that describe and explain the importance of psychology in sport, exercise and physical education settings.OptionalSport, Physical Education and Social Theory 2024-25SES2034MLevel 52024-25This module aims to provide students with a formal introduction to social theory and its application to the study of sociological problems in sport and PE. It is intended to build on the level one module, Sociological Issues in Sport and PE, by providing the opportunity to examine a variety of topics in sport from different theoretical perspectives. Students are encouraged to understand that all sociological observations are guided by theory, while also comparing and critiquing the range of approaches to sport introduced in the module. A selection of sociological sporting phenomena will be used to illustrate the importance of theory in guiding any sociological study.OptionalStudy Abroad 2024-25SES2245MLevel 52024-25Students from the School of Sport and Exercise Science can enroll at partner institutions in the USA during the third year of their undergraduate degree programme*. It is anticipated that partner institutions in other countries will be added in the near future. The Study Abroad Initiative is available to those who have successfully completed years 1 and 2 of their degree and enables students to spend a year studying overseas during what would be their third year of study. During the year abroad, students will not pay a tuition fee to either the University of Lincoln or their host university. Students will be responsible for their travel and accommodation costs in addition to their normal living costs throughout the year. Where applicable, visa costs will also need to be covered by the student. Students will then return to the University of Lincoln to complete the final year of their degree. The initiative enables students to experience their subject from a different perspective and to explore different societies and cultures. *Only a limited number of places are availableOptionalWork Placement Year 2024-25SES2256MLevel 52024-25This optional placement year will provide students with the opportunity to practice full-time in a professional sport setting*, with the aim of enhancing the student's practical skills and level of employability. The placement will also provide the student with the opportunity to practically apply the skills and knowledge developed on their prior modules within a 'real-life' sport and exercise science and/or strength and conditioning context. Due to the nature of placement it will be of particular relevance to those students targeting a career in the applied support of professional athletes. *Only a limited number of placements are availableOptionalPhysical Education Pedagogy 3 2025-26SES3019MLevel 62025-26This module offers students the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and experience gained in years one and two to the teaching of net wall games and individual activities, such as badminton and athletics. The aim is to further develop teaching skills and methods but with specific emphasis on utilising these in order teach the skills and techniques involved in individual activities and net wall games at Key Stages 3 and 4. The specific objectives of the module are to: - Utilise core principles of teaching to individual activities and net wall games. - Provide the opportunity to develop and apply pedagogic content knowledge, skills and understanding of individual activities and net wall games in the National Curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4. - Give students the chance to enhance their knowledge of health and safety issues related to the teaching of individual activities and net wall games. - Provide the opportunity to develop students ability to utilise methods of problem-based learning and critical reflection to further their teaching skills.CoreAction Research in Education 2025-26EDM3001MLevel 62025-26OptionalDissertation 2025-26SES3024MLevel 62025-26The Dissertation module provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic and to demonstrate original and critical thought.OptionalHealth Promotion and Development 2025-26SES3021MLevel 62025-26The module gives students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the relationship between physical activity/inactivity and population health. This module will seek to develop knowledge on the role of preventive healthcare (rather than treatment) and includes a central focus which explores current UK government-supported policy in this area.OptionalInclusive Sport and Physical Activity 2025-26SES3022MLevel 62025-26This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore notions of disability within the context of sport and physical activity. The programme aims to place competing models of disability, theories of disability and disabling barriers at the centre of a reflective investigation of sport and activity provision for people with disabilities. The module aims to focus upon private, public and voluntary sectors with a particular emphasis on National Governing Bodies, school and community sport providers.OptionalNew Directions in Physical Education 2025-26SES3018MLevel 62025-26This module aims to mobilise the knowledge and skills gained in years one and two by engaging students in the critical analysis of contemporary issues in Physical Education. The central aims of the module are to build on students existing understanding of the philosophical, political and sociological components of physical education by critically engaging with research and reflecting on their practical experiences within other modules. The specific objectives of the module are to: - Engage in fundamental philosophical, sociological and practical debates that are central to an understanding of Physical Education. - Encourage students to interrogate current trends emerging within physical education such as the Primary Premium. - Utilise current research to create a deeper and critical understanding of the wider physical education context, such as international perspectives in Physical Education.OptionalScientific Support in Practice 2025-26SES3023MLevel 62025-26This module aims to give students the opportunity to apply sport and exercise science concepts to coaching practice in order to enhance performance and enjoyment in participants. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to develop an effective working alliance with clients, with ethics and competency central to the learning experience and models of applied practice.OptionalSocial Justice Issues in Sport and Physical Activity 2025-26SES3256MLevel 62025-26OptionalStrategic Management in Sport 2025-26SES3059MLevel 62025-26Optional

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent qualifications.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc

Applicants will also need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and a Science or sport related subject. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

How you are assessed

Students will be assessed through a range of methods which are dependent upon whether the module is practical, theoretical, contextual or vocational. This may include presentations, critical reflections, portfolios, exams, practical assessment within schools and a research project.

The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.

Career Opportunities

Previous students have successfully progressed on to School-centred Teacher Training or PGCEs to become PE teachers. Opportunities are available both in Lincoln and throughout the UK. Alternatively, students may choose to progress to Master’s programmes in education, enter the Armed Forces, or work in sport development.

Facilities

Students can benefit from access to specialist equipment in the University’s Human Performance Centre for study and research. Our fully-equipped Sports Centre comprises a gym, double sports hall, squash courts, dance studio, and all-weather pitches.

"This course is perfect for anyone interested in teaching physical education. It combines both practical and theoretical skills which are needed to be successful in the physical education world."

Madeline Bogosian, Physical Education and Sport student

Industry Links

The School of Sport and Exercise Science has strong industry links. This includes its close relationship with Lincoln City Football Club.

Research

Opportunities exist for students to conduct their own independent research and to work alongside research-active academic staff on projects at local and national levels. Our Research team have conducted studies on topics including school sports partnerships, disability in sport, and gifted and talented development in young people.

There are opportunities for students to apply theory to practical settings, including in school placements. The College of Social Science’s Work Opportunities Hub, which looks to identify suitable placements for students, can help those seeking to enhance their studies with work experience.

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

Book Your Place

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Key Information

BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport