Why study Physical Education with Foundation Year at LJMU?
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Developed by expert academics with an international reputation for the delivery of physical education
- Combines practical and theoretical aspects of physical education
- Gain real-world experience and skills within the local community through work placements and an optional sandwich year. LJMU offers strong partnerships with both primary and secondary schools for placement opportunities
- Offers excellent career opportunities in a variety of areas, such as teaching (upon completion of an Initial Teacher Training programme), sport coaching, sport development or youth and community work
- Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
- 97% of students surveyed said the teaching staff on this course were good at explaining things (NSS 2024)
About your course
On the BSc (Hons) Physical Education with Foundation Year, students learn a wide range of knowledge related to teaching methods, physical training concepts, psychological theories related to sport and exercise, social issues in physical education such as gender, race and media, and historical and philosophical aspects related to PE.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
By choosing to study our Foundation Year you will joining a friendly and stimulating environment in which you will be encouraged to achieve your full potential in both your academic work and your future career. We pride ourselves on our informal and supportive relationships with our students.
About BSc (Hons) Physical Education
This engaging and challenging course integrates the theoretical and practical aspects of physical education into one exciting degree programme. There continues to be a high demand for graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to promote health and fitness, competitive sport and engagement with physical activity in a range of educational, community and other settings. This degree offers you the chance to specialise in physical education, exploring both the theory and practical aspects of the subject.
Students on the course apply their learning in practical physical education sessions, through assignments such as research projects, and work placements in industry. This combination of up to date theory and practical application serves our students well as they develop their careers through teacher training programmes, post-graduate study (Masters degrees and PhDs), in education (primary and secondary schools, further education), and at a host of non-teaching areas (businesses, community groups such as charities, and the uniformed services).
During your studies, you will develop your own philosophies and interests while being introduced to innovative concepts of physical education. You will gain a wide variety of essential professional skills and qualities that can form the foundation for a successful career teaching physical education in primary, secondary or further education, though teaching is not the only career pathway available.
The programme synthesises the practical and theoretical aspects of physical education through an extensive range of activities and contexts. You will have the opportunity to take part in innovative entrepreneurial projects by working within sport and physical education in different educational establishments and sporting ventures. This includes excellent work-related learning and placement opportunities with organisations such as LJMU's in-house Sport Start scheme.
You will be assigned a student peer mentor, and this support will be available before you arrive at LJMU and for the duration of your academic studies.
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Skills and Practice in Sport
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to examine the concepts of employability and enterprise across a range of organisations. This foundation module will develop your study skills and will inform the your understanding of your chosen career pathway.
Health and Wellbeing
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of health and wellbeing and demonstrates how increased physical activity and better nutrition can influence and improve this.
Practical Delivery in Sport and Physical Activity
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding regarding delivery of safe and effective physical activities.
Behaviours in Sport and Physical Activity
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to explore psychological and social theories to inform the delivery of sport. You will be exposed to several key psychological and social frameworks allowing you to develop informed approaches to your practice.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of key physiological systems and metabolic processes.
Projects in Sport and Nutrition
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to enable you to develop the skills to undertake an investigation into a specific area of study that is relevant to your programme.
Core modules
Research Methods 1
20 credits
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of research methods, along with covering the basic application and interpretation of various data analysis techniques.
Exercise Physiology 1
20 credits
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of key physiological systems, metabolic processes and discuss how these systems and processes respond to feeding and acute exercise.
Psychosocial Principles of Sport and Exercise
20 credits
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial concepts that underpin the sport and exercise environment.
Human Movement
20 credits
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the basic principles of human anatomy, functional movement, biomechanics, and motor skill acquisition, and to illustrate applications of these principles in sport, exercise, and health. The module also aims to introduce you to experimental methods in biomechanics and to develop skills in data handling.
Professional Practice in Physical Education 1
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to provide an understanding of the contextual learning experiences that enhance professional development within PE. You will be introduced to the value of occupational socialisation (acculturation phase) from within the PE teacher socialisation framework. Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning environments, you will be able to identify personal and professional areas for development. Work related learning tasks and opportunities, with primary school aged children, will support your ability to plan, deliver and evaluate a range of high-quality practical sessions. You will have the opportunity to share, reflect and discuss learning experiences through peer learning groups and through the development of the primary school community and network.
Learning in PE & Sport Contexts
20 credits
20 credits
This module will enable you to appreciate positive learning environments in sport, PE, and physical activity settings. You will consider theoretical conceptions of learning and consider how these theories can inform your pedagogical practices.
Core modules
Research Methods 2
20 credits
20 credits
This module will enhance your understanding of the research process and related methodological approaches, whilst also developing your knowledge, skills and to complete investigations involving data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Professional Practice in Physical Education 2
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop an understanding of the personal and professional skills and attributes required for teaching and learning within PE. It is a continuation of the development of subject knowledge and understanding surrounding occupational socialisation covered in level 4. Using theoretical underpinning, you will be introduced to the importance of the professionalisation phase of occupational socialisation. You will experience both theoretical and practical learning environments to consider personal and professional progress to date. Through work-based learning and module experiences, you will have the opportunity to further develop your PE teaching efficacy.
Learning in PE & Sport Contexts 2
20 credits
20 credits
This module will provide you with a critical appreciation of pedological models (games-based approaches, Rosenshein’s principle, non-linear pedagogies) and theoretical perspectives on learning (critical, ecological and relational) their application to further develop your pedological practice.
Introduction to PE Teacher Education
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum for PE (NCPE) and the strategies and skills required to plan and deliver inclusive PE within a primary setting, therefore providing an opportunity to create, develop and apply your personal teacher identity.
Physical Education in Action 1
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop an understanding of the historical and socio-political and influences on the development of physical education by considering how changes in society, politics and philosophy have impacted on PE curriculum, pedagogy and practice.
Optional Modules
Study Year Abroad - Physical Education
120 credits
120 credits
The module offers you the chance to spend an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement your programme at LJMU.
Exercise Physiology 2
20 credits
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the cardiovascular and metabolic responses of acute and chronic exercise. This will enable you to discuss these in relation to human health and performance.
Sport and Performance Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
This module will develop your ability to evaluate psychological principles associated with sport performance, motor control and learning, considering individual (e.g., personality) and environmental (e.g., culture) factors.
Sport, Physical Education and Society
20 credits
20 credits
This module will help you to develop your understanding of the relationship between Sport, PE and society, both theoretically and practically. Additionally, it aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of issues pertaining to equity, diversity and inclusion, particularly in relation to marginalised groups/inactive people in Sport and PE.
Sandwich Year - Physical Education
120 credits
120 credits
This module will provide you with an chance to acquire an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.
Core modules
Major Project
40 credits
40 credits
This module will critically extend your understanding and deployment of research processes through the planning, production, analyses and report of a piece of independent research conducted in a responsible, safe and ethical manner.
Physical Education in Action 2
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop a deeper understanding of the role physical education plays in the promotion of lifelong physical activity, health and wellbeing of young people. You will also critically reflect on the challenges, choices and constraints that young people experience within the complexity of the primary and secondary educational environment and wider society using a range of contextual, theoretical and philosophical perspectives.
Learning in PE and Sport Contexts 3
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to enable you to appreciate positive learning environments for marginalised groups in PE and physical activity settings. You will consider critical theory, in addition to theoretical conceptions of model-based practice, and critically analyse how these can impact and/or work best for marginalised groups. You will be required to draw upon physical literacy research to underpin and contextualise your considerations. The module seeks to allow opportunities for you to reflect on how you can develop your own pedagogical teaching practice. To further support this, you will utilise research skills and self-reflection via a reflective tool to draw your own conclusions.
Applied Placement in Physical Education
20 credits
20 credits
You will experience the opportunity to plan and deliver a school or community-based project in a school or community setting. In preparation for the project, you will critically review the leadership, management and enterprise skills required for successful delivery. On completion of the project delivery, you will critically review your personal and professional development and evaluate how this has developed your professional identity.
Optional Modules
Strength and Conditioning
20 credits
20 credits
Within this module you will learn how to implement strength and conditioning concepts and principles in the applied sporting environment. Specifically, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform a needs analysis of an athlete, analyse data against theoretical norms and programme design. Alongside this, you will gain the opportunity to practise and explore the correct ways to administer safe and effective training-interventions.
Behaviour change
20 credits
20 credits
This module will engage you in current behaviour change theories, concepts and applied examples across the physical activity, nutrition, sport performance and health disciplines. In doing so, you will gain a theoretical underpinning in behaviour change and insight into how to change behaviours across a range of settings/populations/disciplines.
Performance Analysis in Sport
20 credits
20 credits
This module will develop your theoretical knowledge, applied understanding and skills in performance analysis of sport. In doing so, you will improve your ability to review and critique performance analysis application across sports.
This module provides an opportunity to develop your theoretical knowledge and applied skills of assessment and analysis of sport performance domains. You will develop the critical thinking skills required for performance analysis and translation of performance analysis information to the daily sport practice.
PE Teacher Education
20 credits
20 credits
This module will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the current practices of Physical Education and school sport within the 14-19 National Curriculum. During the course you will also develop a critical understanding of examinations and awards within Physical Education for 14–19-year-olds. The module will enable you to plan and deliver within a 14-19 years setting thereby providing a contextual opportunity to develop personal teaching, learning and assessment approaches in Physical Education.
Interdisciplinary Coaching Science
20 credits
20 credits
This module integrates a sport science and coaching interdisciplinary outlook to creating an evidence-based approach of an athletes annual training plan encompassing critical thinking around potential performance problems and solutions. This module will require you to demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the key concepts and challenges of programme design and delivery through problem-based learning. This will provide you with the knowledge to discuss how an interdisciplinary team can work together to provide bespoke performance solutions.
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching encompasses a range of practicals, lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, online activities, work-based learning and independent learning.
Peer Learning Groups (PLG) will enable you to discuss and develop course material in a more informal setting plus key personal and professional skills. You will be encouraged to engage in volunteering activities in the local community and gain additional qualifications that will enhance your future employability.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is designed to build both your academic and practical skills, providing the qualifications and practical skills required for sport and nutrition related careers.
There will be opportunities to work alongside practitioners giving you a real taste of the many careers available within physical education. Work-related learning is a vital element of your studies as it gives you the chance to practice skills learned on the course.
Work-related Learning
The degree has a strong element of work-related learning and there will be extensive opportunities to work with young people in a variety of settings (e.g. schools, clubs, leisure centres). Voluntary work experience forms a vital element of the programme and you will be encouraged to apply theoretical concepts in practice. You will also be able to participate in our in-house Sport Start scheme, which brings 12,000 children to the campus for sport and physical activity lessons every year. Students also have an opportunity to study abroad for a year between level 5 and 6.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
You will be assigned a Personal Tutor who will be responsible for supporting your academic and personal progress throughout the course. This one-to-one support is particularly useful for discussing course-related issues or any other concerns that you may have during your studies. Weekly contact with your tutor in a Peer Learning Group will be scheduled as part of your weekly timetable. Other student support services and facilities include: Student Support and IT Zones and a dedicated Library, open in the evenings and at weekends during semesters.
The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
LJMU recognises that students perform differently depending on how they are assessed. That's why we use a combination of assessment methods, including written assignments, exams, practical work, individual and group presentations, portfolios, reflective logs and a dissertation.
Assessments are planned across the programme so that you can manage your workload, and use feedback to develop learning for future assignments. Constructive feedback will help you identify strengths and areas for development and is provided regularly throughout the programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
You will study in Liverpool city centre at our City Campus. Our sport and exercise sciences facilities are world-leading and feature state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for our current and future sport scientists. The Avril Robarts library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.
I came to the open day and got to meet one of the lecturers that I have now. It was a really helpful day and helped me make my decision to apply to LJMU.
Course tutors
Emma Ball
- Programme Leader
The most rewarding aspects of being a lecturer and programme leader is seeing each student's journey unfold over the three years of the degree
The most rewarding aspects of being a lecturer and programme leader is seeing each student's journey unfold over the three years of the degree
Since joining LJMU in 2011, Emma has led postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. Prior to joining LJMU, Emma was a Secondary School PE teacher and Head of Department. She won LJMU's Vice Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in 2015 and is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE. Her research interests are related to student experience in Higher Education - particularly the use of peer mentoring in cultivating communities of practice. She is currently undertaking a PhD in this area.
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Senior Lecturer in Performance Analysis
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L/SL In Physical Activity, Exercise and Health Psychology
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
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Lecturer
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Subject Head
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
Career paths
Thanks to our links with over 450 different employers in the North West alone and our strong partnerships with both primary and secondary schools, students enjoy superb work placement opportunities at all levels of their degree studies.
You will also have the opportunity to work with a range of practitioners in a variety of settings. Such experience enables you to put theory into practice and adds real value to your CV so impressing future employers.
Graduates from this programme will be able to pursue careers in teaching (following the completion of relevant Initial Teacher Training programmes, such as PGDE or School Direct primary and secondary courses). Alternative career routes for graduates include coaching, sport development or youth and community work. Public service occupations (including police, education and childrens services), business sector graduate training schemes and educational management are also popular careers amongst graduates.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Professional accreditation/links
Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
With membership of ASET, the UK’s leading authority on work based and placement learning, LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is committed to providing Work-based and Placement Learning (WBPL) experiences to our students that are quality assured and supported in accordance with best practice guidelines.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
- Home fee:
- £9,535
- Placement year:
- £1,905
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
- International fee:
- £18,250
- Placement year international:
- £3,830
Courses_UG_Fees_Funding_Subheading_International
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: CCD-CCC (88-96)
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
CCD-CCC
BTECs
Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points.
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
We are looking for students who are genuinely interested in sport and have the potential to make a difference to the sports industry.
Applicants should be able to communicate effectively both orally and in their written work and possess the self-discipline to manage their time and tasks effectively while at LJMU.
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The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.