Physical Education
BA(Hons) with QTS

Course summary and entry requirements

Course duration
Full-time: 4 years

UCAS code X1C6

Professional accreditation
The course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

About the course

The physical education course prepares you to teach all aspects of physical education including the National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCPE).
Throughout the programme you will have regular opportunities to work with children in schools, in the community, and using the university's own specialist facilities. We have an excellent national and international reputation for physical education and dance.

Typical entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2014. Entry requirements for students thinking about starting a course in 2013 can be found in the online prospectus. Individual offers may vary
A-levels:
ABB. To include at least AB from two A2s.
BTEC
DDD.
International Baccalaureate:
34 points.
Access to HE Diploma
pass with at least 45 credits at level 3.
GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
at least five subjects including English language and mathematics. We do not accept Functional Skills or Key Skills as a GCSE equivalent. Applicants must have already passed, or be in the process of taking the required GCSEs.
Foundation degree/HND
may enable you to start the course in year 2.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Other:
Applicants studying a mixture of A levels and BTEC will be made offers based on the above grades.
The Department for Education has introduced Professional Skills Tests in English and Maths for all applicants to teacher training (QTS) routes. These tests are compulsory, and it will not be possible to enter training without having successfully completed them. Candidates are able to book these tests in advance, and the Department for Education strongly advises you to take the tests soon after you have submitted an application.
The University of Brighton recognises that these tests may present a real challenge to some candidates and we recommend that you prepare carefully before attempting them, as you are limited to only three attempts per test. For this reason we will not insist that undergraduate applicants have passed the tests before they come to an interview and although having already passed the tests may give you a clear advantage, we will be prepared to consider your capacity to pass and potentially make you an offer of a place subject to their successful completion. When we make such an offer you will be given a clear deadline, usually within 2 to 3 months of your interview, so we advise that you plan ahead and book your tests well in advance so that you can organise your preparation.
Details about the tests, including how to register and prepare for the tests, can be found here: www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/professional
The equivalent of at least two weeks recent work experience with children, preferably in a primary or secondary setting is required.
Course content

Course structure

Years 1 and 2 are spent developing learning and teaching skills on campus, with a two-week secondary school placement towards the end. Year 3 starts with a 15-week placement, followed by university-based study that continues until the middle of year 4. You will then return to school for a final 15 weeks at the end of the course.

Areas of study

Year 1 focuses on developing your knowledge and understanding of physical education.
In year 2 you will study learning and teaching methods for teaching PE in secondary schools and will also study behaviour management, assessment and examinations in PE.
Years 3 and 4 include two major school placements where you will work with experienced PE teachers and be supported by course tutors throughout.
There are a wide range qualifications and extracurricular activities that you can undertake during your course. These include a number of NGB (National Governing Body) awards, organising sports competitions and the opportunity to perform with Kick-Start and Fidget dance companies. There is also a water sports module and ski trip.

Syllabus

Year 1
Dance
Qualitative Analysis of Human Movement
Gymnastic Activities
Foundation Games
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
Swimming and Water Safety
Track and Field Athletics
Education Studies
Teachers as an Educator
One elective module from:
Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Scientific Basis of Exercise, Training and Physical Performance
Social Perspectives on Sport
Year 2
Learning and Teaching through Dance, Athletic Activities, Games Activities, Gymnastics Activities, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities, Swimming and Water Safety
Education Studies
Examinations in PE 14-16
Initial School Experience
Placement
Creating a Positive Teaching and Learning Environment
Independent Professional Development
Years 3 and 4
Personal, Social and Health Education
Education Studies
PE in the 14-19 Curriculum
Partnerships: school and community links
Final professional semester
Independent study
Options include:
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
Dance Performance and Choreography
Water Sports
Advanced Gymnastics and major games modules including: football, cricket, rugby, netball, tennis, hockey and basketball

You can view the programme specification for this course as a PDF file by clicking on the link below:

Programme Specification
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2013-14. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BA(Hons) Physical Education with QTS [K1DA001]

UK/EU (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
Island Students (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
International (Full Time) 12,900 GBP
Location

Location Eastbourne

Eastbourne is a thriving town which offers traditional seaside attractions, modern nightlife, good shopping and a wide range of sporting activities. It’s one of the sunniest places in the UK.
Our Eastbourne campus is located at the foot of the South Downs National Park, about ten minutes walk from the seafront and 20 minutes from the pier and Eastbourne town centre. Almost 3,000 students are based here.
View campus maps and directions
Living in Eastbourne
Eastbourne’s buzzing university community and compact town gives it a laid back and friendly feel. The town combines the traditional seaside attractions with modern nightlife, a wide range of sporting activities and an exciting arts scene.
Social scene
The student community in Eastbourne ensures it has a thriving social scene, with dedicated student nights at many of the town’s pubs and clubs. Eastbourne’s expanding nightlife includes trendy cocktail bars, laid-back country pubs and modern nightclubs.
Arts
The striking Towner contemporary art museum in Eastbourne features international exhibitions as well as a permanent art collection. Eastbourne's six theatres give you a chance to see West End musicals, touring shows, live music and comedy.
Sports
Eastbourne has long been the home of pre-Wimbledon tennis tournaments at Devonshire Park. Eastbourne also hosts an extreme sports festival and the Beachy Head Marathon that takes place across the South Downs National Park.
Staff profiles

Sid Hayes

Course leader

Between 1984-1988, Sid Hayes studied Physical Education BEd(Hons) at St. Paul's and St. Mary's in Cheltenham.

He then taught in a mixed comprehensive secondary school in Stoke-on-Trent progressing to Head of Department.

From 1992-1994 he undertook a Masters degree at Leicester University in the discipline of Sports Sociology.

His has held his current position since February 1995. He co-ordinates the games and special needs modules.

Sid has previously worked on consultancy projects with the Department for Education and Skills, looking into differentiation in Physical Education, and the Sussex Learning and Skills Council, which addressed leisure provision in the county.

He is currently conducting research with Brunel and Exeter Universities on a Teacher Training Agency funded project investigating subject knowledge levels of PGCE PE trainees on teacher training courses.

Fiona Smith

Principal lecturer

Dance & Physical Education BEd(Hons) (Brighton Polytechnic), Dance Studies MA(Laban Centre). Year 4 tutor and coordinator of the undergraduate dance programme.

Fiona teaches in the areas of dance and gymnastics, both on the postgraduate and undergraduate courses, as well as education studies. She coordinates the extra-curricular dance programme, including the staging of student performances. She is artistic director of the all male Kick-Start dance company.

Fiona is an executive member of the National Dance Teachers’ Association.

Andy Theodoulides

Principal lecturer

Andy has a Physical Education BEd(Hons) from the West London Institute of Higher Education; an Education MA from The Open University; a Sport Sciences MSc from Brunel University; and a PhD from the University of Brighton.

Before working at the University of Brighton Andy taught PE for 13 years in secondary schools and was Head of PE in two schools.

Since joining the university he has been PGCE PE route leader for six years and then the BA(Hons) PE with QTS Course for six years.

He is currently programme leader for PE and Dance and teaches predominantly in the area of the pedagogy of PE and sport.
Student views

Caroline Thomas

Physical Education BA(Hons) with QTS

Number one choice

I chose to come to the University of Brighton as it was a place of familiarity to me and was within good distance to my home. The school also has a prestigious reputation and is a level one learner provider so with this all in mind the University of Brighton was my number one choice.

Opportunities

During my first year I was a part of the university dance squad and this year have joined the Fidget dance company.

I also play an active role in the volunteer programme that the university runs and have volunteered to teach sports to young children.

The opportunities at the university are endless; it really is such a great place to study, the facilities are all very modern and the lecturers are all very friendly.

Fulfilling role

In my second year I have taken on the role of student ambassador. This involves helping out on the Physical Education interview days and providing support and information to the candidates and their families.

Fulfilling this role on behalf of the university has given me a great sense of gratitude. It is giving something back to the institution for all the wonderful opportunities and doors it has opened for me.

Scholarship success

One of the best moments was when I was presented with a scholarship from the Dean of Faculty and head of school; I never thought in a million years that I would achieve something as great as this.

There are many types of scholarship available for talented sports players. However, being a general all round sports player, it was never something I set my sights on. I was awarded a merit-based scholarship from obtaining good academic results at the end of my first year. The money has helped to pay for my second year trip to Bude.
Career opportunities

Recent graduates have achieved success in the teaching profession, in sport and leisure development for young people, the armed forces and the police, management, coaching and in postgraduate research.

Visit the careers service website.
More...

On this course you have the opportunity to take part in a number of activities to help in your development as a Physical Education teacher.

This reflects the nature of the role of the contemporary teacher of physical education and prepares you to teach a more reflective curriculum based on individual needs and pupil activity choices in schools. These activities include:

Inclusive festivals:

As part of your induction programme you prepare a series of activities for pupils with moderate, profound and multiple learning difficulties. Activities will include Boccia, New Age Kurling, Goalball, Parachute games and dance.

Gifted and talented days:

You will organise gifted and talented days for school pupils. You help pupils to identify and solve problems to overcome challenges of an adventurous nature. This includes activities in which success is judged on how efficiently and safely challenges are overcome.

Outdoor adventure days:

You will facilitate a day of onsite outdoor and adventurous activities for pupils. You learn how to teach realistic and achievable onsite outdoor and adventurous activities to secondary school pupils without the need to take pupils offsite or use specialist equipment and facilities.

Active student volunteer programmes:

With the Active Student volunteer programme you provide out-of-school-hours activities for local primary school pupils. The activities include swimming, lifestyle activities, trampolining and gymnastics.

Orienteering festivals

As part of the Outdoor Education module you will arrange and manage an orienteering festival for pupils in a local park. You learn how to facilitate and manage a large sporting event whilst at the same time gaining important professional experience of teaching orienteering skills and techniques to pupils.

Team building days:

You will organise team building days for school pupils. Pupils will take part in a series of physical challenges and activities that promote communication skills, problem-solving and decision-making through trust games, orienteering, and team building.

Alternative activities:

On alternative activities days you teach secondary school pupils a variety of alternative activities including Kinball, Street Surfing, Rockitball, Goalball, and teaching and learning using the Nintendo Wii.

Physical Education interview days

Potential students who would like to teach Physical Education in Secondary Schools will be invited for an interview before an offer is made. The interview will have both a practical and formal element.