Physical education and dance
We offer secondary teacher education in physical education and dance.
Physical education and dance courses
At undergraduate level we offer a four-year Physical Education BA(Hons) with QTS degree. At postgraduate level we offer one-year PGCE courses in Physical Education and Dance.
All of these courses entitle you to be awarded qualified teacher status if successful.
There is a Physical Education BA(Hons) where you will not be awarded qualified teacher status.
Find out more about our physical education and dance courses
Course modules
The courses are modular and the academic year is divided into two semesters.
You gain preparation to teach in core areas, for example in physical education to teach athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, OAA, and swimming.
In dance the focus is on teaching choreography, performance, and appreciation of dance.
The secondary undergraduate course includes space for student selection of modules alongside a core of required modules.
Outdoor Adventure
You will have the opportunity to visit Outdoor Adventure in Cornwall. The trip will focus on your performance in a range of outdoor and adventurous activities.
Watch the video of the trip to Bude:
Professional links
All the degrees are designed to prepare you for professional practice and for continuing professional development.
The university has authority from the GTCE (General Teaching Council of England) for recommendation of the award of QTS to students who meet the current teaching standards and who have gained a degree.
We have partnership arrangements with a large number of primary and secondary schools who contribute to the courses, and who provide placements for you to complete teaching practice.
Placements
The degrees include placement work that will allow you to gain experience in teaching and to meet the QTS standards.
Currently these periods are 24 weeks for postgraduates and 32 weeks for undergraduates.
Major placement experiences are divided between two schools separated by a time spent at the university.
On placements you are inducted, assisted, taught and assessed by school staff known as mentors and professional tutors.
These staff are from schools and colleges which are part of the partnership for teacher education, and they attend regular partnership meetings with university tutors to discuss professional concerns related to initial teacher education.
On placements you are able to apply the subject learning you have gained from within and outside the university course; learn about school and departmental policies and procedures; develop your knowledge of pupils’ learning; assist with extra-curricular activities; acquire and develop class teaching skills; perform the role of the teacher; and contribute to the wider life of the school.
