Secondary Physical Education with QTS - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry.
If you have a passion for Physical Education and Sport, inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating, then this is the course for you.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Education and Social Work
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Overview
If you have a passion for Physical Education and Sport, inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating, then this is the course for you.
What's covered in this course?
The School of Education and Social Work is a leading provider of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in the West Midlands with a strong partnership across a diverse range of secondary schools. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, you will gain practical experience in a range of schools with a rich variety of cultural and linguistic influences, religious beliefs and social diversity. The Department of Sport and Exercise, part of the School of Health Sciences, is committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of work it undertakes related to sport and exercise, sports therapy, physiotherapy and physical education and school sport. You will really value the vibrant and practice-led learning environment we create and the opportunities that we offer our students. This course will enable you to teach PE to secondary school aged pupils (11-16 year olds) and includes some post-16 enhancement.
You will also benefit from the unique and strong partnership between PE and Sports and Exercise Science teacher educators and subject specialists who are at the forefront of practice in their fields.
If you have any questions about this courses please email: UGSecondarySLT@bcu.ac.uk.
Why Choose Us?
- You will spend time in a range of local secondary schools on professional placements, equipping you with a wealth of practical experience to develop you as a physical education teacher, working in partnership with experienced school subject mentors.
- Practical hands-on experience in schools right from the start of your programme.
- Study in our newly extended £71 million City South Campus which is home to state-of-the-art specialist facilities as well as our sports hall
- We meet the Department for Education's (DfE) Criteria for Initial Teacher Training and successful candidates on our Initial Teacher Training courses will be recommended to the DfE for Qualified Teacher Status.
Similar Courses
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus open day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.
Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
If your Level 3 qualifications do not meet the UCAS tariff for this course, you may be offered a place on our Education and Social Work Foundation Year instead. This course offers an alternative pathway onto our Teacher Training/Social Work courses. You do not need to submit a separate application but will automatically be considered for this if your predicted grades fall below the UCAS entry tariff. Find out more about the Foundation Year.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| Level 2 qualifications | ||
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| GCSE | GCSE English Language, GCSE Maths and GCSE Science at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
| Scottish National 5 | English Language, Maths and Science at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce |
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Diploma in Higher Education (Dip HE) |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
In addition successful candidates will be required to successfully complete an Occupational Health and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance via the Faculty.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,980 in 2023/24
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Our advice for applying to a health care course
Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module introduces secondary physical education to you as you prepare to be a teacher. It looks in detail at what is included from a Department for Education stand point, exploring the purpose, aims and expected content of the 11-16 age phase PE curriculum. The module will discuss where PE fits in to a school’s curriculum and what differentiates it from physical activity and school sport.
This module provides an introduction to human anatomy, relating to structures, properties and functions of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscle, in relation to the mechanical principles, which govern human movement.
This module will provide an understanding of how children develop through a physical, emotional, health and well-being perspective. Students will learn about how skill and ability levels can differ between children, and factors which influence development of these.
This module aims to provide you with the underpinning knowledge of various physiological systems in the human body, and key training principles, which relate to sport and exercise. You will be introduced to the concept of the body working as multiple interrelated physiological ‘systems’.
This module explores the journey a pupil has made on entering secondary physical education, looking back at the Early Years statutory framework and the national curriculum at the 5 – 11 age phase. Issues surrounding primary physical education will be discussed. You will learn about motor development and how pupils mature through their PE journey at primary and secondary school and into adulthood. This will involve different milestones and consider the theme of being physically active for life. Developing from this area, you will explore the importance of physical literacy, what it is and how you, as a PE teacher can support your pupils in becoming physically literate.
The role of this module is to encourage you to consider in-depth your first experiences of your subject in your placement school. It will enable you to understand the complexity of the teacher’s role and the importance of adopting a professional stance at all times. You will understand the importance of an effective learning environment where all pupils feel safe and can develop to their full potential. It will provide you with practical strategies to support you in managing pupils’ behaviour within the context of your subject specialism.
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time, this module, Professional Practice 1, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to meet the professional standards and expectations of teaching through observation and practical experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Within this module you will learn about a range of pedagogical practices which bring about high quality PE lessons where school children are physically active for sustainable periods of time. You will identify the key principles of high quality teaching practice and relate these to practical experiences of teaching PE and sport.
Within this module students will learn about the reasons for physical activity promotion and the barriers to physical activity participation. Students will identify the recommended daily guidelines for physical activity, whilst exploring health and social strategies to improve lifestyle through facilitating physical activity behaviours.
Within this module you will learn about a range of issues surrounding PE and sports coaching. You will identify the key principles of what helps students engage in PE and sport, and what local, national and international initiatives are available to help promote a physical active and healthy lifestyle.
This module is a progression from the Level 4 “Introduction to Secondary PE” module. The module explores the use of different pedagogies used in physical education and builds on your understanding of how to teach effectively. The module looks at different models based practice and allows an opportunity for you to participate in “modelled lessons” in order for you to see how these pedagogical models work in practice, but also to see the viewpoint of the pupil.
This module, Subject Studies, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to explore the nature of your specialist subject in the context of learning and teaching in the secondary school. The module provides substantial support for your professional practice in school, applied through the professional practice modules. This module provides a strong philosophical underpinning to your awareness of the importance of your specialist subject in the secondary school curriculum. By undertaking this module you will be shaping your own rationale for your approach to the teaching of your specialist subject, and to meeting the needs of the learners as they move through the secondary school phase.
This module refers to the wider inclusion agenda, rather than just pupils with special education needs or disabilities. It considers the barriers to learning that pupils may have within the subject specialism, and specific classroom approaches or interventions that can be used to address these barriers.
This module will provide opportunities for you to progress from professional practice 1, by support you in embedding and enhancing your classroom practice as evidenced by the teaching standards. During your placement, you will consider the wider area of inclusion and how, in your subject specialism, specific classroom approaches can be developed to address the many barriers to learning that pupils hold.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module aims to further develop your understanding of the psychological aspects of development and progress in sport. The module also explores the various ways this topic is researched. The underlying aim of the module is to contribute to your development as a more thoughtful and effective sport scientist. It will equip you with a range of strategies and tools for investigating the psychological aspects of athletic development.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the understanding and key concepts of working in a high performance sporting environment from a coaching perspective. The primary objectives are to ensure students recognise the holistic nature of high performance sport (i.e., how the coach connects with staff in other disciplines such as Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Performance Analysis, Psychology, and Nutrition), and are capable of delivering progressive coaching sessions in relation to a sport-specific performance plan.
This module explores the role of physical education in the secondary school and its relationship with the community. It explores the societal and cultural aspects of physical education and you will investigate the history and evolution of school PE and the differences between types of schools.
This module will allow you to actively examine your professional practice in the workplace and to develop a reflective approach to personal development. Through studying it, you will further develop your practice-based enquiry skills. Increasing importance is placed on evidence-based enquiry to inform professional development in education.
This module, The Professional Teacher, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to explore and understand in practical terms the meaning of professionalism in the context of your subject specialism. You will understand the holistic and positive role of a teacher and the practices and policies of the education framework in which you operate. Implicit in this will be the development of your understanding of how children learn in your subject (pedagogy) and how this is organised, delivered and measured in the current range of school systems.
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time in school, this module, Professional Practice 3, enables you to build on and demonstrate your mastery and achievement of the professional standards and expectations of teaching through practical, school-based experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment.
Download course specification
Download nowCourse Structure
This course encompasses the contemporary place and role of school-based Physical Education, Health and Sport. Physical Education continues to be an important part of Government agendas, so with this in mind, you'll learn relevant and up-to-date techniques, subject and pedagogical knowledge and other PE-related information.
Linked and mapped to the national curriculum for PE, you'll be taught the physical activities and up-to-date information that you will need to be an effective PE teacher in a secondary school sector. Alongside the practical nature of this degree, participating in a mixture of activities and sports, you'll also be looking at different aspects of health and people at opposite ends of the health spectrum. It's a chance for you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to negotiate different challenges.
- Education and Sport and Exercise modules are taught at our recently extended £71 million City South Campus in Edgbaston, which includes brand new state-of-the-art facilities, sports therapy rooms, cutting-edge resources and a designated sports area. Our facilities are specifically designed to develop your knowledge and skills in secondary teaching.
- We have a long and successful track record in the training of secondary school teachers.
- The course is delivered in collaboration between PE specialist tutors in the School of Education and Social Work, and academic PE and Sports and Exercise tutors within the School of Health Sciences.
- The course aims to develop your PE subject and pedagogical knowledge and understanding at degree level, alongside gaining a professional qualification (QTS).
- You will spend time in a range of local secondary schools on a professional placement, equipping you with a wealth of practical experience to develop you as a PE teacher, working in partnership with experienced school subject mentors.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
We will support you in the transition to university through a careful induction process, confidence building activities, group work and a carefully planned programme with a range of formative and summative assessments.
Your programme will be interactive, practical, engaging, thought provoking and challenging and is designed to promote independence so that you become a confident, committed and creative teacher ready to join the teaching profession.
On the programme you will experience a variety of learning and teaching approaches that focus on modelling good practice and these will include: workshops, conferences, lectures, seminars, a range of guest speakers, visits to schools/settings and other sites as well as a range of practical teaching experiences.
The content of the programme is research led, innovative and responsive to the educational climate to enable you to develop your subject and pedagogical knowledge and apply it in the classroom.
Placements
We have developed a shared vision for educational excellence with the schools in our partnership. You will benefit from working with and learning from outstanding classroom teachers in schools and at University. Working in schools with teachers and pupils is key to you becoming a committed, creative and confident teacher.
School placements increase in length over the three years of your course to ensure you complete the minimum of 120 days required to build your teaching experience and gather evidence that you meet the requirements for QTS. The placement aspect of this course is non-credit bearing.
The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) Professional Standards for Teachers which lead to recommendation for the award of QTS will be assessed through the school based training modules.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our facilities
Our School of Education and Social Work is based at our City South campus in leafy Edgbaston.
We’ve spent £41million expanding the education facilities at City South. These facilities offer hands-on practical experience, replicating the spaces you will come across in professional practice. Alongside classrooms and lecture theatres, we also have a range of specialist teaching and learning spaces for specific subjects including science, design and technology, drama and physical education.
As well as subject-specific rooms, our facilities include the Primary Innovation Lab, which houses £24,000 worth of LEGO. This room is a special resource for our education students, offering an innovative and creative way to approach subjects across the curriculum – from computing to English, mathematics to art. The lab responds to research that children and young people learn best from practical experience.
Our Social Work students have access to a home environment room and mock hospital wards which offer an opportunity to gain experience of working with service users in different situations.
Computer facilities
The Seacole building has two open-access IT Suites which offer PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. There is also an IT Helpdesk for quick and easy help with your computing or internet issues.
Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
In addition to desktop PCs, we also offer a laptop loan facility, allowing students to borrow a laptop for up to six hours while on campus.
Our staff
Grant Huddleston
Course Leader BA/BSc Hons. Secondary Education (QTS) courses, and Senior Lecturer in Physical Education
Grant is the course leader for the BA/BSc Hons. Secondary Education (QTS) courses and a senior lecturer in Physical Education. When starting at Birmingham City University in 2017, Grant was the subject leader for Physical Education, working across primary and secondary education on the BA (QTS) Primary Education, PGCE Primary Education (QTS), and...
More about GrantDr Peter Thain
Associate Professor and Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
As a Chartered Physiotherapist and Sports Therapist, Peter has over a decade of experience working in basketball, football and netball. Peter successfully designed and validated the initial BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy, and after three consecutive 100% student satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey, continues to lead the sports...
More about Peter