Overview
This course is perfect if you want to get a wider view of physical education and sport, and the science behind them. It is one of a few degrees in the country to offer this combination of subjects as a single honours.
The design and structure of the course enables you to take a flexible and broad approach to your future career. You'll be able to study modules that have a focus on a particular career, or you can develop the knowledge and skills needed for a wide range of professions.
You'll examine the wide context of physical education at all ages and study the sport science disciplines of physiology, psychology, biomechanics and sociology. In Year 3 you’ll be able to gain valuable work experience in a setting of your choice. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend outdoor education centres or experience other educational settings, such as primary, secondary and special schools.
Whether you are considering becoming a PE teacher or want to follow a sports-related career in sport development, the health and fitness sector or public services, this diverse course will stretch your body and mind, helping you reach your full potential.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. This is why we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Our 2026 course will reflect this new approach. The 2026 course page will be made live shortly.
British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences
Our sports laboratories are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
91%
of our Physical Education and Sport & Exercise Science students were satisfied with their course overall
National Student Survey 2024100%
100% of our Physical Education and Sport and Exercise Science students were in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023Entry requirements
112
UCAS Tariff Points
Accepted qualifications
We accept a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others. Below are some common examples.
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | BBC |
| BTEC | DMM |
| Access | 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 Points |
The grades in this table provide an indication of what is required to study this course. If you have qualifications that are not present in the table or want to tell us more about you specific situation then please contact our friendly Course Enquiry Team.
DBS requirements
A current satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. Where you do not already have this you can apply for this check through the University. There will be a charge for such applications. For more information please see CCCU DBS requirements.
It is a condition of registration on any course requiring a satisfactory check from DBS that the student maintains good standing in relation to their behaviour and, where required, subscribes to the criminal record status check service.
Don’t meet these entry requirements?
If you do not meet these entry requirements, a foundation year is a great way of beginning your university journey. We recommend you speak to our Course Enquiries team who will advise on a route to study that fits you.
More information
Contact us
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
You will be taught through a combination of real and virtual lectures, seminars, practical sessions, labs, workshops and tutorials. You will typically have around 10-14 contact hours per week. Your actual contact hours depend on the optional modules you select.
Seminars and tutorials in smaller groups will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and other sessions. In addition, you will meet with your personal academic tutor on a regular basis.
In physical education sessions, you will have access to a range of indoor and outdoor facilities including two sports centres, Astroturfs and a dance studio. In sport and exercise science sessions, you will be able to use laboratories housing ‘gold standard’ equipment including an altitude chamber, brain imaging equipment (EEG), reaction timers, cardiac screening equipment and 3D imaging.
There are also opportunities to get involved in paid and voluntary activities as part of the University's consultancy unit ‘SportsLab’ that provides scientific services for sports people.
When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops or other timetabled sessions, you will continue learning through self-study. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, planning practical activities and preparing for workshops, seminars, coursework and examinations.
Each module tutor will direct you toward specific readings and/or activities to complete before and/or after class to support your learning and development. Your allocated personal academic tutor will help you review your performance, and support your independent learning.
During the final year of study, you'll complete an individual study (dissertation), where you will work under the supervision of a member of the academic staff who you will meet regularly.
Overall workload typically consists of 10-14 teaching hours per week with 15-20 hours of independent learning and assessment related activity per module. You will study three modules in each semester.
The teaching team consists of highly qualified academics, supported by specialist professional services and a highly skilled technical team. They have a range of expertise and experience across the breadth of disciplines in physical education and sport and exercise science.
The majority of staff hold teaching and academic qualifications (i.e. doctorate or Master's), with a small number of staff working towards achieving this standard. Staff are research-active and many are at the forefront of their research fields in the UK and beyond, and have substantial experience in delivering research led and research informed teaching.
Postgraduate students sometimes assist in teaching some module content in their areas of expertise, and assist with peer learning. However, the vast majority of delivery is undertaken by an experienced academic team.
This course is designed to equip you with the skills to promote active learning, healthy active lifestyles and sporting performance, exploring areas as diverse as teaching and learning, biomechanics, psychology and sociology. This opens up a diverse range of options for your career or further education through Masters study.Alison CarneyCourse Director
How you’ll be assessed
The course frequently provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of subject disciplines informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Many modules contain practice or 'formative' assessments or similar submissions for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Formative or practice assessments and submissions are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
The formal or 'summative' assessments on each module are planned to take account of two interdependent aspects - the acquisition of relevant theory / principles, and the development of both academic and practical skills.
Assessment methods include a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, presentations (oral and practical), individual study (dissertation) and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Depending on your module choices you may also be assessed through a range of methods, including individual and group presentations, problem based learning tasks, portfolio, case studies, essays, scientific reports and examinations. These are planned to take account of two interdependent aspects:
- The acquisition of relevant theory and principles
- The development of both academic and practical skills
Assessment procedures will build on your newly acquired knowledge and skills as well as the process of developing skills and your ability to apply your knowledge and skills in the world of work.
Your future career
The Physical Education & Sport and Exercise Science degree opens up both primary and secondary routes into teaching, through PGCE or School Direct, and prepares you for further postgraduate study at all levels through to PhD.
It also prepares you for roles in sport, physical activity, health and fitness and the leisure industry. In addition it provides an excellent foundation for careers in the public sector, including the medical professions (cardiac rehabilitation, physiotherapy and health promotion), whilst both the armed and police forces look favourably upon our graduates.
Related courses
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated. The fees represented here are for study with Canterbury Christ Church University. If you are looking to study at a partner institution, please visit their website for fees information.
Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 our undergraduate home tuition fees are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Industry links
There are a number of informal relationships with providers in the physical education and sport sectors aligned to the continued development of our teaching programme including Kent Sport, Kent School Games and coaching companies some who are happy to support paid and unpaid work experience for students.
In addition we are currently one of 12 Universities working with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) to develop professional standards in the sector which are aligned with Higher Education qualifications.
We also have links with:
- British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) – selected accredited staff;
- British Psychological Society (BPS) – selected accredited staff;
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered – selected staff;
- Higher Education Academy (HEA) – accredited staff.
Specialist facilities
You will have access to two sports centres including a dance and fitness studio and outdoor spaces such as astroturfs, tennis courts, and sports pitches.
In addition, the sport science laboratories are available to measure and assess sport and exercise performance and understand coaching behaviour. You will also have the opportunity to work within our consultancy unit SportsLab, through which we work with professional athletes, conducting performance related tests and use our expertise to help athletes boost their performance either as an individual or a team.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
3 yearsUCAS code:
XC36Location(s):
CanterburyAny questions?
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