The BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport programme is an innovative, multidisciplinary course which seeks to enhance the skills and expertise of those wishing to further their careers within the areas of Health Promotion, Education or a range of opportunities in the field of sport. Students undertake a broad and diverse programme of study. Each year you will study the equivalent of six modules that include a blend of practical and academic elements plus a period of work-based professional development. In Year 2 and Year 3, there is a range of module choices to allow you to develop greater degrees of specialism. The course will appeal to those with an active interest in working with young people and provides opportunities to proceed to postgraduate courses in education, nutrition, training and health promotion.
How will I study?
In addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, you will undertake work placement. Students are encouraged to participate in the ERASMUS+ or international exchange programmes, with the opportunity to study at universities in Europe and further afield. The course culminates in a research-based dissertation which allows students to explore, in depth, a topic of their choice in the areas of health, physical activity and sport.
Who will be teaching me?
In College and on your professional placements, you will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research informed and experienced practitioners. The staff are supported by a Course Consultative Committee which includes representatives from a range of health and sport sectors. As a small, specialist institution, our tutors get to know you – your strengths, your weaknesses, your abilities and your talents – and will support you to become a learning leader.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays; individual and group projects and presentations; written examinations; assessment on placement; and a final dissertation.
The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available on the Physical Education and Sport degree course. However, modules are subject to change.
Year 1
- Introduction to Organisations
- An Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Practical Studies 1
- Sociology of Health and Sport
- Introduction to Body Systems
- Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Health
- Introduction to Nutrition
Year 2
- Work Placement and Health & Safety
- Introduction to Research Methods
Plus THREE of the following modules:
- Practical Studies 2
- Exercise Science
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Applied
- Managing People & Markets
And TWO of the following modules:
- Sport in the Community
- Sports Nutrition
- Community Health & Health Promotion
Students undertaking Erasmus+ will take the following: European Outreach, Introduction to Research Methods, Health and Safety PLUS two of the following module options; Exercise Science; Sport and Exercise Psychology applied; and Managing People & Markets
Year 3
- Dissertation
Plus TWO of the following modules:
- Practical Studies 3
- Project Management
- Assessment of Physical Activity
And Two of the following modules:
- Health Promotion and Professional Practice
- Psychology of Physical Activity
- Sports Development
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification
A Level
BCC to include at least one of the following: Sport Studies, Physical Education, Biology, Life and Health Science, Food and Nutrition, Health and Social Care
BTEC National Extended Diploma
DMM – Health and Social Care, Sport, Sport and Exercise Science
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3H3H3H4H4 to include English, Mathematics and Biology.
Higher National Certificate (Year 1 Entry Only)
Overall 8 Merits – Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Social Care
Higher National Diploma (Year 2 Direct Entry)
Overall 10 Distinctions – Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Social Care
The Admissions Process
The BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport degree at Stranmillis University College is very popular and each year the number of applicants greatly outweighs the number of places available.
Academic Registry receives all applications for the BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport degree directly from UCAS. Applications are considered on the basis of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that complete detail is provided. All applications must contain a reference otherwise they will not be considered. All fully completed applications submitted by the UCAS closing date of 31st January are given equal consideration. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Step 1 – Review of Academic Profile
All applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science. If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be demonstrated in the UCAS application.
Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Applications of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.
Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English.
BTEC/OCN Level 2 Science is acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science.
An unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements.
An applicant’s GCSE/AS Level profile is taken into account when deciding whether or not to make conditional offers. For last year’s entry, the initial offer making threshold was 3 As and 3Bs at GCSE. The final threshold was a minimum 6 Bs at GCSE or BCC at AS Level. Please note that this changes from year to year depending on the number of applications received and the number of places available. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial requirements
Applicants that have already completed A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, depending upon the availability of places.
Step 2 – Review of UCAS Personal Statement
All applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their Personal Statement reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry.
A personal desire and motivation for sport, health or nutrition must be evident in your Personal Statement. You will be required to demonstrate this by providing examples of your commitment to sport and health, such as playing sports and coaching. An unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant that does not demonstrate this evidence in their Personal Statement.
Step 3 – Offers
Offers are made on the basis of academic profile/personal statement and verification of qualifications. Academic Registry aim to have all BSc Physical Education and Sport offers processed on UCAS before the 31st of March, however, the final UCAS deadline for ‘on time’ applications is 16th May.
All offers are subject to a satisfactory Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check, which you will be asked to complete prior to commencing study.
Please note that due to the demand for, and limited number of, places on the BSc Physical Education and Sport degree, applications for deferred entry will not be considered.
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process.
Step 4 – Confirmation and Clearing
Following publication of results in August, applicants that exactly meet or better the conditions of their offer will be accepted onto the course. Depending on the number of successful applicants and the number of vacancies still to be filled, it may be possible to offer places to applicants who have dropped slightly below the conditions of their offer. In the event of a small number of places being available, an applicant’s interview score and overall academic profile, such as GCSEs and AS Levels, will be assessed and decisions will be made on this basis.
Enhancing employability is a key part of the student experience. The transferable skills you develop on the course, together with extensive hands-on professional placement, work experience and study abroad opportunities, ensure that our graduates are highly sought after. The most recent Graduate Outcome survey results report that 97% of our graduates are in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation.
Careers
The transferable skills developed on the Physical Education and Sport degree enable students to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors and settings including:
Health Promotion
Physical Activity and Sport
Community Development
Educational Centres and Welfare
Youth Services and Coaching
Physical Education (Primary and Post Primary)
Degree Enhancement
Our Degree Enhancement programme is designed to further help you to stand out from the crowd. The programme provides a range of opportunities to enhance your skillset through optional short courses, awards and volunteering opportunities in areas relevant to your chosen career path.
Tuition Fees
The fees below are dependent on the ‘residency’ status of each student as determined by their Local Education Authority.
| 2024 - 25 Tuition Fees | NI/ROI | GB | EU Other* | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEd Primary / Post Primary BSc Physical Education & Sport BA Early Childhood Studies | £4,750 | £9,250 | £20,800 | £20,800 |
| PGCE | £4,750 | £9,250 | £20,500 | £20,500 |
*EU Other – Students from the EU (excluding the Republic of Ireland), other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members.
All fees are normally subject to an annual inflationary increase.
For further information on fees and payments, please click here.
Additional Course Costs
All Students
There may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. To support their studies, students are encouraged to borrow books and access online learning resources from the Library. This service is free. However, if students wish to purchase texts, rather than borrow them from the Library, prices per text typically range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students are required to purchase Stranmillis branded sports kit at an approximate cost of £35.
BSC
It is a requirement that applicants who are accepted onto the programme undergo an Enhanced AccessNI Check at the beginning of first year. The current cost of an Enhanced AccessNI Check is £33.
All BSc students undertake a compulsory programme of work placement each year as part of the programme and should be aware that they will have to fund any associated travel and living costs. In your final year, there may be costs associated with transport and materials for your dissertation research project and additional costs for printing and binding. Students undertaking an Erasmus+ or international study abroad option as part of the programme should be aware that, although grants are available, they may have to fund or supplement travel and living costs. There is an expectation that students will purchase HPAS sports kit at an approximate cost of £45.
Bursaries and Scholarships
Stranmillis offers a number of bursaries and scholarships to students who meet certain criteria. For further information on available bursaries and scholarships, please click here.
The Stranmillis motto is Docendo Discimus: ‘Through teaching we learn’. Our aim is deliver the highest quality teaching and learning environment to enable you to achieve your full academic potential and develop outstanding workplace competencel. Innovative thinking, pushing boundaries and creating new and better solutions to professional practice and global issues such as academic underachievement and special educational needs is in our DNA. Our students, like our staff, are inspired to be shapers of education rather than followers.
A Blended Approach
Our teaching staff have a passion: a desire to inspire you to learn, to question and to innovate. We know that doesn’t happen in the lecture theatre alone. Your teaching and learning experience is enriched through a blended learning approach of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group and individual projects and self-directed study.
Personal Tutor
Every student is assigned a personal tutor, who will take the time to get to know you and your learning needs, giving you personalised academic support throughout your degree.
Work-based Placements
Work-based placements are an integral and core part of the degree, allowing you to see your learning being put into practice in a supervised and supportive environment.
Study Abroad
In year 2, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our 30+ partner institutions through our Erasmus+ programme – a learning experience that our students find hugely enriching academically as well as personally: experiencing and sharing cultures; improving language skills; and acquiring new perspectives on education and learning.
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification
The BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport programme is an innovative, multidisciplinary course which seeks to enhance the skills and expertise of those wishing to further their careers within the areas of Health Promotion, Education or a range of opportunities in the field of sport. Students undertake a broad and diverse programme of study. Each year you will study the equivalent of six modules that include a blend of practical and academic elements plus a period of work-based professional development. In Year 2 and Year 3, there is a range of module choices to allow you to develop greater degrees of specialism. The course will appeal to those with an active interest in working with young people and provides opportunities to proceed to postgraduate courses in education, nutrition, training and health promotion.
How will I study?
In addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, you will undertake work placement. Students are encouraged to participate in the ERASMUS+ or international exchange programmes, with the opportunity to study at universities in Europe and further afield. The course culminates in a research-based dissertation which allows students to explore, in depth, a topic of their choice in the areas of health, physical activity and sport.
Who will be teaching me?
In College and on your professional placements, you will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research informed and experienced practitioners. The staff are supported by a Course Consultative Committee which includes representatives from a range of health and sport sectors. As a small, specialist institution, our tutors get to know you – your strengths, your weaknesses, your abilities and your talents – and will support you to become a learning leader.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays; individual and group projects and presentations; written examinations; assessment on placement; and a final dissertation.
The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available on the Physical Education and Sport degree course. However, modules are subject to change.
Year 1
- Introduction to Organisations
- An Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Practical Studies 1
- Sociology of Health and Sport
- Introduction to Body Systems
- Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Health
- Introduction to Nutrition
Year 2
- Work Placement and Health & Safety
- Introduction to Research Methods
Plus THREE of the following modules:
- Practical Studies 2
- Exercise Science
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Applied
- Managing People & Markets
And TWO of the following modules:
- Sport in the Community
- Sports Nutrition
- Community Health & Health Promotion
Students undertaking Erasmus+ will take the following: European Outreach, Introduction to Research Methods, Health and Safety PLUS two of the following module options; Exercise Science; Sport and Exercise Psychology applied; and Managing People & Markets
Year 3
- Dissertation
Plus TWO of the following modules:
- Practical Studies 3
- Project Management
- Assessment of Physical Activity
And Two of the following modules:
- Health Promotion and Professional Practice
- Psychology of Physical Activity
- Sports Development
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification
A Level
BCC to include at least one of the following: Sport Studies, Physical Education, Biology, Life and Health Science, Food and Nutrition, Health and Social Care
BTEC National Extended Diploma
DMM – Health and Social Care, Sport, Sport and Exercise Science
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3H3H3H4H4 to include English, Mathematics and Biology.
Higher National Certificate (Year 1 Entry Only)
Overall 8 Merits – Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Social Care
Higher National Diploma (Year 2 Direct Entry)
Overall 10 Distinctions – Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Social Care
The Admissions Process
The BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport degree at Stranmillis University College is very popular and each year the number of applicants greatly outweighs the number of places available.
Academic Registry receives all applications for the BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport degree directly from UCAS. Applications are considered on the basis of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that complete detail is provided. All applications must contain a reference otherwise they will not be considered. All fully completed applications submitted by the UCAS closing date of 31st January are given equal consideration. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Step 1 – Review of Academic Profile
All applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science. If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be demonstrated in the UCAS application.
Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Applications of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.
Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English.
BTEC/OCN Level 2 Science is acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science.
An unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements.
An applicant’s GCSE/AS Level profile is taken into account when deciding whether or not to make conditional offers. For last year’s entry, the initial offer making threshold was 3 As and 3Bs at GCSE. The final threshold was a minimum 6 Bs at GCSE or BCC at AS Level. Please note that this changes from year to year depending on the number of applications received and the number of places available. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial requirements
Applicants that have already completed A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, depending upon the availability of places.
Step 2 – Review of UCAS Personal Statement
All applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their Personal Statement reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry.
A personal desire and motivation for sport, health or nutrition must be evident in your Personal Statement. You will be required to demonstrate this by providing examples of your commitment to sport and health, such as playing sports and coaching. An unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant that does not demonstrate this evidence in their Personal Statement.
Step 3 – Offers
Offers are made on the basis of academic profile/personal statement and verification of qualifications. Academic Registry aim to have all BSc Physical Education and Sport offers processed on UCAS before the 31st of March, however, the final UCAS deadline for ‘on time’ applications is 16th May.
All offers are subject to a satisfactory Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check, which you will be asked to complete prior to commencing study.
Please note that due to the demand for, and limited number of, places on the BSc Physical Education and Sport degree, applications for deferred entry will not be considered.
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process.
Step 4 – Confirmation and Clearing
Following publication of results in August, applicants that exactly meet or better the conditions of their offer will be accepted onto the course. Depending on the number of successful applicants and the number of vacancies still to be filled, it may be possible to offer places to applicants who have dropped slightly below the conditions of their offer. In the event of a small number of places being available, an applicant’s interview score and overall academic profile, such as GCSEs and AS Levels, will be assessed and decisions will be made on this basis.
Enhancing employability is a key part of the student experience. The transferable skills you develop on the course, together with extensive hands-on professional placement, work experience and study abroad opportunities, ensure that our graduates are highly sought after. The most recent Graduate Outcome survey results report that 97% of our graduates are in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation.
Careers
The transferable skills developed on the Physical Education and Sport degree enable students to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors and settings including:
Health Promotion
Physical Activity and Sport
Community Development
Educational Centres and Welfare
Youth Services and Coaching
Physical Education (Primary and Post Primary)
Degree Enhancement
Our Degree Enhancement programme is designed to further help you to stand out from the crowd. The programme provides a range of opportunities to enhance your skillset through optional short courses, awards and volunteering opportunities in areas relevant to your chosen career path.
Tuition Fees
The fees below are dependent on the ‘residency’ status of each student as determined by their Local Education Authority.
| 2024 - 25 Tuition Fees | NI/ROI | GB | EU Other* | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEd Primary / Post Primary BSc Physical Education & Sport BA Early Childhood Studies | £4,750 | £9,250 | £20,800 | £20,800 |
| PGCE | £4,750 | £9,250 | £20,500 | £20,500 |
*EU Other – Students from the EU (excluding the Republic of Ireland), other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members.
All fees are normally subject to an annual inflationary increase.
For further information on fees and payments, please click here.
Additional Course Costs
All Students
There may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. To support their studies, students are encouraged to borrow books and access online learning resources from the Library. This service is free. However, if students wish to purchase texts, rather than borrow them from the Library, prices per text typically range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students are required to purchase Stranmillis branded sports kit at an approximate cost of £35.
BSC
It is a requirement that applicants who are accepted onto the programme undergo an Enhanced AccessNI Check at the beginning of first year. The current cost of an Enhanced AccessNI Check is £33.
All BSc students undertake a compulsory programme of work placement each year as part of the programme and should be aware that they will have to fund any associated travel and living costs. In your final year, there may be costs associated with transport and materials for your dissertation research project and additional costs for printing and binding. Students undertaking an Erasmus+ or international study abroad option as part of the programme should be aware that, although grants are available, they may have to fund or supplement travel and living costs. There is an expectation that students will purchase HPAS sports kit at an approximate cost of £45.
Bursaries and Scholarships
Stranmillis offers a number of bursaries and scholarships to students who meet certain criteria. For further information on available bursaries and scholarships, please click here.
The Stranmillis motto is Docendo Discimus: ‘Through teaching we learn’. Our aim is deliver the highest quality teaching and learning environment to enable you to achieve your full academic potential and develop outstanding workplace competencel. Innovative thinking, pushing boundaries and creating new and better solutions to professional practice and global issues such as academic underachievement and special educational needs is in our DNA. Our students, like our staff, are inspired to be shapers of education rather than followers.
A Blended Approach
Our teaching staff have a passion: a desire to inspire you to learn, to question and to innovate. We know that doesn’t happen in the lecture theatre alone. Your teaching and learning experience is enriched through a blended learning approach of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group and individual projects and self-directed study.
Personal Tutor
Every student is assigned a personal tutor, who will take the time to get to know you and your learning needs, giving you personalised academic support throughout your degree.
Work-based Placements
Work-based placements are an integral and core part of the degree, allowing you to see your learning being put into practice in a supervised and supportive environment.
Study Abroad
In year 2, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our 30+ partner institutions through our Erasmus+ programme – a learning experience that our students find hugely enriching academically as well as personally: experiencing and sharing cultures; improving language skills; and acquiring new perspectives on education and learning.
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification