There is an increasing emphasis on sport and physical education to meet a range of health agendas, including developing a sporting nation by spotting talented young people who can represent their country at major sporting events. This course promotes sport and physical education for children and young people to encourage lifelong participation and healthier lifestyles.

Through studying this course you’ll have the opportunity to examine current theory and practice to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the unique barriers and facilitators for this population. This course could prepare you for a highly rewarding career including education, health promotion, and sport development.

How will you learn?

• You'll learn by studying a combination of theoretical and practical modules, covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, sociology, and pedagogy.
• You’ll explore sport and physical education in a broad context, developing interpersonal qualities that will allow you to apply your knowledge in a variety of sport settings. This will put you in a strong position to apply for teacher training and postgraduate study.
• In your second year, you’ll go on a work placement which will provide you with the opportunity to apply your skills in a real-world context.
• This course is also endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. This will enable you to gain industry recognised standards and qualifications, including Gym Instructor, Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Working with Children, which are recognised by major employers in the sector aligned to your degree. You’ll also be able to apply for annual student membership of CIMSPA, and graduate membership upon successful completion of your course.

Placements

The course includes a compulsory 140-hour work placement in your second year, in an appropriate environment, helping you to relate theory to practice and develop skills in a real work context. The teaching staff have developed excellent links with local employers and can provide assistance in finding a suitable placement.

Previous placement providers have included strength and conditioning, professional sports clubs (performance analysis and sport science support), primary and secondary schools, further education colleges, local authority sport development and physical activity units, primary care trusts, research assistants and private physical activity and sport providers. The University also has strong links with local professional sports clubs, so there may be opportunities for you to work with these athletes, for example Huddersfield Town FC and Huddersfield Giants.

Your Career

Previous Huddersfield Sport and Exercise graduates have gone on to roles relating to education, healthcare, research, media, community and social services in organisations including the NHS, Bradford City FC (Lead Performance Coach), Huddersfield Giants RLFC (Performance Analyst/Sport Scientist), Halifax RLFC (Performance Analyst), Kirklees Active Leisure (Personal Trainer), PUMA Group (Account Manager), Shelley FC (U12’s Football Coach), GEMS Education (Physical Education Teacher), Project Sport (Sports Coach), NHS funded National Pre-Diabetes Programme (Well-being Coach), Huddersfield Town FC (1st team Sports Scientist and Senior Physical Performance Coach, 1st Team Conditioning Coach), Thongsbridge Tennis Club (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Huddersfield New College (Sport Teacher) and University of Liverpool (Research Nutritionist).**