Sport, PE and Coaching Science BSc

The Bachelor of Science in Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science offers you the opportunity to examine the theory, research, policy and practice of physical education, coaching science, sport development, sport policy, psychology, anatomy, and sociology:

In year one, there are core modules on a range of topics:

• Teaching and Coaching: games and athletics
• Movement and Learning
• Becoming a Researcher
• Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology
• Introduction to Science Communication

There is one optional module, the Widening Horizons Module (WHM). A WHM is a module in a subject which is not normally a part of your main degree programme but which may be taken for to enhance and broaden your study.

Your second-year modules extend your knowledge of sport and exercise pedagogy (physical education and sport coaching), sports development, sport psychology and research methods. There is also an optional volunteering placement module which can be undertaken either in an educational setting or sport, physical activity, leisure or community context.

Core modules

• Developing as a Researcher
• Data science and statistical analyses
• Development of Teaching and Coaching

Optional modules
You will then also choose four modules from the indicative list below:

• Linking theory and practice in sport and exercise placements
• Applications of Sport Psychology
• Sport Development
• Innovation and Professional Practice in Sport
• Sport and Physical Activity Policy
• Science Communication

In the final year, you will have the opportunity to choose all your modules.

Core modules

Research Project or Civic Engagement Dissertation

Optional modules

You will then need to choose four additional optional modules from the indicative list below:

• Character Development
• Sociology of Sport, Participation and Performance
• Contemporary Issues in Physical Education
• Exercise as Medicine
• Motivation in Sport & Exercise Settings
• Health Psychology
• Perception and Action
• Small business Entrepreneurship
• Politics and Sport
• Applied Teaching and Coaching: Swimming

Students on this programme can apply to spend an additional year studying sport overseas at one of our partner universities before returning to complete their final year in Birmingham, graduating with a BSc with an International Year. On average, around 20 students undertake the International Year. Currently students are studying in Australia, Canada and the USA.

Find out more about the International Year here. For further advice contact Dr Thomas Solomon, International Year Abroad Tutor, at

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules after that date; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.