Why study this course with LJMU?
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Developed by expert academics with an international reputation for the delivery of physical education
- Combines practical and theoretical aspects of physical education
- Gain real-world experience and skills within the local community through work placements and an optional sandwich year. LJMU offers strong partnerships with both primary and secondary schools for placement opportunities
- Offers excellent career opportunities in a variety of areas, such as teaching (upon completion of an Initial Teacher Training programme), sport coaching, sport development or youth and community work
- Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
- 97% of students surveyed said the teaching staff on this course were good at explaining things (NSS 2024)
About your course
On our PE degree, you'll learn about a wide range of topics, including teaching methods, physical training concepts, psychological theories related to sport and exercise, social issues in physical education such as gender, race and media, and historical and philosophical aspects related to PE.
This engaging and challenging BSc (Hons) Physical Education course integrates the theoretical and practical aspects of physical education into one exciting degree programme. There continues to be a high demand for graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to promote health and fitness, competitive sport and engagement with physical activity in a range of educational, community and other settings. This degree offers you the chance to specialise in physical education, exploring both the theory and practical aspects of the subject.
Students on the course apply their learning in practical physical education sessions, through assignments such as research projects, and work placements in industry. This combination of up to date theory and practical application serves our students well as they develop their careers through teacher training programmes, post-graduate study (Masters degrees and PhDs), in education (primary and secondary schools, further education), and at a host of non-teaching areas (businesses, community groups such as charities, and the uniformed services).
During your studies, you will develop your own philosophies and interests while being introduced to innovative concepts of physical education. You will gain a wide variety of essential professional skills and qualities that can form the foundation for a successful career teaching physical education in primary, secondary or further education, though teaching is not the only career pathway available.
The programme synthesises the practical and theoretical aspects of physical education through an extensive range of activities and contexts. You will have the opportunity to take part in innovative entrepreneurial projects by working within sport and physical education in different educational establishments and sporting ventures. This includes excellent work-related learning and placement opportunities with organisations such as LJMU's in-house Sport Start scheme.
You will be assigned a student peer mentor, and this support will be available before you arrive at LJMU and for the duration of your academic studies.
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Find out more about studying BSc (Hons) Physical Education
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
The Actor's Preparation: Acting & Screen Principles I
30 credits
30 credits
In this module, you will examine different practitioner approaches and develop your acting skills through the contemporary re-interpretation of the Stanislavskian system.
Modern texts and screenplays from a diverse range of writers provide a framework for text analysis and the application of technique.
The emphasis is on process and not performance. You are encouraged to move beyond self-consciousness in a collaborative and supportive atmosphere with your peers.
Movement and voice studies underpin this module.
The Actor's Preparation: Acting & Screen Principles II
30 credits
30 credits
This module challenges your development as you work, as an ensemble, on a single text from a globalised canon of work.
Exploring the process of the rehearsal, you must now integrate psychological, physical, and vocal approaches to create character whilst considering the boundaries of an inclusive, respectful rehearsal space that remains exciting and creative.
Your movement training will help you to understand weight, tension, effort, rhythm, and animal characteristics; voice sessions assist your understanding of vocal resonance, range, accent, speech and text.
Screen acting continues in this module, challenging you to explore notions of performative size.
The Actor's Preparation: Acting & Screen Principles III
30 credits
30 credits
This module develops your screen acting further as you position yourself as an auteur. You will explore your own creative voice, using the short film format as a platform.
You will develop the technical screen production skills essential to the modern actor whilst working with greater independence in small groups.
You will gain deeper insight into a diverse range of filmmakers, developing a conversation between the technical and the creative.
Artistic Practice I
30 credits
30 credits
In this module, you will develop the necessary skills to create original live work and extend your ability to work as part of a creative ensemble. Furthermore, you will undertake research and development, understanding fresh and relevant cultural perspectives to give your work meaning as well as acknowledging the role an audience plays in the reception of your work. This module introduces notions of business and enterprise, criticality and creation, as part of the artists ongoing practice.
Core modules
The Actor's Process: Screen & Digital Project III
30 credits
30 credits
This module introduces you to the technical skills, industry requirements and creative possibilities of audio work for the actor, in the distinct contexts of the home studio and the industry audio suite.
You will explore the concept of Voice Acting as a pathway within a portfolio career, beginning to develop your own voicereel, following industry practice. You will supplement your technical skills with further production training which, coupled with industry analysis and your creativity, will allow you to develop your own podcast and produce your own digital audio work.
Work on audiobooks and audio drama completes the module.
Artistic Practice II
30 credits
30 credits
This module delivers the opportunity to research, create, and present a project such as a script submission, play reading, short film, screening or performance. You will investigate cultural perspectives, unearthing objective debates around studied materials and the creation of your own, bringing together research, theory, and practice. Also, you will enhance your business knowledge and industry skills, including project planning, target audiences and audition technique to contribute to both your actors process and personal practice.
The Actor's Process: Screen & Digital Project I
30 credits
30 credits
In this module you will begin to advance your technical knowledge as you consolidate practitioner approaches in application to a variety of studio performance forms.
You will work with a director to explore a multi-cam environment for both acting and presenting, understanding the role of the performer relative to other roles in the production team.
The Actor's Process: Screen & Digital Project II
30 credits
30 credits
This project allows you to apply your developing process to heightened works, including Shakespeare, and explore the accessible technology behind livecasting so you can make your own digital theatre event.
You will take responsibility for realising the demands of the material and are expected to identify appropriate methods and techniques for approaching historical texts.
Movement supports your ability to find physical expansion and play; vocal approaches allow you to adapt for verse and metre; production skills training will equip you technically.
Core modules
The Actor’s Performance: Professional Screen & Digital Production I
30 credits
30 credits
In this module you will work with industry filmmakers to realise a series of short films for public screening. You will reach professional standards and expectations, working independently to research and prepare for the production process and meet the vision of your director and creative team. You will exercise your ability to demonstrate technical aptitude, professionalism, organisation, and time management skills.
The Actor’s Performance: Professional Screen & Digital Production III
30 credits
30 credits
This module is your springboard to the creative industry.
You will curate a promotional digital portfolio. Having researched appropriate industry networks, this portfolio will be used to contact potential employers in preparation for your future career.
You will take part in a live industry showcase, generate showreels, voicereels and additional promotional material according to your career plans and employment aspirations.
Work produced on this module is public-facing and can be utilised to secure an agent or present yourself to future employers.
Artistic Practice III
30 credits
30 credits
This module builds on previous Artistic Practice projects, advancing your development and creation of original new material. You will receive mentored supervision in your chosen area, leading to a live/recorded showcasing of work at our annual festival. Additionally, you will use practical and research skills to develop a solo project, improving your independent entrepreneurial and project management skills.
The Actor’s Performance: Professional Screen & Digital Production II
30 credits
30 credits
In this module you will work with professional theatre-makers, including students from other courses, to realise an original live multi-media public production. You will experience industry equivalent expectations, working independently to research and prepare for the rehearsal process and to collaborate with your director and creative team. You will exercise your ability to reprise and develop your work in rehearsal whilst managing workloads effectively.
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching encompasses a range of practicals, lectures, seminars, online activities, tutorials, workshops, work-based learning and independent learning.
Peer Learning Groups (PLG) will enable you to discuss and develop course material in a more informal setting plus key personal and professional skills. You will be encouraged to engage in volunteering activities in the local community and gain additional qualifications that will enhance your future employability.
Work-related learning
The degree has a strong element of work-related learning and there will be extensive opportunities to work with young people in a variety of settings (e.g. schools, clubs, leisure centres). Voluntary work experience forms a vital element of the programme and you will be encouraged to apply theoretical concepts in practice. You will also be able to participate in our in-house Sport Start scheme, which brings 12,000 children to the campus for sport and physical activity lessons every year. Students also have an opportunity to study abroad for a year between Level 5 & 6.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
You will be assigned a Personal Tutor who will be responsible for supporting your academic and personal progress throughout the course. This one-to-one support is particularly useful for discussing course-related issues or any other concerns that you may have during your studies. Weekly contact with your tutor in a Peer Learning Group will be scheduled as part of your weekly timetable. Other student support services and facilities include: Student Support and IT Zones and a dedicated Library, open in the evenings and at weekends during semesters.
The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
LJMU recognises that students perform differently depending on how they are assessed. That's why we use a combination of assessment methods, including written assignments, exams, practical work, individual and group presentations, portfolios, reflective logs and a dissertation.
Assessments are planned across the programme so that you can manage your workload, and use feedback to develop learning for future assignments. Constructive feedback will help you identify strengths and areas for development and is provided regularly throughout the programme.
Where you will study
You will study in Liverpool city centre at our City Campus. Our sport and exercise sciences facilities are world-leading and feature state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for our current and future sport scientists. The Avril Robarts library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.
Course tutors
Since joining LJMU in 2011, Emma has led postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. Prior to joining LJMU, Emma was a Secondary School PE teacher and Head of Department. She won LJMU's Vice Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in 2015 and is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE. Her research interests are related to student experience in Higher Education - particularly the use of peer mentoring in cultivating communities of practice. She is currently undertaking a PhD in this area.
The most rewarding aspects of being a lecturer and programme leader is seeing each student's journey unfold over the three years of the degree
I came to the open day and got to meet one of the lecturers that I have now. It was a really helpful day and helped me make my decision to apply to LJMU.
Career paths
Thanks to our links with over 450 different employers in the North West alone and our strong partnerships with both primary and secondary schools, students enjoy superb work placement opportunities at all levels of their degree studies.
You will also have the opportunity to work with a range of practitioners in a variety of settings. Such experience enables you to put theory into practice and adds real value to your CV so impressing future employers.
Graduates from this programme will be able to pursue careers in teaching (following the completion of relevant Initial Teacher Training programmes, such as PGDE or School Direct primary and secondary courses). Alternative career routes for graduates include coaching, sport development or youth and community work. Public service occupations (including police, education and childrens services), business sector graduate training schemes and educational management are also popular careers amongst graduates.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Tuition fees and funding
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.
Financial Support
The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament. In the event of such a change, any fee increase will be subject to a maximum cap of 10% of the total course cost as originally stated at the time of your offer.
A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Qualification requirements
A levels
We are committed to accepting students on to this course who have the potential to succeed as performers and who will gain sustained work in the performing arts and entertainment industries. With this in mind we wish to identify through applications and interview or audition key attributes and achievements. The key attributes that we seek to identify are: • Knowledge, ability and experience of acting • Commitment to the performing arts • Ability to work effectively with others • Broad interest and engagement • Self-awareness • Spirit of enterprise The minimum educational standard that we are looking for is: GCSEs We normally require a minimum of five GCSEs grade C. These should include Maths and English. Plus a minimum of 160 UCAS tariff points. We accept all types of equivalent qualifications, the following are the most common UK qualifications that people tend to apply to us with: A/AS Level This should be from two A Levels (i.e. grades C, C), excluding General Studies. Points from AS and Key Skills are not counted.
BTECs
Extended Diploma (i.e. Merit, Pass, Pass profile). BTEC Diploma (i.e. Merit, Merit). Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications such as an A Level, in which case total needs to be 64 UCAS tariff points across both qualifications. 90 Credit Diploma (Distinction, Merit). Acceptable on its own or can be combined with other qualifications such as an A Level, in which case total needs to be 64 UCAS tariff points.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate Acceptable on its own and with other qualifications Welsh Baccalaureate Acceptable on its own but is ideally combined with other qualifications as it is equivalent to one A Level.
Alternative qualifications considered
Audition or Interview Candidates are invited to audition/interview on the basis of completing the LIPA and/or UCAS application form. We look for evidence of the key attributes and an ability to achieve the qualifications standard. In exceptional cases people may be invited to audition/interview who have not met or are not on course to meet the qualifications standard. In these cases there must be substantial potential demonstrated against the other attributes. The audition or interview allows us to evaluate you as a practitioner in your area of interest. Offers of a place will follow where you demonstrate high ability and the potential to succeed. At the audition we provide an overview of LIPA and candidates are asked to present prepared pieces, they also take part in a practical workshop. At a recall event, candidates are asked to bring a piece of written work, take part in workshops and present prepared pieces. They may also be asked interview questions. On occasions, we may combine all elements in to a single audition. Equal Opportunity LIPA is an equal opportunities organisation and aims to successfully recruit students from a wide range of different socio-economic and personal backgrounds. To ensure we provide effective equality of opportunity within the application process we carefully consider each application individually and acknowledge differences that can exist between applicants’ experiences from diverse backgrounds. We regularly update our approaches to take into account changing understanding of communities and cultures and we monitor applicant/student characteristics such as age, gender and ethnicity. Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning [RP(E)L] and Credit Transfers If you can demonstrate that you have already achieved learning equivalent to a module or modules, or a level of study, in the programme then you may be eligible to be awarded credit for this learning or to have credit transferred from another UK institution. You will be required to complete an application to have your qualifications or experience approved by the Head of Discipline and the university. This requires the presentation of appropriate evidence and we will map the evidence against the programme outcomes to be certain of equivalence. If approved credit will be awarded and you will proceed on to the appropriate level of the course to complete the remaining credit for the award.
International requirements
Other international requirements
We welcome applications from students with qualifications from outside of the UK. Each application is considered on an individual basis and mapped to the appropriate entry level. We value the diversity of experience that students from different backgrounds bring to the course. IELTS Score of 6 is required
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
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The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
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