MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MA Education: Physical Education
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a distinguished MA Education: Physical Education program designed to enhance the understanding of educational and pedagogical practices specifically within the realm of physical education and sport. This postgraduate degree caters to both specialist and non-specialist PE teachers, as well as current and aspiring leaders in all phases of education. Building on St. Mary's strong tradition of sporting excellence and its foundations in teacher education, the program equips individuals with the skills necessary to critically reflect on their teaching experiences, link academic theory to practice, promote physical activity, and ultimately drive effective change in physical education to improve the health and wellbeing of students. Its flexible delivery options, including in-person, blended, and online study, cater to the professional development needs of PE teachers and sports educators at all career stages.
Curriculum: The MA Education: Physical Education curriculum at St. Mary's provides a robust framework for advanced study in the field. While core modules such as "Research Design" are central to developing practitioner-researcher skills, specialist modules delve into critical areas specific to physical education. These typically include "Pedagogical Debates in Physical Education," "Reflective Practice and Evidence-based Pedagogy in Physical Education," and "Change Agency and Strategy: From Research to Practice," which equips students to lead innovation. The program also offers opportunities to explore the philosophy, sociology, and psychology of pedagogy within physical education and sport, as well as aspects of coaching and mentoring. The culmination of the program is a significant "Academic Paper and Conference Presentation" or a small-scale practitioner research enquiry, allowing students to apply their learned knowledge to a specific area within their professional role, leading to evidence-informed innovation.
Research Focus: The School of Education at St. Mary's University boasts a vibrant and leading research portfolio that actively informs the MA Education: Physical Education program. Academic staff are engaged in diverse research areas related to education and teaching, including a specific "Pedagogy Research Special Interest Group." Their expertise within Physical Education and Sport encompasses areas such as sports coaching, sport sociology, adapted PE & disability sport, and youth talent development. The university's broader research commitment, with centres focused on Catholic education, marginalized children, and wellbeing in education, further enriches the scholarly environment. This ensures that students are exposed to the latest academic thinking and pedagogical approaches, learning from academics who are actively contributing to shaping physical education policy and practice through empirical studies and collaborative knowledge exchange.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement for its MA Education: Physical Education program, reflecting its practical and career-focused nature. The program is specifically designed to meet the professional development needs of PE teachers and sports educators by enabling them to apply their learning directly to practical situations within their own schools or educational establishments. This practitioner-researcher approach means that students are inherently engaged with the "industry" through their work-based inquiry. St. Mary's also benefits from strong links with numerous schools, as well as National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and sports clubs, which may provide opportunities for professional networking and insight into current industry practices, although formal placements are not a stated component of the MA program itself. The teaching staff's experience in education management, leadership, research, and consultancy further strengthens these industry links.
Global Perspective: The MA Education: Physical Education program at St. Mary's University incorporates a global perspective by fostering an understanding of pedagogical and educational practices that are relevant across diverse international contexts. While rooted in the UK system, the principles of effective physical education and sports pedagogy are universally applicable. The program encourages students to critically engage with contemporary educational issues that have a global impact, considering how different social, cultural, and political factors influence physical activity and health education worldwide. While specific modules focused on comparative or global studies might be part of the broader MA Education suite, this particular pathway equips graduates with a transferable skillset, enabling them to contribute to the promotion of physical activity and wellbeing in various international settings, whether teaching in multicultural environments or influencing sports education policy globally.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 17820
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MA in Education: Physical Education from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, is specifically designed to elevate the careers of PE teachers and sports educators. This postgraduate degree cultivates a deep understanding of pedagogical practices within physical education and sport, empowering graduates to critically analyze current teaching methodologies, integrate academic theory with practical application, and lead innovative initiatives to enhance physical activity and overall well-being in educational settings. Building on St. Mary's rich heritage in teacher education and sports excellence, the program equips individuals to drive meaningful change and assume leadership roles in a dynamic and health-conscious educational landscape.
Head of Physical Education/Director of Sport: Progressing to leadership positions within schools, overseeing the PE department, developing curriculum, managing sports programs, and leading staff development.
Sports Development Officer: Working for local councils, sports governing bodies, or community organizations to promote participation in physical activity and sport, designing and implementing programs for diverse populations.
Lecturer/Academic in Physical Education/Sports Coaching: Pursuing further postgraduate study (e.g., PhD) and teaching at universities, contributing to research and the training of future PE teachers and sports professionals.
Curriculum Leader/Specialist (Physical Education): Developing and implementing innovative PE curricula across a school or multi-academy trust, ensuring alignment with national standards and best pedagogical practices.
Athletic Director/Sports Administrator: Managing athletic programs and facilities at schools, colleges, or community sports centers, overseeing coaching staff, budgets, and event organization.
Health and Wellbeing Coordinator (Education/Community): Designing and delivering programs that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and overall wellbeing for students or community members, often collaborating with public health initiatives.
Sports Coaching Specialist: Applying advanced pedagogical and coaching principles to work with specific sports teams or individual athletes, focusing on performance enhancement, talent development, and player welfare.
Adapted Physical Education (APE) Specialist: Working with students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to design and implement inclusive physical education programs, ensuring all students have access to meaningful physical activity.
Exercise Physiologist/Fitness Consultant (Educational Settings): Although sometimes requiring further certifications, an MA in PE provides a strong foundation for roles that involve assessing physical capabilities and designing exercise programs, potentially within school sports academies or higher education.
Education Consultant (PE & Sport): Providing expert advice to schools, sports organizations, or governmental bodies on effective physical education provision, sports policy, and strategies for increasing engagement in physical activity.
