MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BA (Hons) Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development (with a Placement Year)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate degree specifically designed for individuals dedicated to harnessing the power of physical activity and sport for the holistic development of young people. This distinctive program expertly blends academic rigor with extensive hands-on learning, including practical activity sessions and a compulsory year-long professional placement. Students gain a solid foundation in crucial theoretical areas such as teaching and coaching pedagogy, sport sociology, the psychology of youth development, and adapted physical education. The integrated placement year, undertaken between the second and final academic years, offers an unparalleled opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in professional environments, gain vital industry insights, and forge crucial connections within schools, sports organisations, and youth development initiatives. This practical immersion significantly enhances graduate employability and equips students to make a tangible, positive impact on young lives.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's is meticulously structured to provide a deep theoretical understanding complemented by extensive practical application and professional experience. In the first year, core modules establish foundational knowledge, including "Holistic Development of the Young Person," "Learning in Context," "Introduction to Teaching and Coaching Games," "Introduction to Creativity and Individual Activities," "Introduction to Equality and Diversity in PE and Sport," 1 and "Health and Wellbeing." The second year builds upon this, with core modules like "Professional Practice 1," "Teaching and Learning 1," and "Research Proposal," complemented by optional modules such as "Teaching and Coaching Games," "Developing Creativity within Individual Activities," "Contemporary Issues in PE and Sport," and "Adapted Physical Activity, PE and Sport 1." The third year is dedicated to the compulsory "Placement Year," where students immerse themselves in a relevant professional setting. The final academic year culminates in a "Research Project" and includes "Professional Practice 2," with options for advanced study in "Teaching and Learning in Secondary Physical Education," "Applied Teaching and Coaching Pedagogy," "Coach Education, Development and Mentoring," "Advanced Contemporary Issues in PE and Sport," "Adapted Physical Activity, PE and Sport 2," "Teaching and Learning in Primary Physical Education," and "Youth Talent Development." The program heavily emphasizes engaging students in practical contexts to develop physical competence, tactical awareness, and effective teaching and coaching strategies.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University is intrinsically linked to the active and diverse research interests of its academic staff, who are recognised experts in various sub-disciplines including physical education pedagogy, sports coaching, sport sociology, adapted PE, disability sport, and dance. The curriculum actively encourages students to engage in critical inquiry and reflective practice, particularly through the substantial "Research Project" undertaken in their final year. This allows students to investigate specific areas of interest within physical education, sport, or youth development, drawing upon contemporary research and contributing to the evolving knowledge base of the field. The program fosters an environment where students can delve deeply into relevant theories and practices, applying academic understanding to real-world scenarios often informed by their placement experiences, and developing a critical perspective on current issues and innovations in the sector.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a fundamental and integrated cornerstone of the BA (Hons) Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University, designed to provide unparalleled professional experience and significantly enhance student employability. The defining feature is the compulsory year-long industrial placement, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years. St. Mary's boasts extensive and robust links with over 200 schools, alongside numerous National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport and a wide array of sports clubs, including those in elite and disability sport. This expansive network facilitates diverse and high-quality placement opportunities, enabling students to directly apply their academic learning, gain vital practical skills, cultivate commercial awareness, and develop crucial professional connections. The "Professional Practice" modules further reinforce the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, ensuring graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for the demands of their chosen careers.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University integrates a comprehensive global perspective by encouraging students to critically examine the diverse contexts, influences, and impacts of physical education, sport, and youth development across various cultures and international landscapes. While specific exchange opportunities may vary, the curriculum consistently explores how socio-cultural factors, policies, and practices shape physical activity participation and youth well-being on a global scale. Modules often address contemporary issues in sport and youth development that have international relevance, such as global talent development pathways, the role of adapted physical activity in diverse international settings, or the use of sport as a tool for community development worldwide. This broad, international outlook, complemented by the professional experience gained during the placement year (potentially within organisations with global reach), prepares graduates to work effectively in an increasingly interconnected world, whether in international sports organisations, global development projects, or educational settings that embrace diverse populations and approaches to physical education and youth engagement.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some 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.
The BA (Hons) Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers graduates a powerful combination of in-depth knowledge and invaluable practical experience in fostering youth development through physical activity. This program equips students with essential skills in pedagogy, coaching, youth work, and the socio-cultural aspects of sport. The integrated placement year provides unparalleled real-world exposure, allowing students to apply their academic learning in professional environments, build crucial networks, and significantly enhance their employability in various sectors dedicated to youth and sport. Graduates emerge exceptionally well-prepared to make a tangible impact on young lives.
Physical Education (PE) Teacher: Graduates are well-positioned to pursue Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), enabling them to teach PE in primary or secondary schools. Their deep understanding of pedagogy, child development, and diverse sports, complemented by school-based placement experience, prepares them to inspire and educate.
Sports Coach: The program provides a strong foundation in coaching principles, skill acquisition, and youth development. With practical coaching experience from their placement, graduates are ideal for roles as sports coaches across various disciplines, working with amateur or professional clubs, national governing bodies, or in community sports initiatives.
Sports Development Officer: Graduates can work for local authorities, sports councils, or charities, planning and managing initiatives to increase participation in sport and physical activity within communities. The practical insights gained during a placement in a sports development organisation are invaluable for engaging diverse groups and promoting active lifestyles.
Youth Worker: With a focus on the holistic development of young people and practical experience from a placement in a youth service or community organisation, graduates are well-suited for roles supporting young individuals, facilitating educational and recreational activities, and addressing social challenges.
Community Sports Coordinator: This role involves organising and managing sports programs and events within local communities, often aimed at promoting health, inclusion, and social cohesion. Practical experience from a placement within a leisure centre or community sports provider would be highly beneficial.
Health and Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer: Graduates possess a strong understanding of human movement, exercise science, and motivational techniques. Their practical experience, potentially gained during a fitness-related placement, makes them well-prepared to work in gyms, leisure centres, or as self-employed personal trainers.
Adapted Physical Activity / Disability Sport Specialist: The program's insights into adapted PE and disability sport, combined with potential placement experience in inclusive sports settings, prepare graduates to work with individuals with diverse needs, ensuring equitable access to physical activity and sports opportunities.
Outdoor Activities / Education Manager: Combining practical skills with an understanding of physical education and youth development, graduates can manage or lead programs at outdoor activity centres. A placement in this sector would provide hands-on experience in delivering adventurous activities and environmental education for young people.
Leisure Centre Manager: Graduates can oversee the operations of sports and leisure facilities, including managing staff, budgets, and programming. Their broad understanding of sports, youth engagement, and operational management, enhanced by a leisure industry placement, is highly relevant.
Sport for Development Program Manager: Leveraging their understanding of sport's role in social change and their practical experience from a placement, graduates can work for charities or international organisations designing and delivering sport-based programmes aimed at achieving social development goals, such as peacebuilding, education, or health.
