Physical Education (BEd)
Specifically to train teachers of Physical Education, but graduates also find employment in sports centres and various other recreational settings.
The main aim of this four-year programme is to enable students to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes required for effective performance of the professional responsibilities of specialist teachers of physical education in secondary schools.
Throughout the four years the programme examines the physical education curriculum and considers the impact of physical activity.
The curriculum element will develop students' practical knowledge and understanding of a range of physical activities for teaching and learning in Physical Education and study pupils' physical development from primary through to secondary school age ranges.
“My four years here have been incredible! Non stop and hard work but I have loved every second of it - it has all been worth it to get to where I am today. You feel like part of a community at Moray House, a team. You make friendships that will last for ever and learn skills that will help and guide you through your career as a PE teacher."
Recent graduate
BEd (Physical Education)
The perspectives angle will introduce students to the study of physical activity and its effect on human development and relationships from aesthetic, scientific and sociocultural points of view.
An integral part of the course will be the introduction of students to different modes of enquiry into physical behaviour.
This degree programme aims specifically to train teachers of Physical Education, but graduates also find employment in sports centres and a variety of recreational settings.
Programme structure
Year 1
- Education 1A and Education 1B, which includes a school placement
- Physical Education Curriculum 1
- Physical Education Perspectives 1
Year 2
- Education 2, which includes a school placement
- Physical Education Curriculum 2
- Physical Education Perspectives 2
Year 3
- Education 3h
- PE 3A Curriculum
- PE 3B Perspectives
- PE 3C Research
- Placement 3
Year 4
- PE 4A Curriculum
- PE 4B Perspectives
- PE 4C Research
- Placement 4
Please note that in year 3 the only full, 40 credit course is placement. In year 4 there are two full, 40 credit courses - PE 4C Research and Placement 4.
"Basketball, swimming, dance, gymnastics, football, rugby, handball, fitness, skiing - you name it we did it! The facilities are top class and the tutors are great. It’s not all about playing sports though, there is all of the theory as well, but it all relates and makes you a better teacher. I feel that I really have an insight and understanding about why you do things and how to do things as a teacher of PE."
Recent graduate
BEd (Physical Education)
Example of dance performance
As part of the interview and selection process for the programme, you will be asked to perform a set dance. An outline of this dance will be sent to you in a written document along with guidance about the other practical elements of the interview.
To give you a good idea of the detail, pattern, and performance requirements of the dance, we have produced the following videos.
Demonstrated by our first year students, these show a complete demonstration of the interview dance and a slow motion version.
And below is the demonstration in slow motion.
Further informaton
The contact for further information and admissions advice is:
- Janette Grant
- The Undergraduate Office (Education)College of Humanities and Social Science The University of Edinburgh
- David Hume Tower
- George Square
- Edinburgh EH8 9JX
- Work: +44 (0)131 650 3569
- Email:
- janette.grant@ed.ac.uk
This article was published on Feb 5, 2013