Physical Education, Sport and Physical Literacy (MA, PGDip, PGCert)

In a time of increasing interest in health and well-being, this programme is designed to enable practitioners to understand how they can contribute to this important agenda. The modules explore how physical competence is related to life-long physical activity and holistic well-being. Beginning in early childhood, students study how physical competence develops, can progress and refined into adulthood and maintained into old age. Links between physical competence, self-esteem and mental health are considered in light of the philosophical underpinnings of physical literacy.

Theories of motivation in physical activity are explored and applied to physical education and sport contexts. All of the studies on the programme is contextualised in the broader field of physical literacy. Students can consider their own personal philosophies and how they can support physical literacy in physical education, sport, community and leisure contexts.

 The programme is the only one of its kind in the UK and attracts students from all over Wales, the UK, Europe and North America.

The modules in the programme develop an understanding of how we can increase participation in physical activity, how we develop physical competence and motivation at all levels. The programme explores a personal philosophy in relation to physical education, sport and health. It studies how to lead and manage areas of work in relation to the development of health and wellbeing and how to conduct research. It examines and evaluates how work in the field has an impact, and how to increase this.

The programme is modular and has three named awards.

• Postgraduate Certificate – 2 taught modules (60 credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma – 4 taught modules (120 credits)
• MA Physical Education, Sport and Physical Literacy – 4 taught modules + dissertation (180 credits)

Students study the dissertation module after completing the postgraduate diploma.

Physical Literacy 
Physical Literacy is a concept that recognises the importance of physicality as part of human nature. As such, it values movement in a range of activities and environments throughout life.

All modules in the programme are underpinned by developing an understanding of physical literacy. Students are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to developing and supporting physical literacy in a range of contexts, whether they are a teacher, coach, parent or volunteer. The modules all study aspects of how we can all contribute to physical literacy and support health and well being.

Part I:

PGCert, PGDip and MA

• Developing and Supporting Physical Competence (30 credits; core)
• Master’s Internship in Health, Outdoor Education and Physical Literacy (30 credits; optional)
• Master’s International Study (60 credits; optional)
• Motivation and Physical Activity (30 credits; core)
• Physical Literacy, Physical Education and Sport – Philosophy, Policy and Curriculum (30 credits; core)
• Research Methods in Health, Outdoor Education and Physical Literacy (30 credits; core). 

Part II:

MA

• Master’s Dissertation in Health, Outdoor Education and Physical Literacy (60 credits; core).

Assessments are varied to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in a variety of ways. These include seminar papers and presentations, sssays, video analysis and oral lab exam, reflective journal and blogging.

• Dr. Nalda Wainwright
• Dr. Kate Piper
• Dr. Amanda John
• Dylan Blain

Entry requirements for the programmes are dependent on the background of the individual applicants, and consideration is given to professional experience, prior educational awards, written and verbal communication skills and career aspirations. Applicants must be interviewed to be accepted on the programme.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

Accommodation on the study weekends.

• BA Physical Education
• Outdoor Education (MA)

Amanda John

"I was at a point in my career where I wanted to challenge and better myself, so I applied to do the Masters to gain a higher level of knowledge and understanding of PE and Physical Literacy. A daunting part for me was the academic side and going back to into education after nearly 9 years. In addition, I did the course part-time while still working in a full-time job, which meant I had to be really organised with my time- this wasn’t easy!

I did not see myself as ‘academic’ and I knew that this would be a massive struggle for me. It challenged my own beliefs and philosophies and enabled me to develop a range of new skills, which I could also transfer to the workplace. The Masters challenged me so much, and there were times I didn’t think I could complete it, however, the guidance and support I received during the 4 years was amazing, plus I also had to put in the hard work!

I developed a particular interest in early childhood motor development and this was the area I looked at for my dissertation. This interest has now become my passion and I am now studying a full-time PhD with the university researching this area, this is something I never envisaged. Without the Masters, this opportunity would not have been possible and I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied to do the course!"

Kate Piper

"The MA PE course helped me to develop further as a PE teacher, the knowledge and understanding I gained not only helped me with everyday teaching and learning but also challenged my philosophy and what was important in my role as a teacher. I was nervous about the “academic” side of the programme, but the lecturers were extremely supportive and helped me develop the skills needed over the three year – part-time course. On starting the masters, I did not think academia was for me, but I am now a year into my PhD and passionate about research in the field of physical education. Although it was a challenge to complete the masters while working full time it was definitely worth it."

Scholarships and Bursaries

There is also the option to apply for the Wales Institute for Physical Literacy Bursary for the value of full Dissertation fees.

The MA Physical Education, Sport and Physical Literacy offers students a unique opportunity to work with the team of experts based at the Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy. Opportunities range from work on research in motor development, outdoor and adventure activities, health and well-being projects, aging and exercise and a range of community health projects.

The Academy works with people of all ages and abilities to raise participation and support physical activity in all forms, whether that is preschool play, walking the dog or competing in world championship events. The institute conducts research on many aspects of physical literacy throughout the lifespan.

We have expertise in:

• Early Childhood Education
• Parental engagement
• Health and well being
• Motivation in relation to physical activity and health
• Physical Education
• Outdoor Education and Adventure
• Personal Training
• Mass Participation Sports Events
• Physiology
• Health and Aging