MA Physical Education and School Sport

Southampton, Solent University

Develop the academic knowledge and practical skills that underpin a career in physical education and youth sports. Throughout the course you’ll develop an in-depth knowledge of teaching and learning in the PE and school sport environment, as well as critically analysing relevant youth sport and education policies that shape current practice. As a graduate from this programme you’ll be able to use research to confidently critique practice in physical education and youth sport, enhancing your practice. You’ll be encouraged to reflect and consider the social, cultural and ethical issues that impact on policy and practice within physical education. Drawing on evidence from research you’ll be able to shape practice and develop strategies to engage young people in new and innovative ways. As a master's student you’ll also study research methods and think about ways you can evaluate your own professional practice, as well as the practice of others. You will develop techniques to ‘research’ pupils or young people ensuring they have a voice. The curriculum is underpinned by research informed teaching and the team are research active, having worked with young people in physical education roles and coaching. You’ll be supported to synthesise information from a range of sources, becoming an evidence informed practitioner. During the course you’ll work on scenarios and case studies to ensure an engaging curriculum, this will aid your understanding of the context in which physical education, youth and school sport is delivered. Your final research project, which is written in the format of a published paper, will aim to build on existing academic knowledge in an area selected by you. You’ll also be able to tailor the course towards your own specific career ambitions, selecting topics within modules and tailoring assessments accordingly. Research informed teaching is embedded at Solent and is a key element of the course curriculum on this master’s programme.