PE & Sport for Young People

Inspire children through sport

This MSc programme seeks to provide advanced learning opportunities for graduates in the field of Physical Education and sport for young people.



The aim is to improve the lives of children and young people through sport



PE & sport have been recognised as key contributors to the well-being of children in terms of mental, physical and social health.



This programme supports the Sport NI strategy which states “We are passionate about maximising the power of sport to change lives. By 2025, we want the power of sport to be recognised and valued by all”



It comprises a suite of vocationally-oriented taught modules as well as a research-based project.



MSc Structure & Options

MSc in Physical Education and Sport for Young People is awarded to students who have accumulated 180 M-level credit points which includes a dissertation, either as a consultancy-based project or an academic research paper.



The dissertation is equivalent to 60 M-level credit points. The MSc may be completed within one academic year of three academic semesters, but can be extended over a period of up to six academic semesters. The award of the MSc in Physical Education and Sport for Young People requires the successful completion of three core modules, in module options allowing students to specialise in Sociology, Pedagogy or Psychology of PE and Sport for Young People by choosing the appropriate pathway.



The course is designed to allow students to gain professional working experience while studying. Classes will be Wednesday to Fridays.



Teaching

You are taught one module at a time in blocks, with time set aside for assessment completion. This is a combination of interactive workshops, lectures, seminars, fieldwork, and practical activities etc.



Practicals are focused on developing subject specific skills and applied individual and group project work.



Contact Time

Classes will be held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. A 30-credit module equates to 30 hours of contact time.

The structure which will normally be followed would be:



Semester 1 (September – October)

1 x 30 credit module



MPE5001: Leadership & Professional development in PE & Sport working with and for Young People



Semester 1 (October – December)

2 x 30 credit modules



Select two from:

MPE5004: Cognitive Development & Pedagogy through PE & Sport

MPE5003: PE & Sport & the Social Sciences

MPE5005: Psychology: Culture, Coaching and Young People



Semester 2 (January – February)

1 x 30 credit module



MPE5002: Research Methods in PE & Sport working with and for Young People



Semester 2 / 3 (February – June)

1 x 60 credit module



Select from :



MPE5006: Consultancy Based Project to improve the lives of children and young people through sport

Or

MPE5007: Academic Research Paper

Candidates for admission to the MSc in Physical Education and Sport for Young People should normally hold an honours degree or equivalent qualification in a related field



Applicants with an Honours degree or equivalent qualification in another discipline may also be considered if they have at least two years of experience in an education, sport or relevant context.

The duration of the course is 1 academic year on a full time basis.

Academic Year 2026-27

Careers

As a new course, it is anticipated that this degree will be beneficial for improving leadership practice in their workplace. It will also be beneficial in expanding the roles graduates undertake at work, and in gaining employment or promotion. Some may progress to doctoral-level studies and research.



The course is designed so that students can engage in professional development and experience while enrolled. This will also advance their career prospects.