Bachelor of Physical and Health Education

Overview

The Bachelor of Physical and Health Education provides academic and professional preparation for employment, both nationally and internationally, as a physical and health education teacher. Graduates of the degree can be employed in Secondary educational settings and develop a range of skills valuable in other physical and health education sectors. UOW is a leader in this field and this degree reflects the growing importance, and potential, of physical and health education in today’s society.

The course offers studies in Physical Education, Health Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy, Educational Foundations and Movement Science. Students will also study subjects that have a cross-curriculum perspective such as Aboriginal Education, Learning and Teaching with Technology, Learners with Extra Support Needs, Educational Research and Risk and Behaviour Management.

Professional Experience is a compulsory component of this course and usually occurs in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Southern Sydney schools. There are also opportunities for students to apply for ‘out-of-area’ (e.g. in rural NSW) Professional Experience and overseas teaching experiences in countries such as Thailand, Fiji, China and Malaysia.

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the first two and a half years of the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education may complete the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education at Honours level.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education will:

1. Demonstrate broad and coherent pedagogical and content knowledge for the teaching profession.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the connection between research and theory and the ability to use this knowledge to inform their practice as a teacher.
3. Have well-developed skills in student-focused pedagogy and practice to manipulate mandatory documents related to policy, student learning and integrate teaching across curricula areas.
4. Display well-developed communication and evaluation skills as a reflective practitioner, articulating and analysing the complex and dynamic role of the teacher in the learning environment.
5. Apply pedagogical skills and content knowledge to solve educational problems, integrate technology in the classroom, plan for all learners, apply pedagogical strategies for differentiation and reflect on their practice.
6. Demonstrate the ability to autonomously apply educational ethics that value student differences, the importance of differentiation and social justice.

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Physical and Health Education requires:

1. The successful completion of 192 credit points comprising:
   1. 26 core subjects (168cp);
   2. 4 electives (24cp);
   3. No more than 60 credit points will be at 100 level.
2. The successful completion of the Professional Experience components embedded in the course.

Minors

Students in the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education can undertake a minor study from another Faculty. A minor consists of an approved combination of subjects which have a minimum value of 24 credit points offered by one or more academic units, of which 12 credit points should be at least 200 level or higher. The cross-counting of subjects towards majors, minors and core degree requirements is limited to one subject.

Students should check that there is room within their degree structure to accommodate a minor study and still meet their degree requirements; and that the subjects are able to be studied in line with PEx requirements. If in doubt, students should seek academic advice before undertaking a minor study.

Students should also note that some subjects listed for minor studies may require other subjects as pre/co-requisites and that due to demand or space limitations, some subjects may have quotas. Students are advised to check for specific subject information in the online subject database before selecting subjects.

A list of approved minor studies from other Faculties can be found listed in Appendix 3 – Schedule of Minor Studies in the General Course Rules policy.

Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar program is available. More information can be found here.

Honours

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the first two and a half years of the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education may apply to transfer to the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (Honours).

More information can be found here.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

This degree is accredited with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Education Standards and is recognised as a professional teaching qualification in other jurisdictions nationally and internationally. Students seeking work outside NSW are advised to check with potential employers.

Graduates intending to seek employment in NSW Secondary schools must have achieved specific levels of study in English at NSW HSC level (or equivalent). Students who do not meet these requirements are able to undertake concurrent study to achieve the level required.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au