Course Overview
Our A-level Physical Education qualification allows you to pursue your sporting passions by developing a broad theoretical understanding of factors that affect both participation rates within society as well as the performance levels of elite athletes.
Potential careers within the sports industry are wide ranging and an A-level in physical education will enable you to demonstrate your passion for the subject to both higher education institutions and prospective employers.
We are proud to have had so many of our students move on to start degrees in sport science related subjects across the most prestigious sporting universities in the country as well as embarking on a range of careers including within professional or amateur sport, with the NHS or private healthcare and as a health and lifestyle adviser.
Paper one of the qualification is based on factors that affect participation; content includes the effect of exercise on a range of body systems, the process of learning new skills and the societal factors that impact upon opportunities that different individuals might be afforded.
Paper two is focused on the factors that affect elite performance. This content includes exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology as well as the role of technology within professional sport.
The final section of the course, that makes up 30% of the qualification, is the assessment of practical performance and a written coursework that challenges learners to apply their newly developed theoretical knowledge to analyse and evaluate their own performance levels.
The practical achievements of many of the talented students that attend Hartpury College to study A-level physical education is impressive. Opportunities to train and play within elite environments at the college with high class coaching in unique facilities has a significant impact on improving these performance levels further throughout the two years of the course.
To be successful you'll need to be a logical thinker as well as being open to new ways of thinking about sport, exercise and fitness. This course challenges you to apply the theoretical content covered to real life examples so you will need to be willing to read from a wide range of sources in order to keep abreast of sporting media and developments.
Physical education can be combined with most other A-level subjects depending on your other interests and future career aspirations.
GCSE | You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include Mathematics and English Language, as well as:
Grade 6 or above in Physical Education or Sports Studies, if these haven't been studied then grade 6 in Biology or Combined Science.
Course Overview
Course information
Our A-level Physical Education qualification allows you to pursue your sporting passions by developing a broad theoretical understanding of factors that affect both participation rates within society as well as the performance levels of elite athletes.
Potential careers within the sports industry are wide ranging and an A-level in physical education will enable you to demonstrate your passion for the subject to both higher education institutions and prospective employers.
We are proud to have had so many of our students move on to start degrees in sport science related subjects across the most prestigious sporting universities in the country as well as embarking on a range of careers including within professional or amateur sport, with the NHS or private healthcare and as a health and lifestyle adviser.
Paper one of the qualification is based on factors that affect participation; content includes the effect of exercise on a range of body systems, the process of learning new skills and the societal factors that impact upon opportunities that different individuals might be afforded.
Paper two is focused on the factors that affect elite performance. This content includes exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology as well as the role of technology within professional sport.
The final section of the course, that makes up 30% of the qualification, is the assessment of practical performance and a written coursework that challenges learners to apply their newly developed theoretical knowledge to analyse and evaluate their own performance levels.
The practical achievements of many of the talented students that attend Hartpury College to study A-level physical education is impressive. Opportunities to train and play within elite environments at the college with high class coaching in unique facilities has a significant impact on improving these performance levels further throughout the two years of the course.
To be successful you'll need to be a logical thinker as well as being open to new ways of thinking about sport, exercise and fitness. This course challenges you to apply the theoretical content covered to real life examples so you will need to be willing to read from a wide range of sources in order to keep abreast of sporting media and developments.
Physical education can be combined with most other A-level subjects depending on your other interests and future career aspirations.
Entry requirements
GCSE | You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include Mathematics and English Language, as well as:
Grade 6 or above in Physical Education or Sports Studies, if these haven't been studied then grade 6 in Biology or Combined Science.
Why study A-levels at Hartpury College?
We support you to be the best you can be within your academic studies, as well as providing a world of enrichment opportunities. Through our unique Hartpury Certificate, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and experience that employers or universities are looking for.
Why study A-levels at Hartpury College?
We support you to be the best you can be within your academic studies, as well as providing a world of enrichment opportunities. Through our unique Hartpury Certificate, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and experience that employers or universities are looking for.
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
96.7% pass-rate
With an A-level pass rate of 96.7% (Hartpury College 2024), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
Similar courses
A-level in Chemistry
Our A-level in Chemistry will help develop your scientific skills and knowledge. Learn to understand the world we live in, picking up research, problem solving, and analytical skills along the way. This A-level is a great platform for science or engineering-based programmes at university.
A-level in Mathematics
Mathematics is an interesting and challenging A-level that will enable you to study a wide range of topics across pure and applied mathematics. You'll develop and deepen your understanding of topics covered at GCSE and be introduced to many new concepts too.
A-level in Geography
Geography is a popular and wide-ranging A-level that will enable you to study a range of topics. Better understand the nature of human and physical geography whilst unpicking the debates surrounding contemporary challenges facing the world today.
Find a course
Our partners & accreditations