Bsc Hons Physical Education And School Sport

Physical Education and School Sport

BSc (Hons)

Make a difference to the lives of young people through physical education and school sport. Build the skills for a rewarding career, inspiring children to be more active, and improving their health and wellbeing through sport.

You’ll gain valuable experience in primary and secondary schools, as well as sports clubs. Work alongside and learn from experienced staff, and learn skills suited to a range of key stages and school types.

Key Information

Course Duration: 3 years full time
UC UCAS Code: C610
Part or Full Time: Full Time
Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees
Typical Offer: 120 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Immerse yourself in a campus that’s alive with sport, and take full advantage of our purpose-built outdoor classroom, and new £8.8m sports academy facilities. Benefit from partnerships with local organisations, including schools, sports clubs and national bodies.

Alongside your studies you’ll have the chance to strengthen your CV through additional qualifications, such as the FA Primary Teachers Award, hockey teacher’s award, as well as RFU coaching levels. You could also achieve the Level 5 Certificate in Primary PE Specialism.

This course is perfect if you want to encourage young people’s physical, social and emotional development, and to work towards becoming a teacher.

  • UCAS tariff points | 120 UCAS tariff points, to include Biology, Sport or PE. 
  • A Levels | BBB or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. This must include Biology, Sport or PE at grade D or above. 
  • Vocational Awards | DDM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. 
  • Access | 120 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This must include nine level 3 credits at Merit or above in Biology.   
  • International Baccalaureate | 120 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, from at least two Highers at H4 or above. This must include Biology or Sport.   
  • Scottish Highers | 120 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Biology, Sport or PE at C or above.  You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  
  • Irish Leaving Certificate | 120 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Biology, Sport or PE at H3 or above.  
  • T Level | An overall grade of Distinction, to include grade B or above in the Core component in a Science subject. T Level subjects considered are Animal Care and Management (Science Pathway), Healthcare Science and Science. Health will be considered on an individual basis. 

 

Additional Information 

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 96 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.  

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

Supported work placements are central to your learning and development on this degree. Over three years you’ll undertake up to 200 hours of professional experience in schools, school sports clubs or sports clubs.

Many of our students choose to work for one of our partner organisations including Active Gloucestershire, TT Adventures, Hartpury Primary School, Gloucester and Forest Alternative Provision School, Marling Grammar School and Badminton Independent School.

Others decide to gain experience through their own relationships further afield. Through the support of our ICE department and your tutor, we will support you to secure a placement to match your interests and career goals.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent field trips have included a visit to the Malvern Hills, led by TT adventures. Here, students were able to upskill and gain valuable qualifications. A study trip module also sees you take students coasteering, and stand-up paddle boarding. It’s a chance to help plan and carry out a school trip (extra fees are required for this trip).

Graduate destinations

As a Physical Education and School Sport graduate you’ll have developed the knowledge, skills and experience needed to progress onto teacher training routes.

However, the programme isn’t limited to careers in teaching. The transferable skills you’ll acquire will open up other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

  • PGCE Primary and Secondary
  • Initial Teacher Training (School Direct)
  • Teaching assistant, primary school
  • NEAT training or community sports
  • Camp manager/physical activity leads, Just Camps
  • Postgraduate study, MSc Coaching Science
  • Postgraduate study MSc sports journalism
  • Police force
Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

Immerse yourself in a campus that’s alive with sport, and take full advantage of our purpose-built outdoor classroom, and new £8.8m sports academy facilities. Benefit from partnerships with local organisations, including schools, sports clubs and national bodies.

Alongside your studies you’ll have the chance to strengthen your CV through additional qualifications, such as the FA Primary Teachers Award, hockey teacher’s award, as well as RFU coaching levels. You could also achieve the Level 5 Certificate in Primary PE Specialism.

This course is perfect if you want to encourage young people’s physical, social and emotional development, and to work towards becoming a teacher.

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points | 120 UCAS tariff points, to include Biology, Sport or PE. 
  • A Levels | BBB or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. This must include Biology, Sport or PE at grade D or above. 
  • Vocational Awards | DDM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. 
  • Access | 120 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This must include nine level 3 credits at Merit or above in Biology.   
  • International Baccalaureate | 120 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, from at least two Highers at H4 or above. This must include Biology or Sport.   
  • Scottish Highers | 120 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Biology, Sport or PE at C or above.  You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  
  • Irish Leaving Certificate | 120 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Biology, Sport or PE at H3 or above.  
  • T Level | An overall grade of Distinction, to include grade B or above in the Core component in a Science subject. T Level subjects considered are Animal Care and Management (Science Pathway), Healthcare Science and Science. Health will be considered on an individual basis. 

 

Additional Information 

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 96 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.  

Employability

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

Supported work placements are central to your learning and development on this degree. Over three years you’ll undertake up to 200 hours of professional experience in schools, school sports clubs or sports clubs.

Many of our students choose to work for one of our partner organisations including Active Gloucestershire, TT Adventures, Hartpury Primary School, Gloucester and Forest Alternative Provision School, Marling Grammar School and Badminton Independent School.

Others decide to gain experience through their own relationships further afield. Through the support of our ICE department and your tutor, we will support you to secure a placement to match your interests and career goals.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent field trips have included a visit to the Malvern Hills, led by TT adventures. Here, students were able to upskill and gain valuable qualifications. A study trip module also sees you take students coasteering, and stand-up paddle boarding. It’s a chance to help plan and carry out a school trip (extra fees are required for this trip).

Graduate destinations

As a Physical Education and School Sport graduate you’ll have developed the knowledge, skills and experience needed to progress onto teacher training routes.

However, the programme isn’t limited to careers in teaching. The transferable skills you’ll acquire will open up other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

  • PGCE Primary and Secondary
  • Initial Teacher Training (School Direct)
  • Teaching assistant, primary school
  • NEAT training or community sports
  • Camp manager/physical activity leads, Just Camps
  • Postgraduate study, MSc Coaching Science
  • Postgraduate study MSc sports journalism
  • Police force

How you'll study

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Modules

What you'll study

This course offers a balanced range of theory and practical modules designed to give you an in-depth understanding of our national curriculum. You’ll study core modules designed to develop your skills in delivering high-quality PE across a range of activities, including: movement, games, swimming, and outdoor and adventure activities (OAA). You’ll also benefit from optional modules, allowing you to suit your interests and career goals, as well as field trips to education providers across the UK.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and final years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Your first year will focus on understanding and exploring the national curriculum and its development. You’ll also get hands-on experience teaching PE through core modules, developing the functional skills needed as a PE teacher. Focus on understanding the differences between teaching and coaching, whilst realising their value and importance to one another.

Compulsory Modules 

Curriculum Studies Theory

This module will provide you with a sound understanding of the National Curriculum and its aims, including the core area of teaching, learning and its application in line with National Curriculum standards.

Curriculum Studies in Practice

This module will provide you with an opportunity to apply in practice the National Curriculum and its aims, including the core area of teaching, learning and its application in line with national curriculum standards.

Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)

Apply coaching theory to practice, evaluating your abilities.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Learn the key theories in sport and exercise psychology to understand behaviours.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Begin to understand the biological systems used during exercise.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Work with students from other sports science courses to gain research skills. Determine professional needs in preparation for a career in sport and exercise.

Start to tailor your learning as you gain experience of the different Key Stages. Advance your planning and teaching application through on-site practical experience and work placement. Explore learning theories and new teaching concepts, including the idea of physical literacy and learning through games. Use this year to reflect, appraise and refine your teaching and coaching practices.

Compulsory Modules 

School Sport Development

Understand how school sports can work with school schedules to deliver better results for the pupils (School placement module).

Pedagogy in Action

Evaluate your ability to educate others.

Coaching Children

Identify coaching practices most appropriate for children.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

 

Optional Modules 

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Independent Report

A chance to review an approved topic area in line with your programme of study and develop your independent working skills.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Study Trip

You will engage in a programme relevant study trip which will provide a context for you to synthesise content from across your programme of study and make applications and inferences to this real world setting, while expanding your horizons.

The Inclusive Practitioner

Students will develop an understanding of inclusive practice within sport, physical activity, and physical education.

Youth Physical Development

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

Your final year is your chance to focus on your particular areas of interest, preparing you for your future career. You’ll continue to refine and better your teaching practice through on-site practical experience and placement. Dive further into the breadth of the national curriculum, exploring modules such as reflective portfolio, where you’ll experience teaching swimming and trampolining.

You’ll also spend time working on your dissertation project. It’s a substantial research project exploring a topic of your choice. Placement opportunities within schools are often utilised to work collaboratively on projects relating to your dissertation.

If teaching is your goal, you’ll also use this year to start applying for teaching training routes, including PGCE’s. We’ll run a mock PGCE interview day to support you through this process. You can also use this year to tailor your studies to suit a career outside teaching, if that’s what you prefer.

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Reflective Portfolio

Consider your own teaching experiences and the effective application of teaching standards.

Professional Development Project

Evaluate your abilities and develop a personal action plan.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Optional Modules

Contemporary Issues in Sports Education

Studying what we can learn from professional development in other sectors to develop coaching and teaching practice.

Special Populations

Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.

Sport and Social Media

This module allows students to explore the growing influence of social media within the sports industry. Students will also analyse athlete social media content and consider their findings within the context of relevant contemporary research.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

This course offers a balanced range of theory and practical modules designed to give you an in-depth understanding of our national curriculum. You’ll study core modules designed to develop your skills in delivering high-quality PE across a range of activities, including: movement, games, swimming, and outdoor and adventure activities (OAA). You’ll also benefit from optional modules, allowing you to suit your interests and career goals, as well as field trips to education providers across the UK.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and final years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Level four (year one)

Your first year will focus on understanding and exploring the national curriculum and its development. You’ll also get hands-on experience teaching PE through core modules, developing the functional skills needed as a PE teacher. Focus on understanding the differences between teaching and coaching, whilst realising their value and importance to one another.

Compulsory Modules 

Curriculum Studies Theory

This module will provide you with a sound understanding of the National Curriculum and its aims, including the core area of teaching, learning and its application in line with National Curriculum standards.

Curriculum Studies in Practice

This module will provide you with an opportunity to apply in practice the National Curriculum and its aims, including the core area of teaching, learning and its application in line with national curriculum standards.

Coaching and Teaching Portfolio (Theory)

Apply coaching theory to practice, evaluating your abilities.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Learn the key theories in sport and exercise psychology to understand behaviours.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Begin to understand the biological systems used during exercise.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Work with students from other sports science courses to gain research skills. Determine professional needs in preparation for a career in sport and exercise.

Level five (year two)

Start to tailor your learning as you gain experience of the different Key Stages. Advance your planning and teaching application through on-site practical experience and work placement. Explore learning theories and new teaching concepts, including the idea of physical literacy and learning through games. Use this year to reflect, appraise and refine your teaching and coaching practices.

Compulsory Modules 

School Sport Development

Understand how school sports can work with school schedules to deliver better results for the pupils (School placement module).

Pedagogy in Action

Evaluate your ability to educate others.

Coaching Children

Identify coaching practices most appropriate for children.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

 

Optional Modules 

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Independent Report

A chance to review an approved topic area in line with your programme of study and develop your independent working skills.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Study Trip

You will engage in a programme relevant study trip which will provide a context for you to synthesise content from across your programme of study and make applications and inferences to this real world setting, while expanding your horizons.

The Inclusive Practitioner

Students will develop an understanding of inclusive practice within sport, physical activity, and physical education.

Youth Physical Development

This module provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical application to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population for both sporting and health purposes.

Level Six (final year)

Your final year is your chance to focus on your particular areas of interest, preparing you for your future career. You’ll continue to refine and better your teaching practice through on-site practical experience and placement. Dive further into the breadth of the national curriculum, exploring modules such as reflective portfolio, where you’ll experience teaching swimming and trampolining.

You’ll also spend time working on your dissertation project. It’s a substantial research project exploring a topic of your choice. Placement opportunities within schools are often utilised to work collaboratively on projects relating to your dissertation.

If teaching is your goal, you’ll also use this year to start applying for teaching training routes, including PGCE’s. We’ll run a mock PGCE interview day to support you through this process. You can also use this year to tailor your studies to suit a career outside teaching, if that’s what you prefer.

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Reflective Portfolio

Consider your own teaching experiences and the effective application of teaching standards.

Professional Development Project

Evaluate your abilities and develop a personal action plan.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Optional Modules

Contemporary Issues in Sports Education

Studying what we can learn from professional development in other sectors to develop coaching and teaching practice.

Special Populations

Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.

Sport and Social Media

This module allows students to explore the growing influence of social media within the sports industry. Students will also analyse athlete social media content and consider their findings within the context of relevant contemporary research.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. You're expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules, which may require additional hours of study.

Year Contact learning Placement learning Independent learning
Level four (year one) 24% 3% 73%
Level five (year two) 24% 7% 69%
Level six (final year) 18% 7% 75%

 

You'll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given via a mixture of written bullet point-style feedback and/or oral feedback.

Year Written exam Practical exam Coursework
Level four (year one) 13% 56% 31%
Level five (year two) 0% 44% 56%
Level six (final year) 13% 41% 46%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

  • Scheduled teaching takes place between 8.30am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday
  • Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
  • Work placements may entail different days and hours
  • Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
  • Timetables are available during enrolment week
View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £150)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide.

Additional costs

In the final year of the degree, students are expected to source an external placement that meets the accredited criteria. This may have additional travel costs.

Hartpury University may host various extra-curricular activities and courses, prices may vary dependent on the nature and duration of the course and external provider, but these are not compulsory.

Work placements can require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, paid for by the student or placement provider.

The programme offers an optional study abroad programme that will incur additional costs for the student.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library
GUARDIAN 2024 4Th UK SPORTS SCIENCE RED

Guardian University Guide 2025

Hartpury University has received outstanding recognition in The Guardian University Guide 2025, in which Hartpury University now sits 4th out of 86 universities for Sports Science. This marks an impressive 65-place jump in just four years.

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Hartpury College Mens Football Academy

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hartpury University Accommodation

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Hartpury University Finance
Gold Gold Gold 01

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

GUG 2025 Top 10 Teaching Quality Landscape

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Graduate Outcomes Singe Logo (1)

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024). 

Nss 2024 Top 10 Academic Support

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

George Miller
“I’ve already been at Millbrook Academy getting teaching experience, which gives me the chance to put everything I learn in the classroom into practice. I’ve been responsible for planning and delivering high quality PE and extra-curricular activities across all key stages and I’ll be doing even more placement hours there in my second year.”
George Miller
BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport
Sport Therapy

Meet our academic team

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.