Why study physical education at UQ?

What makes UQ one of the best physical education universities in the world? It's not just our impressive ranking as the #2 university globally for sports-related subjects; it's the transformative experiences our students have that truly set us apart.

Graduate Louise Ryan chose UQ for her Bachelor of Health, Sport, and Physical Education (Honours) and never looked back.

From feeling "completely lost" after high school to finding a rewarding career and lasting friendships, Louise’s journey highlights the value of studying physical education at UQ.

So, let’s find out why graduates like Louise believe we're one of the top universities for physical education.

Make an impact on students' lives before you even graduate

The best universities for physical education around the globe offer extensive practical experiences for their students, and that's exactly what we do here at UQ.

With over 100 days of supervised practical teaching experience, you can make a difference in students' lives before graduation.  

“To feel like you are making a difference in your students worlds before you’ve even graduated is the best and the perfect motivator to finish what you need to do in order to get out there as a fully-fledged teaching professional,” says Louise.

Throughout the program, you'll gain experience in various settings, including metropolitan and rural or regional primary and secondary schools, as well as with young people with disabilities.

Here’s a snapshot of the practical experience you’ll gain during your studies at UQ:

• In your second year, you'll spend one day a week at a primary school planning and delivering health and physical education (HPE) lessons.
• In your third year, you'll work as a staff member at a secondary school for at least 25 days.
• During fourth year, you’re fully immersed in the life of a school for 12 weeks – an entire term of experience in one school – gaining valuable insights and motivation for your future career.

UQ has an athletics centre with track and field facilities, an aquatic centre with 3 heated pools, all-weather natural and synthetic playing fields, indoor and outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball and netball, and a gymnasium.

Experience cutting-edge facilities and a supportive community

Top universities for physical education offer both state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive environment that promotes personal and professional growth.

“Everything you could possibly need to get the most out of this degree is right here at UQ,” says Louise.

”A typical day includes a morning session of theory in the classroom, before heading to one of UQ’s Olympic-standard sporting facilities to put theory into practice.”

“You get to walk the talk the same day you learn it, and practice teaching a basketball lesson using what we just learnt in the classroom – it is really a learning environment like few others.”

Small class sizes created a close-knit learning environment for Louise.

 "You genuinely feel like part of a family. Unlike other programs where you rarely see the same classmates, from your second year onward, you'll work in specialised teaching rooms and shared study spaces, always encountering familiar faces," she says.

“This sense of community is unique and invaluable, enhancing not just your degree, but your entire university experience.”

Benefit from supportive and passionate educators

Louise highlights the exceptional support she received from her teachers at UQ.

“My educators not only knew me by name but also showed a genuine interest in my development,” she says.

“They were committed to guiding me on my path to becoming an outstanding teacher.”

This personalised approach is a core feature of the program, ensuring every student receives the tailored support and encouragement they need. It made a huge difference to Louise’s learning experience.

“Their commitment to pushing me beyond my limits while also fostering self-compassion played a key role in my development,” she says.

“Their passion for the teaching profession and investment into us as students is something I will continue to aspire towards replicating in my own career.”

High demand for UQ graduates

One of the key benefits of being a physical education teacher who studied at UQ is that prospective employers will hold you in high regard.

“Graduates from UQ are highly sought after in the physical education sector,” says Louise.

 “I already have a job secured for next year, and so do most of my classmates, which is very reassuring.”

Heading to a regional school to teach is an exciting new adventure Louise is keen to embark upon.

Dr Leigh Sperka, a lecturer and former graduate of the Bachelor of Health, Sport, and Physical Education (Honours), agrees that UQ graduates bring a lot to the table.

“Our balanced initial teacher education curriculum equips graduates with a solid foundation in their subject areas,” she says.

Graduates of UQ’s Bachelor of Health, Sport, and Physical Education (Honours) are qualified to teach a range of subjects, including:

• Years 7-10 Health and Physical Education
• Years 11-12 Physical Education
• Years 11-12 Health Education
• Years 7-10 Science.

Leigh believes this breadth of learning increases student’s knowledge, skills and overall employability.

“Our students are trained to address contemporary and emerging health issues, develop data literacy for their practice, and understand how health professionals collaborate.”

Help shape the future

As we look toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Leigh highlights the crucial role HPE teachers will play in shaping the future.

“The students taught by our graduates today could become the Olympians of tomorrow.”

With the upcoming developments in education and sports infrastructure, there are exciting prospects for future educators.

“They will also benefit from the new facilities and programs introduced as part of the Games,” she says.

“HPE teachers have a significant opportunity to influence these future developments and inspire the next generation.”