Physical and Health Education
In this program you'll learn about human movement. And you'll learn what it takes to be a physical and health education teacher.
Potential careers
What can you do with a physical and health education degree? Here are a few jobs that relate to the program:
- physical and health education teacher
- middle school teacher
- elementary school teacher
- teaching abroad
- school administrator
- physical education school district advisor
- health education school district advisor
- professional sports coach
- recreational sports coach
- personal trainer
- fitness or wellness coordinator
- outdoor programmer
- camp leader or director
- athletic coach
- community support professional
- recreation programmer for adults
- community recreation coordinator
- educational policy analyst
- facilities supervisor
- physical therapist
- sport pedagogy researcher
- adaptive physical activity researcher
- physical activity and health research
- life coach
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the physical and health education program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here is a professional association related to physical and health education:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the physical and health education program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Course-based experiences
EPHE 104 - Special Activity
Take part in a variety of physical activities not offered in other EPHE courses
EPHE 105 - Swimming
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 106 - Track and Field
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPH E107 - Gymnastics
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 109 - Dance
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert dance instructor
EPHE 113 - Golf
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 116 - Badminton
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 117 - Tennis
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 120 - Basketball
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 121 - Soccer
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 122 - Volleyball
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 123 - Rugby
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 124 - Field Hockey
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 126 - Orienteering
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 133 - Strength Training
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert coach
EPHE 134 - Yoga
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert instructor
EPHE 137 - Experiential Outdoor Education
Develop your skills and knowledge as you learn from an expert educator
EPHE 142 - Personal Health, Wellness and Potential
Complete a Personal Lifestyle Change project.
Community experiences
EPHE 345 - Health Education for Children and Youth
Teach children in after school programs
EPHE 350 - Children and Youth with Special Needs in Physical Activities
Volunteer with the Special Olympics program for children aged 2 – 6
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the physical and health education program.
Field of practice and body of knowledge
- analyze historical, philosophical and sociological aspects of education
- understand health promotion, play, sport and leisure
- understand recreation, physical activity and physical education
- use research and professional information to update practices
Technical expertise
- identify unintended and intended effects of educational thought and practice
- understand a range of topics, trends and curricular innovations related to physical education
- use research, data collection and analysis techniques
Working with special needs
- work with children and youth with learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delay, developmental coordination disorder and autism
- understand the unique attributes of learners
- appreciate that all children and youth should be treated and assessed as individuals
- understand human development and motor behaviour
- understand BC Ministry of Education policies on special education
- understand the history and philosophy related to special and adapted physical education
- design and plan learning activities.
- understand interdisciplinary cooperation
Health education
- facilitate positive youth development and healthy behaviours by youth.
- understand the history, philosophies and ethics associated with health education
- understand social and emotional learning
- lead learning experiences designed to help individuals and communities improve their health
- access valid information, products and services to enhance health
- understand the scope and role of health educators
Instructional techniques
- teach net or wall games such as tennis, squash, pickle-ball and badminton
- teach target games such as modified golf and disc golf
- teach gymnastics, track and field, yoga, dance and fitness training programs
- use a variety of instructional techniques, strategies and models
- design effective learning experiences
- identify and use essential components of teaching styles and models of instructions
- plan instruction at the unit, lesson and skill demonstration level
Management skills
- manage the learning environment
- identify safety concerns and use safe practices
- organize a class of students in a physical space for effective instruction
- promote student academic learning time