Physical Education and Sports
The Physical Education and Sports undergraduate program at METU is designed to train future educators, coaches, and sports professionals with a comprehensive foundation in sports science, health, physical education pedagogy, and sport management. The curriculum blends theoretical courses in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, motor development, exercise science and sport psychology with practical training in various sports disciplines, fitness, and teaching methods. In addition, students are given opportunities for teaching practicum, adapted physical education, and experience in organizing and managing sports and educational activities — preparing them for roles as physical education teachers, coaches, trainers, or administrators in sports and education sectors.
Based in Ankara at METU’s Faculty of Education, this program benefits from access to modern sport facilities, labs, and a curriculum that values both scientific understanding and practical application. Students develop the knowledge, physical competence, pedagogical skills, and leadership necessary to promote healthy lifestyle, guide athletic development, or contribute to sports education and management. Graduates are equipped to work in schools, sports clubs, fitness & wellness centers, or continue their academic path in sports science or education.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physical Education and Sports
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters
- Location: Ankara
- Study Type: Undergraduate (full-time, English-medium or Turkish-medium depending on METU policy)
- Admission semester: Fall semester (as per METU academic calendar)
- Area of study: Physical Education, Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, Sport Pedagogy, Motor Development, Physical Fitness, Sport Management, Coaching & Training Methods
- Admission modus: Standard undergraduate admissions (via national exam for Turkish students, and international entry for eligible foreign applicants)
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations & Introduction to Sport
- Foundations of Physical Education and Sports
- Gymnastics / Basic Physical Training & Movement Skills
- Introduction to Education / Foundations of Teaching & Sport Science
- Computer Applications in Education / Supporting IT Skills
- Academic English / Foundation Courses
Semester 2 – Human Movement & Motor Development
- Human Anatomy & Kinesiology
- Motor Development / Growth & Movement in Children and Youth
- Athletics or Basic Sport Discipline (e.g. Track & Field)
- Supporting Courses / General Education
Semester 3 – Exercise Science & Pedagogy
- Exercise Physiology / Basics of Physical Fitness & Health
- Methods of Teaching & Sport Pedagogy I
- Sport-specific activity (e.g. Swimming, Gymnastics, Team Sports)
- Educational Psychology / Foundations of Learning & Development
Semester 4 – Health, Fitness & Educational Methods
- Physical Fitness & Health Education
- First Aid & Health Knowledge
- Educational Technology & Material Development for PE
- Sport / Physical Education Management Basics
Semester 5 – Curriculum & Teaching Methods in Physical Education
- Curriculum Design & Instructional Planning for PE
- Measurement & Evaluation in Sports Education / Assessment Methods
- Skill Acquisition & Learning in Sports
- Elective / Supporting Courses (e.g. dance, rhythm education, adaptive PE)
Semester 6 – Specialized Training & Sports Sciences
- Training Theory & Coaching Methods / Sport Training Courses
- Sport Psychology / Psychology of Exercise & Performance
- Research Methods in Sport & Education
- Elective or Supporting Courses (specialization)
Semester 7 – Practicum & Applied Teaching / Coaching
- Teaching Practicum I / School-based Physical Education Practice
- Adaptive Physical Education & Inclusive Sports Methods
- Elective Courses (sport specialization, management, extracurricular sports)
Semester 8 – Graduation, Sport Management & Professional Preparation
- Teaching Practicum II / Final Internship / Coaching Practice
- Sport Organization & Management / School Sports Administration
- Education Systems & School Management / Guidance & Counseling Courses
- Elective Courses & Graduation Preparation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as physical education teachers in primary or secondary schools, sports coaches or trainers in clubs and fitness centers, exercise physiologists, wellness instructors, sport managers or administrators, coaches for adapted/inclusive sports, or professionals in sports development and health promotion. They also have the option to continue with graduate studies (M.Sc. / Ph.D.) in sport sciences, coaching, exercise physiology, sports management or education.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing Physical Education and Sports at METU offers a big advantage if you are passionate about sports, health, teaching, and want a solid academic and practical foundation. The program’s mix of science courses, pedagogical training, practical sport experience, and opportunities for coaching or teaching internships provides a versatile skill set.
You get to develop both your physical competence and academic understanding — preparing you not only for teaching and coaching, but also for leadership roles in sports, fitness, health education or sport management.
Contact Information
Middle East Technical University – Department of Physical Education and Sports
Dumlupınar Boulevard No:1
06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 4070
Email: pes@metu.edu.tr
Student Affairs Office – Physical Education and Sports Program
Faculty of Education, METU
06800 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 4072
Email: pes-undergrad@metu.edu.tr
International Office – Middle East Technical University
METU Campus
06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 1060
Email: ico@metu.edu.tr
