Teaching sport
Physical education (PE) teachers mainly work in public schools, where labour market prospects vary across school levels and regions. Depending on school level and education, PE teachers may teach only sport or they may also teach other subjects for which they have a teaching diploma.
Bachelor’s students at the SFISM need additional qualifications in order to teach sport. Depending on the school level, institution and subject combination, obtaining the relevant teaching qualification will require another one to three years after the BSc SFISM.
School level diplomas
Diplomas for specific school levels are required in order to teach at public schools. Educational pathways will vary according to school level. The material covered in the study programme (sports science and pedagogical education) also differs among the various higher education institutions and the target school level.
- Primary level: Qualification from a university of teacher education (UTE): Teacher for primary level UTE (de, fr, it)
Students must study seven to ten subjects, including sport: + BSc UTE. - Lower secondary level: Qualification from a UTE and/or university: Teacher for secondary level I UTE (de, fr, it)
Students must study two to four subjects, including sport: + MSc UTE - · Upper secondary level: Bachelor's and Master's degree in exercise and sports science as well as one year of education at an UTE for the teaching diploma: Teacher for Baccalaureate Schools UTE (de, fr, it)
In order to teach at upper secondary level (baccalaureate schools and vocational schools), one or two subjects must be studied, including sport: + MSc SFISM/UniFR + teaching diploma UTE (incl. vocational pedagogy component) - The Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) offers a training course for teaching physical education at the vocational and educational training level (the SFUVET is a partner institution for the German-language version): ehb.swiss: Teaching certificate for physical education in vocational and educational training (CPE) (de, fr)
See Career examples: Sport and exercise science, sport – Physical education teacher at vocational schools (Kim Dubuis) (de)
Promoting health
Occupations concerned with promoting health focus on the positive impact that movement can have on health. Healthcare professionals often work in interdisciplinary teams with doctors, physiotherapists and nutritionists to develop and implement holistic health strategies that also include sport and exercise. These services aim to promote people’s physical activity, improve their general quality of life and prevent or treat injuries and illnesses.
Researching sport
The growing awareness of health, exercise and fitness as well as the importance of sport in society means that well-qualified sport researchers are in demand. This field encompasses a diverse range of activities and target groups in amateur and elite sport, and includes professions at universities and research institutes, in sports halls, on sports fields and at other training venues. Depending on the context, professionals work closely with athletes, patients, sponsors and associations.
Organising sport
Professions around organising sport cover a wide range of activities in planning and running events as well as marketing, sponsorship and sales in the sports industry. Professionals apply their business management and sports economics skills in their work for sports associations, sports clubs, fitness studios or other organisations related to sport, fitness or wellness, in sports tourism or in sports administration.
Coaching sport
Coaches and movement instructors are expert sport coaches who support athletes in improving their sporting skills and performance. They use their expertise to help athletes realise their potential and achieve sustainable sporting success.
Teaching sport
Physical education (PE) teachers mainly work in public schools, where labour market prospects vary across school levels and regions. Depending on school level and education, PE teachers may teach only sport or they may also teach other subjects for which they have a teaching diploma.
Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen SFISM
Hauptstrasse 247
2532 Macolin