Physical and Health Education

Undergraduate Students are required to complete two unique seven-week Physical and Health Education (PHYED) courses during their academic career. Each semester, there are a wide variety of courses to choose from in disciplines such as swimming, fitness, martial arts, and yoga. We suggest that you identify courses that look interesting to you and aim to include them in your academic program over your first two years. Please note that participation in a recognized University Sports Team does count toward one of your PHYED requirements as long as attendance and participation criteria are met — attendance to 80% of total games and practices in a semester. Students need to make sure to verify their eligibility for University Sports Team with the PHYED program before the start of the activity.

While the goal is to field at least one externally competitive team per fall and spring season, the specific sports offered will depend on the interest and ability levels among students in the class. There are also opportunities for individual competition in events. Also remember that physical activity is often an excellent way to break up your time and we hope that you will participate in physical activities well beyond the two required activities. The attendance and commitment of PHYED classes applies to both NYUAD students and students studying away at NYUAD and your grade will appear on your transcript.

The mission of the Physical and Health Education (PHYED) program is committed and focused on the development of the whole student: physical, mental, social, and intellectual. The program enables undergraduate students to develop an understanding of the correlations between physical activity, academic studies, and overall well-being and exposes students to new activities and learning that aim to provide confidence and inspiration to maintain a healthy, physically active life whilst a student and beyond.