BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

UCAS code: C603

Start date: September

Course length: Three years full time or up to six years part time

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

During this course you'll study the core subjects that are fundamental to sport and exercise science. You'll also get to specialise in specific areas including strength and conditioning, sports coaching, exercise and health, or sports management, depending on your own interests and career aspirations.

You'll be taught by lecturers that are very passionate about sports and are actively involved in consultancy, research, coaching and performing. They are from a wide range of backgrounds and many are accredited by various industry associations. We have experts in areas like fitness, exercise and health, sports psychology and sports management, as well as sports development and coaching, so you'll be kept up to date with current trends in sport.

You'll have the chance to gain National Governing Body Coaching Awards, the Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (IMSPA) Higher Professional Diploma, as well as prepare for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's (NSCA) accreditation, during this course. We're a centre for the NSCA's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, being one of only four universities in the UK to offer this. All these professional qualifications are highly recognised by employers so you can ensure you'll be studying on a professional and up to date course.

During the course you'll get to use some of our fantastic facilities, purpose built for our sports courses. We have a well equipped sport and exercise physiology laboratory and a separate strength and conditioning area containing the latest equipment for testing and measuring the parameters of health and fitness. We've got a range of computer software packages for performance and statistical analysis. We also have a well equipped sports hall, fitness suite, floodlit all-weather pitches, and tennis courts on campus, to ensure you get the best experience at Derby.

Our sports facilities in Kirtley building

You'll have the opportunity to undertake a six week work placement during your second year, which will help you put all the theory you learn into practice. Many of our students have had placements with Nottingham Forest FC, Derby Cricket Club, Leicester Tigers RFU, Derby County FC, as well as local schools, hospitals and leisure centres. Some of our students have also gone on to gain employment from their placements.

If you enjoy challenges and would like to be recognised for your sporting passion, then you could become involved with Team Derby. Team Derby covers all aspects of sport here at the University, including our courses, sports clubs, Athletics Union and sport development, so there's a real sports community and you'll be part of it. Find out more at www.teamderby.com

Anything else?

Specialist Facilities

We have a well equipped sport and exercise physiology laboratory and a separate biomechanics laboratory containing the latest equipment for testing and measuring the parameters of health and fitness. In addition, we use a range of computer software packages for statistical and movement analysis.

For students who follow the Strength and Conditioning pathway, you'll get to use some of the best lifting equipment and develop your practical skills in our strength and conditioning room.

For recreational sport we have a new 44 station fitness facility at our Kedleston Road site, equipped with the latest Technogym and Wellness system technology, catering for first timers or elite performers. We also have floodlit all-weather pitches, tennis courts and a sports hall.

Stage one

You'll study these modules:

• Academic and Applied Skills for Sport and Exercise
• Motor Control and Learning
• Principles of Sport Biomechanics
• The Sport and Exercise Environment
• Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise
• Principles of Sport and Exercise Psychology

Stage two

You'll study these modules:

• Research Methods for Sport and Exercise
• Physiological and Biomechanical Assessment
• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Work Placement

And you'll choose two modules from these:

• Nutrition for Sport and Exercise
• Sports Coaching: Theory and Practice
• Strength and Conditioning
• Adapted Physical Activity
• Physical Activity and Health

Stage three

You'll study these modules:

• Independent Study for Sport and Exercise
• Applied Sports Physiology

And you'll choose three modules from these:

• Advanced Sports Coaching
• Applied Sport Psychology
• Biomedical Implications of Exercise Activity and Health
• Paediatric Sport and Physical Activity
• Applied Strength and Conditioning
• Elite Sport Development

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

You will need at least a C in Biology or PE, at A Level (or equivalent qualifications).

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)
• £1,030 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

You'll learn through lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals and technology enhanced innovations. You will be involved in physiology testing, psychology case studies, coaching sessions and techniques in performance analysis. Each module consists of a total of 150 hours of the above teaching and learning strategy.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed in a variety of ways to test your knowledge, skills and practical ability. These could be individual or group assessments in our new specialised facilities. For all assessments you will receive clear guidance on what’s required of you to enable you to achieve to your potential.

Work placements

Work placement is a core module, assessed in stage two. The placement is for a period of 150 hours with an organisation of your choice. Whilst most students undertake their placement in this country, some students go abroad for an additional experience. You will have the opportunity to go on placements with organisations including Derventio Excel Swimming Club, Nottingham Forest Football Club, Derby County Cricket Club, Leicester Tigers Rugby Union Club and Derby County Football Club, as well as local schools, hospitals and leisure centres.

During this course you'll have the opportunity to gain coaching awards such as level 1 football, rugby or athletics. This will boost your CV and help with your career in sports. Take a look at how we will help you to improve your employability.

Recent graduates have secured jobs in strength and conditioning, coaching, sport science support, the fitness industry, NHS, Police and the Armed Forces. Others have gained jobs from their work placements and internships. You could study our MRes in Sport and Exercise, where you can gain skills in teaching, and applied sport science an research, with the potential to progress to PhD level. Others have used the skills gained with us to develop careers in fields such as management and finance.

Graduate Gareth Richards now works for Nottingham Forest Football Club as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. Watch his interview.

Recent graduate Nicola Thorpe started working for England Netball once she had graduated from the course.
"I am a Netball Development Officer covering Nottinghamshire and my main role is to encourage more people to play netball. I work closely with clubs, schools and other partners. This course definitely helped me to get the job and there are aspects that I learnt on the course that I use in my job day to day."

Joseph Clark, current student
"Great facilities, inspiring lectures. It's been great applying the knowledge I have gained."

Debbie Groom graduated with a First Class Honours degree. She now works as a Community Sports Development Officer.
"I work to increase physical activity and sport for staff, governors, parents and pupils in schools. Studying at Derby has given me the knowledge and inspiration I need to develop and deliver sports initiatives."

Jamie Adams, who has gone on to postgraduate teacher training

"The support from the staff has been outstanding and they always have time for you. The facilities available are forever improving and I feel this course can help develop your career prospects in whichever field you are pursuing."