BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

In the 2011 National Student Survey, 84% of our students said they were satisfied with the teaching on this course.
During this course you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills you'll need for a career in sport and exercise, including a work placement which will look great on your CV.
You'll have the chance to work towards professional qualifications, such as the National Governing Body Coaching Awards, which are recognised and valued nationally by employers.
Our staff are actively involved in research, high performance sport, applied sport science consultancy work, and are members of British Association of Sport and Exercise Science, National Strength and Conditioning Association, UK strength and Conditioning Association, and Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, so you can be sure you'll be learning from experts.
You can choose to study this course on a part time or full time basis, so you can ensure you'll be able to fit your studies around any other commitments you may have.

About the course

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.

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

Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...

Your career

One of our recent graduates, Nicola Thorpe.

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.

Many of our recent graduates have secured jobs within areas of sport science including strength and conditioning, working with elite teams coaching, teaching, sports development, sport science support work, the fitness industry, Police or Armed Forces.

Others have used the skills gained with us to develop careers in fields such as management and finance. Some of our sports graduates have also gone on to study at postgraduate level achieving masters and doctoral qualifications.

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."

What our students say

Joseph Clark, one of our current students

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."

How you'll learn

The combination of lecturing, seminars and directed learning offers the students the opportunity to use knowledge and skills gained to evaluate and analyse many issues and to draw conclusions based on independent thought and research. Each module consists of a total of 150 hours of the above teaching and learning strategy.

How you're assessed

We use a variety of assessment methods including time constrained work, essays, oral and poster presentations, field work reports and computer aided assessment.

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.

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.

Start dates

If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:

September 2012

If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:

September 2012

UCAS code

C603

Fees

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

Full time: £7,495 (each year)
Part time: £935 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total).

International students

Full time: £9,975 (each year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.