BA (Hons) Sport and Exercise Studies
When can you start this course? |
UCAS code |
Fees |
Course length |
Entry requirements
Why choose this course?
- You'll take part in lots of practical work such as going on placements with organisations of your choice, allowing you to put the theory you learn into practice.
- You'll be able to tailor this course to your own interests by choosing from a wide variety of modules covering a diverse range of topics.
- Most of our teaching team are members of national professional bodies, so you'll be learning from professionals and be kept up to date with current trends.
- This course is recognised by the Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, so meets the criteria to gain membership.
- You'll have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications and skills relevant to sport and exercise during your course.
About the course
If you're interested in areas such as sport management, sport coaching, sport development and the social aspects of sport, then this course is a good choice for you.
You'll be taught by a teaching team who are passionate about sport and are actively involved in coaching, performing, consultancy and research. Many of them are accredited by various industry associations such as the British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sportscoach UK and the Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, so you can be sure that you'll be learning all the latest trends in sport.
We've designed some specialist sports facilities which contain the latest equipment for testing and measuring health and fitness, and we've also got a range of computer software packages for measuring performance and conducting performance analysis. We're currently building some brand new sport science labs and a fitness centre, which will complement our floodlit all-weather pitches, tennis courts, sports hall and fitness suite.
During this course you'll complete a work placement during stage two which will help you to put the theory you learn into practice. We've got great links with many firms and some of our students have had voluntary sports-related coaching placements with local schools and clubs. Some of them have also been offered jobs from their work placements.
If you like challenges and would like to be recognised nationally for your passion about sport, 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 here, and you could become part of it.
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...
Stage one
You'll study the sport environment in the UK and think about the structure of UK sport, considering the roles of associations, the Government and local bodies in shaping the future of sport. You'll gain an overview of anatomy and physiology, enabling you to understand the mechanisms of normal human movement.
Stage two
You'll study sport coaching and consider sport development as a process of social and personal change. We'll encourage you to draw on the subjects of psychology, sociology and social policy to further your understanding, as these areas all have a huge impact on the field of sport development. You'll also consider how sport is 'managed' in an increasingly professional and commercialised environment. To prepare you for the final stage, you'll study in research methods for sport and exercise. These include quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistical measurement concepts.
Stage three
You'll undertake your independent study where you'll research into an area of your interest. You'll also have the opportunity to choose 75% of your modules so you can design your degree to meet your career aspirations. You can choose from a range of modules such as psychology, coaching, strength and conditioning, exercise and health.
Modules
Stage 1
Modules you have to take (core):
 Academic and Applied Skills for Sport and Exercise What will I cover in this module?
This module provides an overview of the research and study skills essential for success in sport and exercise. The importance of research, the research process and the use of research in studying for a programme in sport and exercise are addressed. The module focuses on how to prepare academic reports including essays, research papers and laboratory reports. You'll also have the opportunity to develop generic skills such as time management, study skills, presentations and information technology. How will I be assessed?
80% coursework and 20% exam How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise What will I cover in this module?
A major focus of Sports and Exercise involves a multi-disciplinary approach to human performance and behaviour in sport. An understanding of the structure and function of systems of the human body central to movement and adaptation to training underpins those areas of Sport and Exercise with essential emphasis on human physiology, for example, training, physiological measurement, biomechanics and treatment of injury. This module considers the structure and function of the human musculo-skeletal system and its integration with the neurological system for motor activity. It also introduces the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and their adaptation to training loads. How will I be assessed?
80% coursework, 20% examination How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Introduction to Sports Management What will I cover in this module?
During this module you'll develop an underpinning knowledge of the role of the management function in the sports industry. You are also expected to achieve an understanding of the day to day functions of a manager or similar in a sport and recreation facility. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Motor Control and Learning What will I cover in this module?
Motor Control and Learning utilises both behavioural and neuro-physiological approaches that are directed at the acquisition and execution of skilled motor actions. This module will provide you with a broad overview of motor control and learning with the aim of stimulating you to think about the mechanisms of normal human movement. The module is divided into 3 sections. The first examines the information processing capacities of the learner that underpin motor performance. The second examines features of the learning environment that can be manipulated to promote motor learning. The third aspect examines applications to teaching motor skills, coaching and rehabilitation. How will I be assessed?
50% coursework, 50% examination How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Principles of Sport and Exercise Psychology What will I cover in this module?
The role of psychology is an increasingly important and recognised aspect of participation and performance in sport and exercise contexts. This module examines various personality and social-psychological factors that impact upon participation, adherence, and performance. The module offers a range of sport and exercise psychology topics focusing on three main areas: 1) Individual participants in sport and exercise, 2) Strategies for performance enhancement, and 3) Groups, group processes, and intergroup relations. For each topic, theories and research evidence are applied to practical examples. How will I be assessed?
50% coursework, 50% examination How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| The Sport and Exercise Environment What will I cover in this module?
This module provides you with the underpinning knowledge of the sporting environment in the UK and acts as the framework for further study in years two and three. You'll consider how the sporting environment has evolved and how this has influenced current developments. You'll also explore in dpeth the current structure of sport in the UK and the range of organisations, agencies and bodies involved in the delivery of sport. For example, you'll be introduced to the Governments role in sport, the non-departmental public bodies and those organisations operating at local levels. |
Stage 2
Modules you have to take (core):
| Physical Activity and Health What will I cover in this module?
This module will enable you to understand the benefits of physical activity on multiple facets of health including coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity and cancer. The module will also focus on health promotion initiatives put forward by a range of organisations including Government and the methods by which people can be motivated to become more physically active for health benefit. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Research Methods for Sport and Exercise What will I cover in this module?
You'll study a variety of research techniques including quantitative and qualitative methods of enquiry by presenting and developing research problems from the field of sport and exercise. Statistical and measurement concepts in research will be introduced at this stage in order to fully equip you with the skills required to succeed in your Independent Study in stage three. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Sport Management and Development What will I cover in this module?
Sport Management and Development are growing areas in the field of sport, physical activity and exercise both as an academic area of study and as an option for future careers. This module takes a duel perspective and considers issues across both fields in the sport and exercise environment.
For example, evolving visions of development and development as a process of social and personal change are considered in the sport development component. This aspect of the module therefore draws on a number of other disciplines at times including sport policy, sociology and psychology.
The sport management component considers how the process of sport development is managed in a contemporary and increasingly professional and commercialised environment. Graduates entering the profession will require skills in marketing, managing performance and service quality to enhance their own employability. For example, the Sport England 'sustain' agenda aims to retain those participating in sport by providing an excellent service. Secondly, the 'grow' agenda aims to get one million more people participating by 2012-3. To achieve this end, transferable management skills will play a key role. How will I be assessed?
70% coursework and 30% exam How many credits is it worth?
30 |
| Sport and Exercise Psychology What will I cover in this module?
This module provides an overview of various sport and exercise psychology topics. The significant role of individual characteristics and social processes when designing interventions to enhance sport performance and exercise participation is explained. The module focuses on how psychology can be used by sport psychologists, coaches, parents and athletes to enhance performance and learning. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Work Placement What will I cover in this module?
It is important that you have the opportunity to observe, apply and appraise the inter-relationship of theory and practice within a relevant working environment. It's also important that you are assessed in your ability to demonstrate awareness of issues affecting the workplace and strategies for dealing with them. Through this module you will have the opportunity to experience at first hand the vocational area and its supervisory and management levels. You'll also be able to undertake a skill audit relevant to their future career paths. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
And you'll choose two of these modules:
| Adapted Physical Activity What will I cover in this module?
This module will enable you to gain a theoretical and practical understanding of current concepts, trends and research into adapted physical activity. It will examine the effects of various disabilities on the motor performance of individuals and investigate methods of adapting activities. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Principles of Nutrition for Sport and Exercise What will I cover in this module?
In this module you'll study the role of dietary nutrients. The role of diet in sport and exercise performance and the consequences of poor diet will be investigated. The role of supplements, ergogenic aids and their effect on sports performance will be discussed. How will I be assessed?
50% coursework, 50% examination How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Sports Coaching What will I cover in this module?
This module will enable you to develop a knowledge and understanding of the skills and techniques of sports coaching. It will have both a theoretical and practical approach which will enable you to learn about the theory of the coaching process and applying it to a practical situation. The module will serve as a foundation for students who wish to undertake National Governing Body Coaching Awards. |
Stage 3
Modules you have to take (core):
| Exercise Prescription for Health and Fitness What will I cover in this module?
Modern lifestyles have reduced the physical demands placed upon us both in our domestic activities and in the workplace. Although there is a general public awareness of the benefits of physical activity in the promotion of well being this has not prevented the population in general from adopting an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge and the skills to assess the physical fitness of the non-athlete and then construct realistic programmes of physical activity for that group. Additionally, the module will explore the link between physical activity and common health disorders such as coronary heart disease, asthma and obesity. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Independent Studies for Biological Sciences and Sport and Exercise What will I cover in this module?
This module represents an opportunity for you to exercise initiative, creative thinking, and organisational skills in the pursuit of an independent piece of work of your choosing (subject to approval on academic, safety and ethical grounds where appropriate), and is a continuation of personal skill development initiated in stages two and three. Central to the research study will be a degree of problem solving and formulation and testing of hypotheses. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
30 |
| Strategic Sport Management Practice What will I cover in this module?
The module is designed to prepare you to progress beyond the operational level and onto senior management positions within sport and exercise organisations. The module aims therefore to build on and apply key principles of operations management learnt in stage one and two into effective strategic management practice. Secondly, the module aims to understand the interdisciplinary nature of strategic management and apply this to sport and exercise organisations. The aims will be achieved via critical analysis and evaluation of real life case studies from a range of perspectives designed to enrich the module and your learning experience. For example, sport and exercise, business and military case studies will be studied in depth. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
And you'll choose four of these modules:
| Advanced Sports Coaching What will I cover in this module?
This module will critically examine the coaching process and the role of the coach within the process, including talent identification and development. The module will bring together and apply material learnt from other modules studied throughout the course. How will I be assessed?
40% coursework, 60% examination How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology What will I cover in this module?
This module will examine the role of psychology in the learning of skills, coaching methods and performance. Through a review of current research, you'll gain an understanding of theories and how psychology can be used by coaches to positively influence sports performance. How will I be assessed?
50% coursework, 50% examination How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Elite Sport Development What will I cover in this module?
This module aims to provide you with an awareness of the key area of elite sport development in the UK and abroad. The importance of elite sport development as a key policy concern in various countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, China and the UK) has grown over the last 30-40 years. The module therefore seeks to explore the historical and socio-political factors that have influenced the changing foci in each of the four countries. Other countries will also be used as examples to develop key themes further. Having gained an understanding of these areas you'll then be in a position to apply the knowledge gained to determine areas of lesson drawing and possibly policy transfer from examples of best practice in each of the countries studied. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Paediatric Sport and Physical Activity What will I cover in this module?
There are many advocates of sport as a desirable activity for children to engage in. Sport encompasses many life situations, where the participants can experience competition and co-operation, joy and disappointment, success and failure. Children can interact with figures of authority and develop their sense of morality.
Sport can also produce an environment where parents and coaches can place excessive physical and psychological demands on children in pursuit of vicarious satisfaction. Many adults who work with children do not appreciate that children are not mini-adults that can be treated in the same way as adults.
The purpose of this module is to explore the physical, social and psychological development of children and to relate the changes to sports activity. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Professional Practice in Sport and Exercise What will I cover in this module?
Work experience is an important way to develop a further understanding of problems pertinent to employment and of gaining much needed practical experience.
This module provides an opportunity for you to undertake a placement with a sport-related organisation. You'll be able to undertake a project utilising your knowledge and understanding and thus be beneficial to the organisation. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Sport Development Delivery What will I cover in this module?
The module aims to provide you with knowledge of sport development at the operational level. You'll explore key themes associated with sport development delivery such as building organisational and management capacity, developing networks and partnerships, funding, accounting and managing change. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Modules and content may change from year to year so this list is just a guide. We will confirm the exact modules that are on offer before you start your course.
Your career
You'll be able to gain national governing body coaching awards through some of the modules as part of this course. This could really boost your CV and help you to get an internship or help with your future career in sports. Take a look at how we will help you to improve your employability.
Some of our recent graduates have managed to get jobs in areas including coaching, sport development, the fitness industry, sports management, or sports media and marketing.
You could also become a primary or secondary teacher in physical education by studying our PGCE Primary or Graduate Teacher Programme. Or you could become your own boss by being self employed working as a coach, fitness advisor or health professional.
Rob Wilkes one of our recent graduates now works as a Youth and Sports Development Officer for Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council : "l manage the 'Safer Communities Through Sport' project. The aim of the project is to help reduce anti-social behaviour by engaging young people in sport and recreation. I've attracted over £75,000 of funding into the project over the past ten months, which has been used to develop and build facilities, train young sports leaders and provide a wide range of sustainable opportunities for young people."
What our students say
"The facilities for sport and exercise courses here at Derby are always improving. This help with field work placements and being able to use realistic facilities. The lecturers at the university all work within sport so are kept up to date with developments in the sporting world. The experience I gained during my studies has helped me to get work as a Community Sports Coach at Derby County FC."
Alex Molloy, one of our Sport and Exercise Studies graduates who now works for Derby County Football Club as a Community Sports Coach.
"Sport and Exercise Studies is a fasntastic course - they give you so many opportunities and i'm proud to say i'm studying here."
Allie Bryan, one of our current students on the course.
Current student Hymsuen is a powerlifter with great titles under his belt and attends competitions around the world. He took up powerlifting whilst on placement at a gym in London as part of this course and six months later he had broken world records. Read his full story here.
"Within a week of training I entered the British Championships where I won in my weight and age class. Since then I have gone on to compete in the UK Open and the WPC World Powerlifting Championships, and have broken three British and thee world records in the sport. Everyone at the gym is as amazed as I am that I've done so well, so quickly."
Hymsuen Liu, current student
How you'll learn
You'll learn through various ways including lectures, tutorials, practicals and laboratory based sessions. You'll use the knowledge and skills to evaluate and analyse a range of issues and to draw conclusions based on independent thought and research. Each module comprises 150 hours of contact time and directed study.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed in ways to help develop the skills that are valued by employers in the industry. The methods used include examinations, individual assignments, group work assignments, laboratory reports, practical assessments, oral presentations and independent research projects.
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?
Additional Qualifications
You'll have the opportunity to gain national governing body coaching and officiating awards and financial assistance can be sought through our sports development fund.
By studying the Sports Management and Development modules, you will be working towards becoming a Chartered Member of the Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
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:
If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:
UCAS code
C600
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.
More information about our fees for September 2012 and the support available
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: 4-6 years
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points from A levels, including at least a C in ...
Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points from A levels, including at least a C in Biology or PE, or equivalent qualifications such as a BTEC National Diploma, Scottish Highers etc. If you've completed an Access/Foundation course, we also accept these 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.
Standard entry requirements
