SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS

The University of Derby is a sporting hub for talented athletes and coaches. We have a track record of improving the performance of our University sports clubs and we have created an infrastructure to provide support for talented athletes.

With a significant investment in high-class facilities, such as the Sports Centre and Human Performance Unit, sport science expertise and performance level coaches, we are attracting more and more talented performers. We are committed to supporting Clean Sport in the UK and we have published our Clean Sport commitment.

The Sports Scholarship programme aims to help our talented athletes realise their sporting potential and support them through their academic studies. Our athletes can access an impressive package of support tailored towards their needs, delivered by our experienced and qualified team. Three of the University's most recent successful sports scholars are cyclist Rhianna Parris-Smith, volleyball player Abi Littler, and badminton player Abbygael Harris.

Support Services include:

The Sports Scholarships cater for student athletes competing at a high county level up to senior internationals and studying an undergraduate, postgraduate or online degree. For further information, please contact sportsscholars@derby.ac.uk.

The University has recently gained Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme Dual Career Accreditation and joins a community of institutions committed to providing student-athletes with dual career opportunities.

Award level Sports profile Academic course support Expected athlete profile
Performance Team Sports Scholar Badminton, Cycling, Volleyball, Men’s Basketball Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services High-performing athlete: requires evidence of a high national/regional ranking, national league exposure or equivalent overseas
Individual and Team Sport Scholar All BUCS sports outside the performance team programme Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services

Level 1: Senior International, representing GB at world championship level in the last 12 months
Level 2: Senior National or Junior International level
Level 3: Junior National level

Talented Athlete Award All BUCS sports outside the performance team programme Support Services Athlete selected onto a regional NGB programme or evidence of competing within a county first team or high senior county ranking or equivalent overseas

Applications

  • 31 January 2024 - application process opens for September 2024 starters. Please apply as soon as possible including your sporting reference.  An email will be sent to confirm your application has been received
  • 31 July 2024 - undergraduate and postgraduate deadline for all scholarship applications
  • 1 August to 31 August 2024 - Clearing scholarship applications
Clarence Clark from the USA

USA to UK: studying differences

Clarence Clark is not in Kansas anymore - he completed his bachelors degree in America, but has come to Derby to complete his masters as a sport scholar.

Read Clarence's story about moving to the UK from the USARead Clarence's story about moving to the UK from the USA

Performance sport at Derby

Gain an insight into Performance Sport life at the University of Derby and hear about the support that is available to student athletes on our performance sport and sport scholarship programmes.

students on the performance sport programme at University of Derby

View Performance Sport at Derby video transcript

Contact

Jordan Butler, Performance Sports Manager:

Scholarship enquiries

If you're a potential student and would like to know more about our sports scholarship programme, please fill out our form and we'll be in touch with further information.

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