Become part of a new generation of sports scientists with all the expertise you need to help athletes reach their full potential. Derby has set the pace in developing this innovative course which will act as the launchpad for your career in a highly competitive arena.
Start your degree with a foundation year to gain a valuable introduction to sports science and achieve your full BSc (Hons) qualification in four years of study
Realise your ambitions: this route is ideal for anyone considering a change of career or taking up a completely new subject area
Focus on the interdisciplinary nature of performance analysis and coaching
Gain vital insights into real-world practice, including unique opportunities to go on work placements and internships with professional clubs
Combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills in our state-of-the-art facilities, including our new £10.8m Sports Centre
Harness the latest coaching and performance analysis technologies, such as Sports Code, Dartfish and Quintic
Performance Analysis and Coaching Science at Derby
Using the latest technologies, including a VICON 3D motion capture system and integrated Kistler Force Plates, plus a scientific and practical approach, this course enables you to develop specialist skills in performance analysis to train athletes to their full potential.
Throughout the course you'll study the science behind physical performance, exploring anatomy for sport and exercise, biomechanics, development of coaching, and notational, movement and performance analysis.
Combining your understanding of the human body with coaching principles, you will progress to learn vital techniques for improving individual sporting performance. Unique work placement and internship opportunities with professional clubs allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practice, which is essential in preparation for your future career.
Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more
Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.
Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.
Expert teaching
Many of our staff are actively involved in research, undertaking influential studies that are breaking new ground in their disciplines. Research within sport and exercise science includes improving athletes' performance through coaching, strength and conditioning, profiling and analysis, injury risk reduction, sports psychology, and the use of latest technologies. Others involve high-level scientific investigations on themes such as nutrition, metabolism, muscle physiology, respiratory systems, and balance control.
Build the practical skills for success
This course features innovative learning and assessment strategies so that you can experience real-world environments throughout your studies. You’ll work with both internal and external sports teams on a range of interdisciplinary and practical projects.
To add an extra dimension to your learning, we offer internship opportunities with organisations such as Derby County FC, Leicester Tigers Rugby Club and the Derbyshire Institute of Sport.
Our approach to assessment has been designed in collaboration with industry partners so that it reflects the type of work undertaken by practitioners in professional sport.
Specialist facilities
You’ll get to grips with market-leading performance analysis software packages such as Sports Code, iCODA, Hudl, Dartfish and Quintic. To support your analyses, you’ll also use our HD cameras and EVS tower system, with access to our suite of MacBook Pros and iPads.
Along with our specialist laboratories, you’ll discover other exceptional facilities on campus to help you keep up a fitness regime, try out a new sport or improve your performance through competitions.
Our Sports Centre includes a main hall, fitness gym with strength and conditioning area, studios, squash and badminton courts, an internal climbing wall, sprint track, changing rooms, treatment rooms and a café. It complements other facilities such as floodlit all-weather pitches and tennis courts.
You could also engage with Team Derby, which brings together the University’s sporting community. Its work spans numerous sports clubs, the Athletics Union and sport development activities. As part of Team Derby, you can also represent the University in a vast range of competitive sport.
This module aims to develop an understanding of why and how research is conducted within science disciplines. Students will develop a working knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative data handling skills through the use of Excel and other appropriate software. Introductions to formulating and operationalising research questions and hypotheses will be included along with an exploration of the rationale behind applying different research methods for different purposes and the ethical considerations linked to these.
The module will be taught through a series of lectures introducing the theoretical background to research. These will be supplemented by workshops in which students will begin to apply the concepts they have heard about, developing their own research understanding in a practical way. Indicative content will include consideration of independent and dependent variables, research questions, hypotheses, ethics, quantitative and qualitative data, handling and recording data and report writing.
This module aims to develop the study skills essential for study at university and facilitate the transition into Higher Education. The module will help student understand university systems and processes, the study skills they require to succeed and the role they have in their own learning.
The module will be taught through a series of lectures, tutorials, and workshop sessions. The module will cover three broad themes linked to individual awareness / personal development, digital literacy and study skills. Topics will be delivered by a range of academic and specialist support staff. Indicative content includes: learning styles, student wellbeing, employability, scientific writing, oral communication, teamwork, note-taking, exam preparedness, information location and retrieval and plagiarism and referencing.
This module provides an overview of the sporting landscape within the United Kingdom and how recent developments have helped shape it. Students will gain an understanding of the broad range of subject disciplines attributed to sport and exercise and begin to develop an appreciation of the skills required to work within the diverse sport and exercise field.
This module focusses on both the ‘art’ and ‘science’ of sport and exercise to ensure a grounding knowledge for all. Students will learn of the different roles a sport and exercise professional may take on and the skills attributed to each in order to be successful.
This is a level 2 module. The module is oriented towards providing students with sufficient English skills to enable them to engage confidently with level 4 modules.
This module will provide students with a theoretical understanding of physiology and anatomy of the relevant body systems. Fundamental anatomical and physiological concepts will be explored for a range of body systems in relation to what these systems consist of and how they function. The concepts of health and disease will be introduced as the range of body systems are explored.
The module will incorporate both theoretical and practical learning to enable students to apply their knowledge of the human body.
This module will introduce students to psychology as an integrated and multi-faceted discipline. Students will explore both classic and contemporary aspects of psychology from a position of little or no knowledge. They will gain an understanding of the breadth of psychology and the ways in which the topic areas included can be approached from a number of different theoretical perspectives using a variety of methodological approaches.
This module will focus on the application of skill acquisition theories in the coaching practice. Students will develop an understanding of how principles such as feedback, attentional focus and the environment can inform session design and delivery; with the view to enhancing both athlete learning and performance.
Student’s practical skill development will centre upon their ability to enhance performance through the application of skill acquisition principles. Students will be taught via a variety of lectures and seminars as well practical coaching sessions. The module will also provide students with the opportunity to engage with PDP activities related to the role of the coach within the sporting industry.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to an area of study that is concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects of these forces on sports performance. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of mechanical principles and laws as they relate to the study of human movement and sports performance.
Academic and Applied Skills for Sport and Exercise
This module is taught in two parts: Academic skills and research skills. The academic skills component provides students with grounding in the key skills needed to be successful at undergraduate study; including, literature searching, literature review, academic writing, referencing, and presentation skills. The research skills component gives students an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods, including descriptive statistics.
Students will learn how to collect and interpret data using a range of approaches including questionnaires, interviews and experimental methods. The emphasis on the module is to develop student’s confidence in engaging with academic literature including the associated terminology.
Personal Development Planning (PDP) will be embedded into the program with a series of “step-to-success” workshops which will support students in their professional development . Students will be required to engage with the PDP programme by collating hours in a Sport and Exercise based placement in addition to participation in associated activities in an area related to sport.
Most of the delivery will be based on seminar sessions wherein students will be given structured tasks which will be completed individually or in groups. Delivery and assessment will provide students with the opportunity to engage and explore their own area of interest with respect to the associated academic literature.
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 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.
This module provides students with a theoretical understanding of human anatomy. The module considers the human body in action and aims to introduce students to the integrated function of anatomical systems during physical activity and exercise. The module will incorporate both theoretical and practical elements to ensure students are given the appropriate opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of anatomy within an applied context.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to performance analysis, an area of study that is concerned with the planning, capture and evaluation of sporting performance. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of underlying principles and techniques of performance analysis and relate these to the study of sports performance.
This module builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the level 4 Research and Academic Skills module. The module is designed to prepare students for their dissertation at level 6. Students will conduct a systematic literature review in a topic area related to their degree, in order to develop a coherent research question.
Particular emphasis will be given to developing a robust rationale for the research question proposed based on a critical review of existing literature. Furthermore, students will propose a research methodology based on the rationale developed.
The overall focus of the module is on the process of “doing research”, and this will reflect in the delivery methods used. As such, students will be encouraged to explore the suitability different methodologies with respect to the research question asked. There will be the opportunity within sessions for students to critically review literature, and peer review research proposals. In addition to developing a research rationale and design for a proposed research project, students will undertake a range of in-class assessed qualitative and quantitative data analysis tasks using SPSS, including inferential statistics.
The Steps-to-Success programme will be implemented in this module, in conjunction with the employability and careers office, The focus will be placed on graduate schemes, teacher training, networking, job applications and masters programmes. Students will be required to engage with the Professional Development Planning (PDP) for Sport and Exercise programme by collating hours in a Sport and Exercise based placement in addition to participation in associated activities in an area related to sport.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Develop a coherent research question based on a review of the associated academic literature
Provide a robust rationale for the research question proposed based on academic literature
Develop a suitable research methodology for the proposed research question
Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data gathered from a range of research methods used in sport and exercise
Demonstrate evidence of Professional Development through engagement with PDP and Sport and Exercise placement
Module content
The module will focus on the following topic areas:
Research proposal writing
Literature (critical) review
Research question rational
Research methodology (quantitative and qualitative)
A question that is often asked by coaches and coach educators is whether coaching is an art or a science? The answer is that it is probably both and therefore it is necessary for coaches to have the knowledge and skills that cover both areas. This module will deal primarily with the ‘art’ element of the question, in the knowledge that the ‘science’ is covered in modules studied elsewhere in the programme.
The module will enable a student to develop a knowledge and understanding of the skills and techniques of sports coaching. It will involve both the theory of the coaching process and put this into practice by applying the skills.
The module in itself will not result in the award of a particular NGB qualification but will provide a good foundation of relevant coaching skills that are applicable to all NGB coaching awards. Students are encouraged to check the notice boards for the availability of courses in their chosen sport.
This module focusses on developing student’s understanding of notational analysis techniques and modelling processes which underpin the collection of performance analysis data. The module will develop student’s skills in the application of contemporary performance analysis technologies. The module also aims to develop student’s skills so they can report the outcomes of analyses in applications representative of real world practice, appropriate for dissemination to both coaches and athletes.
This module introduces technique analysis and the focuses on the scientific principles which underpin this process. The module will develop student’s understanding of the collection and evaluation of technique analysis data and explore dissemination methods that are representative of real world practice.
To enhance student understanding of the appropriate use of contemporary technologies in sports analysis the module will also focus on the use of field-based methods of time-motion analysis (TMA) and mobile applications.. The module will also examine measurement issues associated with these technologies and the applied nature of this module will provide an opportunity for students to enhance their practical skills.
This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore principles of human performance drawn from the areas of Psychomotor Learning and Psychology. The module will cover the principles of perception, cognition, and motor control and extend upon the theories and ideas introduced in the both the Level 4 Coaching and Skill Acquisition and Principles of Sport and Exercise Psychology modules.
It gives the opportunity to critically evaluate theories relating to perceptual processes and mechanisms underlying the control of human movement, drawing from research in cognitive psychology, motor control and learning and skill acquisition. The module ties together the processes involved in response programming, the ways in which these can be impacted by internal and external psychological factors, and the importance these processes have on the learner and learning environment; from tasks requiring the most basic of motor-unit recruitment, to highly complex skilled performance.
This module will develop the concepts and applications studied at level 4 in Principles of Sports Biomechanics. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of how the principles and methods of biomechanics can be used to investigate sport and exercise activities.
The module will support students in their understanding of the methods that are available to analyse sporting performance and their applications. It will also provide students with an opportunity to conduct and report investigations of their own sport and exercise related movements using biomechanical principles and methods. The module will prepare students for more advanced studies in the third year of their course.
Assessment of performance is a crucial component of the design, implementation and assessment of training protocols. As such practitioners are required to have a good understanding of a range of laboratory and field/court based assessments of performance and the ability to interpret the data appropriately in comparison to normative data. The module is designed to allow students to demonstrate the ability to select and deliver appropriate tests for a range of performance measures.
Field based conditioning forms a large part of the role of a Strength and Conditioning coach, particularly those working in team sports such as football.
This module will provide students with a technical understanding of speed and power development with particular attention to field based sports skills. It will provide students with a range of techniques that can be used with both individual and team athletes in order to develop speed, agility and efficiency. Where appropriate key nutritional strategies to support training methods will be introduced.
In addition to the practical aspects of the module, students will gain an understanding of programming for a range of athletes.
This module provides a framework for the development of “lifelong learning” skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice; including objective setting, planning, negotiating, implementing, demonstrating and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of the work completed within the organisation. This module also gives students an opportunity to relate their academic knowledge to the work environment.
Students need to be aware of the commercial realities and external factors that influence the success of an organisation. This module provides opportunities for students to acquire an understanding of contemporary issues that may impact on industrial and professional practices relevant to a career within their chosen discipline.
During this period of work experience, students can gain a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development.
This module will investigate the development of coaching. It 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.
Building on the theoretical content presented at levels 4 and 5 this module introduces the contemporary issues related to applying such theory into applied practice. More specifically the module will introduce the concept of mono, multi and interdisciplinary approaches within applied sports science.
Students will critically evaluate the strengths and the weaknesses of each method using a problem-based approach and on the understanding that performance is based upon a set of functionally inter-linking variables. The module will also introduce key concepts such as bridge building, restructuring and integration, all of which are recognised by BASES as crucial to the understanding of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to applied sports science.
This module develops previous skills gained at level 5 and further examines the role of performance analysis within sport. The module places a greater emphasis on the applied application of performance analysis and how this supports the coaching cycle within a variety of sports.
The module will provide students with a strong theoretical background in performance analysis and combines this with industry relevant experience. Students will explore a number of different software platforms and gain an understanding of which software packages are suitable for undertaking different types of analysis. Contemporary issues at the forefront of performance analysis will also be discussed and critically explored.
The independent studies module provides students with the opportunity to reflect and build upon their subject knowledge and expertise by conducting an in-depth investigation; requiring a systematic and significant application of both acquired research skills and understanding.
The investigation may adopt a variety of frameworks, typically dependent upon a combination of both the discipline and topic in question. The rationale being to avoid limiting the students to the traditional empirical research format; instead empowering them to select an investigatory design that is best suited to the conduct, completion and presentation of the study in focus e.g. an industry report or an individually focused / institutionally targeted case study etc.
Irrespective of the study framework, all work requires students to apply critical scrutiny and analysis to a diversity of appropriate theories, concepts and procedures. Such work will inevitably relate to a field of study deemed appropriate by a specialist in the area. The module offers the opportunity to develop an in-depth critical understanding alongside the refinement of both their subject and research skills.
This module explores selected psychological factors related to sport. It allows students to become familiar with theoretical frameworks and current sport and exercise literature related to chosen areas. Students will develop critical appraisal and develop the skills to apply theory and research to real-life practical situations. Consideration of applied consultancy practice, professional philosophy, ethics and approaches to psychological support for athletes will develop students’ understanding of applied sport psychology focusing on performance and well-being.
This module will develop the concepts and applications studied at level 5 in biomechanical assessment for sport and exercise. The module aims to equip students with an understanding of how a broad range of advanced techniques can be used in the collection of biomechanical data.
The module will then provide students with the necessary skills to analyse and interpret this data with respect to performance in real world biomechanical scenarios. In conjunction with the content delivery, the module will allow students the freedom to conduct a novel piece of independent research which will develop their ability to critically evaluate current biomechanical literature and present biomechanical research in a scientific manner.
Assessment of performance is a crucial component of the design, implementation and assessment of training protocols. Building on the fundamentals of Level 5 this module will allow students to design and implement a battery of tests appropriate to the needs of an individual and a sport. In addition the module will introduce athletes to statistical analysis methods appropriate to working in an applied sports science environment and methods of dissemination of results.
Field based conditioning forms a large part of the role of a Strength and Conditioning coach, particularly those working in team sports. This module will build on the theory learnt at level 5 and provide students with an advanced understanding of metabolic conditioning. Additional emphasis will be placed on programming for team and individual athletes with more consideration of injury risk reduction and movement proficiency. Where appropriate key nutritional strategies to support training methods will be introduced.
In addition to the theoretical aspects of the module, students will be required to demonstrate competency in a range of coaching practicals.
20 Credits
optional
Practical
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Undergraduate Live Online Events
While we’re not able to welcome you in person to our campuses at the moment, we’re not going to let that stop us showing you all the great things about studying at Derby.
We’re currently planning our autumn Open Events to bring you the best possible online and on-campus experience.
Delve deeper into the course with our Virtual Open Day, packed with subject and course information to help you make your choice, including tours of facilities, 360° views of award-winning accommodation plus advice and insight from students and academics.
This applied programme will use the latest technology and performance analysis systems in our new £10.8m state-of-the-art sport centre to develop knowledge and skills in the classroom and applied settings. Opportunities will be available for students to work in an interdisciplinary environment, with internal and external sport teams. You will also have the opportunity to undertake an internship with professional and non-professional sport clubs and organisations, to enhance your employability.
Assessment
You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including coursework, practicals, exams, and presentations. Assessments will be individual and group based, with a strong emphasis on applied work. All assessment methods have been designed to prepare you for industry.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at L2 as part of your course of study.
IELTS
6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area)
Interview / Audition
N/A
Portfolio
N/A
Alternative entry qualifications:
BTEC - MPP
Pass Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
An Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this once you have applied. More information.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
September 2021 typical entry requirements
Requirement
What we're looking for
UCAS points
72
Specific requirements at A-level
No subject specific requirements
Specific requirements at GCSE
GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study.
IELTS
6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area)
Interview / Audition
N/A
Portfolio
N/A
Alternative entry qualifications:
BTEC - MPP
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
An Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this once you have applied. More information.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
If you don’t have a place at uni, have had a change of heart about your course, or maybe your gap year plans are on hold – don’t worry. Call our Clearing hotline on 01332 592020 and explore your options.
Our degree offers the perfect route into career areas such as elite sport, performance analysis, talent identification and sport coaching in the UK and abroad.
You can also consider taking your qualifications to the next level. We now offer the MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science – which includes Sport and Exercise Psychology or Physiology pathways – where you will develop advanced knowledge in your subject. Another option is our MRes Sport and Exercise where you can further your applied sport science and research skills.
Through our Professional Development Package, you'll gain valuable transferable skills, including:
Written and verbal communication
Research and analytical
Personal motivation, organisation and self-reflection
Numeracy
IT literacy
Critical awareness
Careers and Employment Service
To boost your employment skills, you can access the University's . The team can connect you with employers to help find opportunities for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. Our careers consultants are also on hand to guide you through the career options for your degree, CV writing, or starting your own business - and we commit to helping you for three years after you graduate to find a job.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
Included in your fees
To welcome you to our team, you’ll receive a University of Derby, Sport and Exercise Science t-shirt
If a DBS check is needed for the purposes of a module or programme related work placement, this is included in your fee if done via the University
We will contribute to or pay the full cost of additional qualifications which are arranged by us. For other additional qualifications you’re interested in, we may contribute to or fund these but this is at the Sport department’s discretion
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
If not already owned, appropriate clothing for practical sessions such as tracksuit bottoms and trainers - approximate cost is £50-£100
Two bound copies of Independent Study (dissertation) - approximate cost is £12
Travel to placements - cost varies depending on your placement venue of choice
Optional costs not included in your fees
Optional textbooks or e-books to support your studies - costs for these are dependent on your choice
You may wish to undertake additional qualifications as part of your studies such as pitch-side first aid - costs will vary depending on your choice
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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