Develop specialist skills in performance analysis and coaching to help inform coaches and athletes, supporting them to success.
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 performance analysis suite in the Sports Centre
Harness the latest coaching and performance analysis technologies, such as Sports Code, Dartfish and Quintic
Gain your Hudl Academy qualifications and become a certified Sportscode user. You'll also have free access to Hudl Sportscode, by either receiving a free licence to put on your own MacBook, or by accessing our MacBooks from our suite of machines
91%of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things **BSc (Hons) Performance Analysis and Coaching Science - National Student Survey 2022
Sport and Exercise Science - your questions answered
In the below video, Head of Discipline for Sport and Exercise Science, Andy Hooton, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Derby. You can also watch exclusive subject content by signing up to Derby on Demand.
Performance Analysis and Coaching Science at Derby
Using the latest technologies, including Hudl Sportscode, WyScout, iCoda, Hudl Replay, VICON 3D and Quintic, this course enables you to develop specialist skills in performance analysis and coaching to help inform athletes, leading them to future successes.
Throughout the course, you’ll study exciting modules examining the theory and science behind performance analysis and coaching, designed to prepare you for work in the industry. We’ll also introduce you to some of the other sport sciences, such as biomechanics, psychology and physical performance, vital for a successful career in performance sport.
We’ll help you by combining your understanding of how to analyse both individuals and teams in a variety of different sports. Unique work placement and internship opportunities with professional clubs allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practice - essential preparation for your future career.
Find out more about the course by watching the video below:
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 work in the industry as practitioners, ensuring that what we teach you is current and relevant to industry practice. Some of our work in the industry includes with national and international athletes and coaches. We’re also actively involved in research with many of our staff undertaking high-level scientific research investigations on themes such as improving athletes' performance through coaching, performance profiling, sports psychology, and the use of latest technologies.
Preparing the new wave of performance analysts
Learn how our relationship with Hudl is powering the development of the next generation of analysts.
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.
Performance Analysis Suite
Kedleston Road is home to our Sports Centre and specialist sports science facilities including our suite of performance analysis equipment. You'll get to work in our new Performance Analysis Suite, which is fully equipped with 20 dual screen iMac computers. Not only will you use this facility within teaching and practical sessions, but you can use it within applied work and self-guided exploration in your own time. Each iMac has a number of the leading video analysis, data analysis, and visualisations software packages to ensure you are able to fine-tune each of these key skill sets and be fully prepared for a successful career within the applied world. As well as a number of pitch and court schematics to facilitate the application of the analysis work undertaken, the suite incorporates teaching and lecture capabilities to ensure students can combine theory and practical in a parallel environment.
"The type of hands-on practical we get at the University is a variety of different things, so outside we have the 4G pitch where we've done a lot of athlete testing out there and also we have access to the Performance Analysis Centre where we can do a lot of data analysis. We have dual-screen iMacs where we have access to Huddle. This is a type of software where you can analyse data and analyse sporting events." Chloe Dhillon, Bsc (Hons) Performance Analysis and Coaching Science graduate
Specialist facilities
You’ll also benefit from our laboratories and our bespoke performance suite. The Sports Centre also includes a range of sports facilities including fitness gym studios, squash and badminton courts, outdoor pitches, an indoor climbing wall, sprint track and sports hall. It also houses our Human Performance Unit, which delivers sport science support services and workshops to assist professional and amateur athletes to improve their performance in a range of sports.
Our Performance Suite
Our Performance Suite allows Sport and Exercise Science students to learn about performance analysis, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention. As well as elite athletes outside of the University, you'll also be working with our Team Derby athletes to help them improve their performance and successfully compete. Take a look at the Performance Suite and Vicon cameras in action:
If you enjoy a challenge and would like to make the most of your own sporting passion and prowess, you could become involved with Team Derby which is the focal point for the University’s sporting community. It encompasses all aspects of sport, including courses, numerous sports clubs, the Athletics Union and sport development activities. You can also take part in the national BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) competitions.
When Mark Faghy first arrived in Derby as a teenage undergraduate, he stated proudly that his goal was to become manager of the England football team. Now he is a respected research academic leading an international collaboration in the fight against Covid. And his students are helping.
Our Human Sciences Research Centre conducts theoretical and applied research into the prevention and treatment of diseases and into improvements to the quality of life for people of all ages.
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 Open Days
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
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.
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.
Requirement
What we're looking for
UCAS points
72
A Level
DDD
T Level
Pass
BTEC
MPP
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
Access to HE
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
On-campus courses starting in September 2022 and January 2023 are now closed to new applications from international students due to unprecedented demand. Applications for September 2023 will open in October. If you have any questions, please email askadmissions@derby.ac.uk.
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 a Sport and Exercise Psychology pathway – where you will develop advanced knowledge in your subject.
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 Careers and Employability Service. 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.
Please also note that due to the current Covid-19 situation, if your course offers fieldtrips, the location of these may change or be cancelled. If this happens, you will be communicated to in advance and we will do our very best to seek out other practical opportunities to ensure your experience is not affected.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
If you have your own MacBook we will give you a Hudl Sportscode licence for free for the duration of the three-year course. If you do not own your own MacBook you will have access to this programme by using our suite of MacBooks on site
To welcome you to our team, you’ll receive a University of Derby, Sport and Exercise Science t-shirt
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
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
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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