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 new £10.8m 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
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.
Preparing the new wave of performance analysts
Learn how our relationship with Hudl is powering the development of the next generation of analysts.
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.
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.
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:
Kedleston Road is home to our Sports Centre and specialist sports science facilities including our suite of performance analysis equipment. You’ll also benefit from our laboratories and our bespoke performance suite for biomechanics, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. 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 Team Derby, which delivers sport science support services and workshops to assist professional and amateur athletes to improve their performance in a range of sports.
Join Team Derby
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.
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.
Derby on Demand brings you the very best of Open Days on your terms. You can access exclusive online content wherever you are, whenever you want, and see all Derby has to offer.
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.
Live Virtual Undergraduate Open Day
Join our Live Virtual Undergraduate Open Day on Saturday 13 March from 10am – 2pm and find out all you need to know about studying at the University of Derby.
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.
As a senior lecturer in performance analysis, Dr. Butterworth designs and delivers innovative and engaging content using industry standard contemporary technologies. He has extensive applied international experience as a performance analyst, translating this knowledge to the classroom for a student learning experience that is grounded in practicality and usefulness in the real world.
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 at least 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
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.
If you're interested in finding out more about how to apply for university, we're here to help. We have advice and tips to help guide you as you complete your university application.
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.
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.
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
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
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.