Sport and Education

Bring an exciting new dimension to your interest in sport. This interdisciplinary degree draws together the art and science of sport and education, opening up more career avenues for you.

• Develop both practical and academic skills relating to sport coaching, teaching and education
• Gain the knowledge you need to progress to teacher training opportunities such as a PGCE
• Build practical experience by working with sports clubs, schools and/or community groups and through fieldtrips in the UK
• Make the most the facilities within our exceptional sports centre
• Be inspired by our enthusiastic and expert staff who boast a wealth of professional experience in the sport and educational arenas

Our course combines both the art and science of sport and education. It is specially designed for students who have an interest in sport coaching as a form of education.

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. 

Sport and Education at Derby

Designed for students interested in sport coaching as a form of education, our course takes an interdisciplinary perspective and offers a smooth transition to teacher training and broader roles in sport environments.

Exploring the importance of the sport coach as an educator, you'll study the principles of learning and how they can be applied in both teaching and coaching practice within educational settings. We offer a thorough grounding in contemporary theory, drawing on disciplines like educational psychology and human development.

Thanks to our strong links with sports clubs, schools and community organisations, you will have opportunities to put theory into practice, deepening your understanding of the careers you could pursue.

Expert teaching

Many of our staff are actively involved in research, undertaking influential studies that are breaking new ground in their disciplines. You'll benefit from teaching by experts in education and sport and enlightening guest lecturers by professional coaches, elite athletes and many more leaders in the field.

• Dr Stuart Mourton -  Stuart is the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Sport and Education. He joined the University of Derby in 2013 and has led a number of the degree programmes at Derby, taught on modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and acted as a supervisor on a number of PhD supervisory packages. Outside of work, he volunteers with Special Olympics GB, helping develop skiers at the Special Olympics West Midlands ski group.
• Peter Gilliver - Peter is a Senior Lecturer and works on a range of practical and theoretical modules within sports education and coaching programmes. His research interests cover a number of areas within sport psychology, motor movement and adventure, and include projects that look at climbing expertise and the solving of problems.
• Nicola Taylor - Nicola started her teaching experience delivering outdoor vocational qualifications to potential outdoor leaders, working with the local schools and special needs groups. She was also a freelance Mountain Instructor teaching climbing, mountaineering and movement skills. She then moved to the University of Derby and supports the Sport and Education course. 
• Dr Niamh Mourton - Niamh is an Associate Lecturer for Sport and Education and specialises in inclusivity. She has extensive experience in this area through her profession, as well as research and volunteering.

Real-world experience

This course has been created in consultation with key stakeholders from both the sports industry and the education sector so that it matches employers’ needs. You’ll engage with our extensive professional networks, including opportunities for work experience, coaching practice and industry-backed research.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have the chance to put theory into practice. We have strong links with sports clubs, schools, colleges, community organisations and local authorities to help you deepen your understanding of the educational aspects of sport and the variety of career roles you could pursue. You’ll get involved in delivering sport sessions to groups of different ages and abilities.

Sport science facilities

Our sports centre includes specialist sport science facilities including a main hall, physiology laboratories, multiple sport therapy suites, a performance suite for biomechanics, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. You can also take full advantage of facilities such as a fitness gym, studios, squash and badminton courts, an internal climbing wall, sprint track, changing rooms, and treatment rooms.

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:

Build your portfolio of skills

Beyond the core content of your degree, we help you develop important transferable skills and intellectual abilities that will take you far. Our Steps to Success programme runs alongside the course to support your personal and academic development, and help you chart your future career direction.

You could take part in additional training to add further professional qualifications to your CV, including coaching badges and other awards given by the national governing bodies for specific sports.

To help you prepare for study at postgraduate level, you will also gain experience of academic research, conduct an independent investigation into a topic of your choice, and have the opportunity to present at a conference hosted by the University.

You'll also be able to gain experience through fieldtrips. The images below showcase a fieldtrip to Pembrokeshire that our third year students went on. The trip included a range of exciting activities including surfing, axe throwing, camping, hiking and outdoor survival skills.

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. We offer a Sports Scholarship programme that aims to help talented student-athletes realise their sporting potential while supporting them through their academic studies. We offer scholarships of up to £6,000 and provide tailored athlete-support packages delivered by an experienced multi-disciplinary Performance Sport team. Two of the Universities most recent successful sports scholars are Charlie Tanfield (World Champion and Commonwealth Cycling gold medallist) and Jack Burnell (European Open Water silver medallist 2016 and Olympian 2016).

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.

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.

This course is delivered using a variety of traditional and contemporary teaching and learning methods. These include lectures, tutorials, and practicals, as well as innovative approaches using information technology. A student-centred approach is adopted throughout and considerable emphasis is put on experiential learning, as well as the practical application of underpinning principles.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used during the course, which include essays, written and practical exams, reports, portfolios, and presentations. In addition to final module assessments, students will receive feedback on their performance throughout the course enabling learning and progression.

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

If you're an international student and want to improve your English language skills before you start your course, the Derby English Language Centre's pre-sessional English course can help you. 

2023/24

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

2024/25

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

You’ll discover a wide range of career opportunities when you graduate from this course – whether you decide to pursue your ambitions in sport coaching, in education or both.

You could also consider roles in broader areas such as physical activity co-ordination, sport and health development, fitness and recreation management, and health promotion – all areas where there is a strong demand for talented and forward-thinking new recruits.

If you want to take your knowledge of sport to the next level, this degree acts as a gateway to postgraduate education, with opportunities for you to progress to masters level courses such as our MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science and MSc Clinical Exercise Science programmes.

Alternatively, if you’d like to embark on a career in teaching, our course is the ideal preparation too. There are multiple progression routes for trainee teachers at the University of Derby, including our PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary (School Direct) with Qualified Teacher Status, both of which are based at the Derby Campus. Entry to these courses is subject to you meeting initial teacher training entry requirements.

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 Employment 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.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

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 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

• 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
• Field trips at various points on your programme. These typically take place at outdoor centres across the UK, and allow you to experience the delivery of outdoor activities and education to children at various stages of development. Your travel, accommodation and activities will always be covered. For some trips, you may be asked to purchase your own food to cook for certain meals on your visit
• For other additional qualifications that 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
• Travel to placements - cost varies depending on your placement venue of choice

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Lots of e-books are available for free through the University Library, however you may wish to purchase a hard copy of these at your own expense
• You may wish to undertake additional qualifications as part of your studies (above and beyond those subsidise or paid for by us), 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.

Other courses you might like

• Sport and Education with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
• Sport Coaching and Development BA (Hons)