Sport Coaching and Development
BA (Hons)

Whether you’d like to coach elite/amateur athletes or promote the benefits of sport and exercise to the wider community, this course will put you ahead of the game.

• Gain the skills and knowledge for action-packed careers which focus on both performance and participation in sport
• Learn how to use sport as a catalyst for change, working with individuals and communities to advance the health and wellbeing agenda
• Enhance your employability with exciting voluntary work placement opportunities
• Additional sport coaching awards opportunities to add substance to your CV
• Make the most of our exceptional sports facilities in our specialist sports centre
• Be inspired by our enthusiastic and expert staff who boast a wealth of professional experience in sport coaching and development
• The content of this course, and its focus on increasing participation in sport, is aligned to the priorities of global initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, where 'Good Health and Well-being' is highlighted as a priority

With its emphasis on practical learning, this new course will ensure you graduate as a work-ready, forward-thinking and confident professional.

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.

Sport Coaching and Development at Derby

Whether you'd like to coach athletes or promote the benefits of sport and exercise science to the wider community this practical course will help you to develop an understanding of the technical, physical and psychological elements that affect participation.

You'll gain in-depth knowledge of the profession, ranging from promoting entry-level sport to coaching elite performers. We cover the principles and practices for training, performance analysis, how to use sport as a catalyst for change within communities, and how to manage projects aimed at increasing physical activity and sport participation.

The course includes practical experience in real-world settings, from group coaching to individual performance development, ensuring you graduate as a confident and independent professional.

Expert teaching

Our teaching team has a wealth of professional experience in sports coaching and development together with extensive contacts across the industry. Alongside teaching, our lecturers work as applied practitioners with a range of sports professionals and organisations.

They also have strong links with professional bodies at regional and national levels, such as the British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences, the Institute for Sports, Parks and Leisure and key sports governing bodies like British Cycling and The Football Association.

Such partnerships add an extra dimension to your studies, including inspirational guest lectures from professional coaches, elite athletes, sports development specialists and many more leaders in the field. 

Specialist facilities

Our Derby campus is the perfect setting for a stimulating learning experience in sport. 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 and sports therapy treatment rooms. You will also have access to specialist equipment such as our 3D motion analysis equipment, sports performance analysis software, and physiological testing equipment.

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:

An impressive portfolio of skills

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 specialist 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 take part in university conferences.

Real-world experience

Throughout your course, there will be plenty of opportunities to apply your knowledge. You’ll gain insights into a range of applied settings from group coaching to individual performance development. There will also be opportunities to get involved in projects aimed at increasing sport participation and physical activity within different communities.

Some of our students secure voluntary and paid coaching positions with sports clubs during their studies. Others have arranged summer work placements coaching in the USA.

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.

Hear from our teaching team

Senior Lecturer, Dr Luke Gibson, gives an insight into his industry experience, his research in professional sport, and some of the modules he teaches on:

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.

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, interactive tutorials, seminars, and workshops. There will be a significant amount of practical teaching and learning experiences throughout the course, enabling students to develop their practical skills and application of theory to practice. Students will be encouraged to work individually and as part of a group to gain skills relevant to the world of coaching and sport development employment.

The teaching of our courses is informed by the STEPS system (Skilled, Technical, Expert, Professional, Standout) to ensure that our students graduate with a wide range of transferable skills such as:

• Academic writing
• Sourcing information
• Data handling
• Scientific analysis
• Laboratory and applied skills
• Independence
• Organisation
• Global citizenship
• Adaptability 

Assessment

Assessments will include a combination of theoretical and practical assignments, such as individual written reports, individual and group presentations, and individual and group practical coaching assessments. This variety will enable learning and assess necessary skills required for future employment. Although there are some exams, a large proportion of the assessment includes of presentations and written assignment. This form of assessment will prepare you for the world of work, where you will be required to write reports and present your findings in both a coaching and sports development career.

2021 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2021 entry.

Additional entry requirements

• 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

English language requirements

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

2022 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2022 entry.

Additional entry requirements

• 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

English language requirements

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

2021/22 Fees (August 2021 - July 2022)

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

Additional costs and optional extras

This course gives you an advantage in an exciting and developing job market. On graduating, you’ll be ideally placed to embark on careers in areas such as talent identification, sport coaching in the UK and abroad, sport development, sport management and health promotion. At a time when sport participation has become part of new initiatives such as GP exercise referral programmes, the career scope is broadening further still.

Our course even includes a module on small business planning – including advice on writing funding bids, marketing and strategic planning – if you’re interested in setting up a sport-related venture of your own.

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

Alternatively, if you’d like to embark on a career in teaching, you’ll discover multiple progression routes for trainee teachers at the University of Derby, including our PGCE Primary, PGCE Secondary (School Direct) with Qualified Teacher Status or PGCE Post-14 (Education and Training) programmes. Entry to these courses is subject to you meeting initial teacher training entry requirements and DBS clearance.

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 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

• 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

• You may wish to purchase optional textbooks or e-books to support your studies - costs for these are dependent on your choice
• To support your studies, you may want to invest in additional qualifications such as pitch-side first aid and safeguarding - 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 Therapy and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons)
• Sport Coaching and Development with Foundation Year BA (Hons)