Would you like to become an applied sport scientist working with professional athletes or promoting healthy lifestyles? This exciting MSc is your route to a fulfilling career as a high-level sport and exercise professional.
Tailor your studies to match your professional interests and aspirations in sport and exercise science. Module options cover a variety of disciplines, so you have the flexibility to tailor your degree according to your area of expertise
Select a Psychology or Performance Analysis pathway that has been developed with industry requirements in mind. The Psychology pathway has been endorsed via the BASES Postgraduate SEPAR Endorsement Scheme (PSES)
Gain substantial practical experience in real-world settings, working directly with clients on applied placements and internships
Benefit from the support of industry-experienced mentors, both within the University and in the workplace
Build high-quality research skills and learn how to apply latest scientific finding in the work environment
Draw on our wide-ranging partnerships with leading athletes, sports teams and sports organisations
100%of our students agreed that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach
100%of students agreed that the course is intellectually stimulating
93%of our students are satisfied with the overall quality of the course
A postgraduate degree to suit you
Offered on a full-time or part-time basis, this course can be tailored to match your personal interests and career development plans. You can choose from several different module options across sport and exercise disciplines, allowing you to tailor your interest within a specific area, or combine modules for a broader study programme.
The programme has been tailored to aid your preparation for applied practice and application for The British Association of Sport and Exercise (BASES) Supervised Experience programme. BASES endorsement for the psychology pathway indicates that students who study the pathway will have covered relevant knowledge as part of an appropriate Masters level qualification for entry onto the BASES Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR).
Professional work placements
Our emphasis is on how theory can be applied to practice. You’ll gain first-hand experience through 150 hours on placement in a real-world workplace setting.
To organise your placement, you can draw on our wide-ranging partnerships in the sports world. Our network of contacts spans leading football, cricket, rugby and swimming clubs who regularly offer internship and placement opportunities to our students.
Our close liaison with Team Derby also gives you further chances to work directly with athletes. Team Derby is the focal point for the development of sport at the University and they currently work with external partners such as Derby County Community Trust and Derventio eXcel.
Paul's internship with Team Derby part-funds his course
Paul Fleming has strong ambitions to become a Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation Coach. The chance to work with performance athletes from Team Derby has allowed him to enrol on our MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science course, which has been part-funded due to this opportunity.
Students are also supported through our Human Performance Unit, which is a facility that has been established to provide expert sport science services to sports clubs and individual athletes. Our MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science students, like Callum Thomas, carry out research into blood lactate and running performance for a local running company, Running with Jake, in collaboration with our Human Performance Unit team.
The Human Performance Unit (HPU)
Our students benefit from working in a venue established to provide expert sport science services to sports clubs and individual athletes, from beginners to elite performers
Independent research is a cornerstone of this MSc. You’ll gain analytical and research skills as you undertake a substantial investigation into a theme of your choosing. The aim is to develop a realistic and worthwhile research project which will also improve your critical thinking, project management and decision-making skills – all qualities which are valued by employers.
You’ll benefit from being part of a dynamic research community at the University. Our staff are breaking new ground in areas ranging from professional practice in sport psychology to human balance control and injury risk reduction.
Outstanding facilities
You’ll hone your skills and conduct research in our exceptional sport and exercise facilities boasting the latest equipment and software for measuring performance, movement, health and fitness. Our laboratories are of such a high standard that they have even been used by Derby County FC for pre-season training programmes.
Our Sport and Exercise Physiology Laboratories are fully equipped for biomechanics and physiology analysis while our Strength and Conditioning Suite is the ideal setting for developing practical and coaching skills. We were one of the first universities to invest in a Vicon motion capture system and two Kistler force platforms.
You can also take full advantage of our award-winning £10.8m multi-purpose which opened in autumn 2015 to become one of the region’s most iconic sporting venues. It features an impressive sports hall, badminton and squash courts, a 70-station fitness suite, a dedicated fitness studio, climbing wall and indoor sprint track. Our outdoor facilities include a 3G all-weather pitch, tennis courts and a rugby pitch.
What you will study
The MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science programme consists of both core and optional modules which will help you further develop your applied and research skills, as well as your theoretical knowledge.
The MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science with Psychology Pathway programme consists of core modules that will help you further develop skills with a Psychology focus.
The MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science with Performance Analysis Pathway programme will enhance your skills in this area with designated modules.
Students can also graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) after successfully completing 60 credits of their choice (excluding the Practitioner Development in Applied Sport and Exercise Science and Independent Research in Sport and Exercise modules). There is also the opportunity to obtain the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) award, where students would need to complete 120 credits by studying 3 optional modules and all core modules apart from Independent Research in Sport and Exercise.
Practitioner Development in Applied Sport and Exercise Science *∆ - This module develops the skills and competencies required for sport science practice through theory and practical experience (including 150 hours of work placement). You will have the opportunity to reflect on your experience with support and guidance from staff
Advanced Research Methods - You’ll develop an advanced understanding of research approaches and methodologies, as well as practical research and critical analysis skills in preparation for the Independent Research project
Independent Research in Sport and Exercise - You'll undertake a piece of independent research to involve planning, designing and conducting a study using knowledge and skills developed in the Advanced Research Methods module. You will work with a supervisor in their area of interest to identify a research question and develop a study that can provide new insight and knowledge
Optional modules:
Applied Practice in Sport Psychology - Youwill cover key theoretical concepts to enhance your understanding of working with individual athletes and teams, and will develop the ‘soft skills’ associated with applied practice, including central elements such as effective communication and rapport building. You will also gain an understanding of the nuances and sensitivity of applied work and apply sport psychology theory under typical and a-typical situations
Applied Performance Analysis - You will develop an enhanced ability and critical understanding of how a performance analyst can support a team or individual during the entire performance-feedback cycle regarding pre, during, and post-performance assessment. You will also gain skills to effectively communicate analysis findings within various scenarios
Advanced Sport and Exercise Physiology- You will cover advanced physiological processes through lectures and lab-based delivery and build a comprehensive understanding of techniques used by applied practitioners. You will develop in-depth insight into the factors that can both enhance and limit human performance, with a specific focus on human performance
Sports Training Principles - You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of training theories that can be applied when creating training programmes to improve and/or maintain performance, with field-based activities to increase practical skill
Psychology of Exercise and Physical Activity - You will cover behaviour change theory and its application to psychological support for individuals in exercise and physical activity settings. You will develop insight into the promotion of exercise behaviour and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating exercise psychology interventions
Strength and Conditioning Science - This module will cover the theoretical principles of physical adaptation and how these underpin physical training and performance. You will develop an advanced understanding of methods used to collect athlete data and how this can inform exercise prescription
Programming and Data Visualisation - In this module, you will learn advanced data handling and analysis skills through the use of relevant software, and further enhance your understanding of how such data can be used to understand and enhance athletic performance
Biomechanical Analysis Techniques for Performance - You’ll develop an advanced understanding of biomechanical theory and fundamental movements present in sport and exercise. You will cover research methods for the collection of biomechanical data and how to analyse this data to understand human performance
Negotiated Module in Science – This module provides the opportunity for you to choose the focus of your work, as negotiated with a supervisor. This focus can be on any discipline within sport and exercise science and may either align with your main area of expertise, or allow you to explore a different area of interest
Practitioner Development in Applied Sport and Exercise Science *∆ - This module develops the skills and competencies required for sport science practice through theory and practical experience (including 150 hours of work placement). You will have the opportunity to reflect on your experience with support and guidance from staff
Advanced Research Methods - You’ll develop an advanced understanding of research approaches and methodologies, as well as practical research and critical analysis skills in preparation for the Independent Research project
Independent Research in Sport and Exercise - You'll undertake a piece of independent research to involve planning, designing and conducting a study using knowledge and skills developed in the Advanced Research Methods module. You will work with a supervisor in their area of interest to identify a research question and develop a study that can provide new insight and knowledge
Applied Practice in Sport Psychology - Youwill cover key theoretical concepts to enhance your understanding of working with individual athletes and teams, and will develop the ‘soft skills’ associated with applied practice, including central elements such as effective communication and rapport building. You will also gain an understanding of the nuances and sensitivity of applied work and apply sport psychology theory under typical and a-typical situations
Psychology of Exercise and Physical Activity - You will cover behaviour change theory and its application to psychological support for individuals in exercise and physical activity settings. You will develop insight into the promotion of exercise behaviour and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating exercise psychology interventions
Current Concepts in Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology - You will gain an in-depth understanding of sport and exercise psychology as a profession and have the opportunity to explore contemporary theory and research in sport and exercise psychology. You will also be exposed to, and develop your ability to critically appraise, current understanding of new and existing concepts within sport and exercise psychology. The module will cover key issues relevant to client performance and wellbeing, whilst providing flexibility in assessment so that you can explore sport and exercise psychology topics of most interest to you
Practitioner Development in Applied Sport and Exercise Science *∆ - This module develops the skills and competencies required for sport science practice through theory and practical experience (including 150 hours of work placement). You will have the opportunity to reflect on your experience with support and guidance from staff
Advanced Research Methods - You’ll develop an advanced understanding of research approaches and methodologies, as well as practical research and critical analysis skills in preparation for the Independent Research project
Independent Research in Sport and Exercise - You'll undertake a piece of independent research to involve planning, designing and conducting a study using knowledge and skills developed in the Advanced Research Methods module. You will work with a supervisor in their area of interest to identify a research question and develop a study that can provide new insight and knowledge
Applied Performance Analysis - You will develop an enhanced ability and critical understanding of how a performance analyst can support a team or individual during the entire performance-feedback cycle regarding pre, during, and post-performance assessment. You will also gain skills to effectively communicate analysis findings within various scenarios
Programming and Data Visualisation - In this module, you will learn advanced data handling and analysis skills through the use of relevant software, and further enhance your understanding of how such data can be used to understand and enhance athletic performance
Theoretical Applications of Sport and Exercise Science - You'll work with a supervisor from your chosen discipline area to identify a learning process that will enhance your theoretical knowledge and your ability to critically apply this knowledge to practice in an area which you wish to develop your expertise. You'll be expected to complete a variety of learning experiences within this process that include engaging with relevant theory and research, attendance at discipline-specific events such as workshops or conferences, and discussions with individuals who work and practice within their chosen discipline
* Module includes Professional Development Activities
∆ Module includes Applied Experience
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.
Postgraduate Open Event
Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used to enhance advanced learning and skill development, which include lecture-seminar style sessions, guest lectures, computer-based sessions, practical laboratory sessions and field-based sessions.
Real world learning is an important element of our course, with applied placement and internship opportunities, as well as the chance to develop independent study skills.
Learning will take place in our £10.8m Sports Centre, specialist sport science laboratories, and in conjunction with multiple sports based partners in the region.
Assessment
Students will complete both summative and formative assessment throughout the course to include written essays, reports and case studies, oral presentations, and viva-voce exams. Students’ will be assessed on their practical skills, their application of scientific knowledge to practitioner settings, and their ability to critically evaluate the role and requirements of an applied practitioner.
Support from an experienced team
Our academic team are active researchers and practitioners, ensuring course content incorporates current research and is industry informed. They are leading experts in sport and exercise psychology, physiology, exercise and health, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, performance analysis and nutrition.
When you enrol, you’ll be allocated an academic mentor who will act as your personal tutor. During your placement, you’ll also have a work-based mentor, an experienced practitioner who will help steer your progress and enhance your employability.
Who will teach you
Dr Joel Chidley
Programme Leader
Dr Joel Chidley
As a lecturer and level 6 lead in Sport Outdoor and Exercise Science, Dr Chidley leads modules on environmental exercise physiology and research methods. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has&n...
If you’re interested in pursuing a career centred on sport and exercise science, this MSc offers an excellent learning experience. You could work as an applied sport scientist with clients such as professional athletes or you could embark on broader roles in the community and health sectors where you can help encourage behaviour change and healthy lifestyles.
The course also acts as a platform if you want to continue on to complete a programme of Supervised Experience with BASES, which would enable you to gain accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Scientist. Studying the psychology pathway will help position students for an application to the BASES Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) and therefore train to become a Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
By choosing the Performance Analysis pathway, you'll graduate with confidence in analysing applied sports performance via video and data on relevant software programmes such as Sportscode and R, to suit the needs of a variety of audiences, including individual athletes and sports teams.
Having improved your research skills, you could think about taking your academic qualifications to the next level, by completing a doctoral programme such as a PhD. You could also consider progressing to a role in teaching.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for UK students: You will usually need an upper second class honours degree at undergraduate level, in a related subject.
Entry requirements for EU/international students: International students should have the above or an international equivalent. If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS 6.0 or above.
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.
Fees and funding
2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)
Type
Full-time
Part-time
UK
£9,000 for the full course or £1,000 per 20 credits*
£1,000 per 20 credits
International
£14,900 for the full course
N/A
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
£9,720 for the full course or £1,055 per 20 credits*
£1,055 per 20 credits
International
£16,900 for the full course
N/A
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
Award
Credits
Postgraduate Certificate
60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma
120 Credits
MA or MSc
180 Credits
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
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.
Included in your fees
For September 2024
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
Student membership of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for the duration of your studies
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
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 - costs will vary depending on your choice
International student scholarships
We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
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.
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.
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