Sport and Exercise Science Undergraduate Courses

Expert teaching

Whether you want to become a sport coach, rehabilitation specialist, performance analyst or a health advisor, our applied courses will get your career off to a flying start. Superb facilities, expert staff and exciting real world learning experiences will help you understand the role of sport in modern society and how you can make an impact.

You'll benefit from working with lecturers who have a wealth of experience in their chosen profession, so you're getting industry-relevant teaching to help you shine in your career. Many are also involved in research, bringing the latest theories into the classroom. 

You'll learn from a teaching team conducting important research into areas such as performance profiling, injury rehabilitation and human balance control. It could be the springboard for your own independent research. You will have the chance to gain fresh perspectives from lectures and masterclasses delivered by sport and exercise science professionals keen to share their career experiences with you. 

Before joining the University of Derby, Head of Sport and Exercise Science Andy Hooton, qualified as a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist (Psychology - Scientific Support) and currently works as a Sport Psychologist for Derbyshire County Cricket Club alongside his lecturing.

"There has never been a better time to choose a career in sport. As our society's enthusiasm for sport continues to rise, the range of career options is growing at an equally rapid pace." Dr Andy Hooton, Head of Sport and Exercise Science

Sport and Exercise Science - your questions answered

In the below video, Head of School 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. 

Research

As a student at Derby, you’ll be working with lecturers and tutors who are carrying out industry-relevant research. You’ll benefit from this research as your lecturers bring the latest thinking to your studies and, in some cases, you will have opportunities to get involved in research projects yourself.

Through our Human Sciences Research Centre, many of our staff are undertaking important research. This means you will keep up to date with the latest debates and thinking. Some of our current research topics include:

• Physical activity for healthy lifestyle and behaviour change
• Improving athletes’ performance through coaching, strength and conditioning
• Nutrition, metabolism, muscle physiology, respiratory systems and balance control

Specialist facilities

Our students hone their skills in exceptional facilities at our Derby campus. You'll use sophisticated technology and up-to-the-minute equipment, replicating what you will encounter in the workplace. You can take full advantage of the facilities in our new Sports Centre, including:

• VICON Camera System
• Performance Analysis Suite
• Physiology laboratory
• A specialist strength and conditioning suite
• Biomechanics and performance analysis suite
• Sport psychology and motor control laboratory
• Courts, pitches, fitness gym and equipment to support various sports

Performance sport at Derby

Gain an insight into Performance Sport life at the University of Derby and hear about the support that is available to student athletes on our performance sport and sport scholarship programmes.

Careers

We're serious about getting you started in your career, whether you've already decided what you want to do or need to find inspiration. With our industry connections and experienced, accredited lecturers, we focus on developing your practical, research and professional skills to ensure that you are fully equipped for a career in an industry which offers boundless opportunities. Our graduates are now excelling at senior levels in areas such as coaching and performance analysis, health and lifestyle advice, sport development, teaching, and scientific research. 

Roles of recent Sport and Exercise Science graduates include:

• Coach at UK International Soccer Camps
• Lead Academy Coach at Burton Albion FC UEFA A License
• Sports Coach at SoccerstarsUK
• Part-time Community Coach at Derby County Community Trust 
• Strength and Conditioning Intern at Sport981
• Junior Strength and Conditioning Coach at DiS
• Sport Scientist, S & C and Injury Rehabilitation Coach
• Strength and Conditioning Intern at Derby DARKSTAR Volleyball
• HE Sport Academic Lecturer at Loughborough College
• PT Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University
• Teacher at Rotherham College
• Programme Lead Strength and Conditioning at University of Bath
• Learning Director for Sport and Public Services at Derby College
• PhD student studying in Canada

Strong networks

All our courses provide the opportunity to study with a placement year, enabling you to experience the working world and apply the knowledge you've learned on your course. Our teaching team undertake consultancy work for external clients, and you could get involved with this too. You'll gain first-hand experience of projects briefed and led by employers. Previous students have worked with St George's Park National Football Centre, Derby County FC and British Cycling.

Broad horizons

Experience another culture first-hand and boost your CV with our study or work abroad opportunities. You could spend a year or semester studying in one of our partner institutions, many of which teach in English. Or you could take a work placement or internship in another country, joining some of your fellow students in cities such as Athens or Barcelona.

Your course may also offer opportunities for short study trips abroad, which will give you a different perspective on your subject and where it could lead you.