Prepare for a career where you can help athletes boost their performance and remain in peak condition. This course gives you highly specialised knowledge and advanced practical skills.
Gain an edge by taking a foundation year as part of a four-year study programme to achieve your BSc (Hons) qualification
Choose this route if you plan to change your career or want to explore a subject that is new to you
Take your first steps towards professional accreditation in strength and conditioning
Gain experience in the most up-to-date training methods and techniques
Harness state-of-the-art technology in our dedicated strength and conditioning suite with its VICON 3D motion capture system
Benefit from our longstanding partnerships with the likes of Derby County FC, Derbyshire County Cricket Club and Burton Albion FC
Enhance your employability with opportunities to undertake work placements, shadow the professionals, go on fact-finding visits and enjoy masterclasses delivered by leading figures in the field
This far-sighted new course equips you for a career centred on maximising athlete performance, reducing the risk of injury and devising effective rehabilitation regimes. This is a field where technology and research are constantly evolving, so we keep you up-to-date with the latest developments.
100%of students agreed they were challenged to achieve their best work**BSc (Hons) Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation - National Student Survey 2023
100%of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things**BSc (Hons) Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation - National Student Survey 2023
93%of students agreed the course is intellectually stimulating **BSc (Hons) Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation - National Student Survey 2023
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.
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.
Managing Excellence
When Mark Faghy first arrived in Derby as a teenage undergraduate, he stated proudly that his goal was to become manager of the England football team. Now he is a respected research academic leading an international collaboration in the fight against Covid. And his students are helping.
Our course is specially designed to meet a growing demand for strength and conditioning specialists who are also skilled in injury rehabilitation and risk reduction. It has been launched at a time when greater collaboration is needed between sport science experts and medical or injury management teams.
We introduce you to the most up-to-date practices, techniques and applications so that you are fully prepared for a range of career roles in the sports industry.
See the professionals in action
We’re committed to delivering a first class student experience, so we draw extensively on our thriving partnerships with sports organisations such as Derby County FC, Leicester City FC, Burton Albion FC, Leicester Tigers Rugby Club, Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derventio Swimming Club and the Derbyshire Institute of Sport.
There are opportunities to go on fascinating visits to see the professionals in action. One example was a trip to Perform at St George’s Park where students learned how hydrotherapy can be used to aid athlete rehabilitation and recovery.
Our collaborations also pave the way to rewarding work placement opportunities. You could begin by observing and shadowing professionals working in the strength, conditioning and rehabilitation arena, then advancing to a more hands-on role as your experience and confidence grows. One Derby student, for instance, secured a Strength and Conditioning Internship at Sheffield United FC.
Cutting-edge resources
A bespoke is among the many state-of-the-art facilities in our new £10.8m . It incorporates a VICON 3D motion capture system and integrated Kistler Force Plates. Here you can build your practical and coaching skills in weightlifting, prehabilitation and metabolic conditioning while also becoming familiar with session planning and delivery.
You’ll also discover up-to-the-minute equipment for testing and measuring the parameters of health and fitness in our sport and exercise facilities and our biomechanics laboratory. We introduce you to a broad range of computer software packages for statistical and movement analysis too.
Throughout your studies you can make full use of all the facilities at our award-winning Sports Centre, which boasts a main hall, fitness gym, studios, squash and badminton courts, an internal climbing wall, sprint track, changing rooms, treatment rooms and a café.
High-quality, relevant teaching
Actively involved in research, high-performance sport and applied sport science consultancy, our staff will give you all the expert support you need to fulfil your ambitions. They are accredited professionals who belong to leading bodies such as the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association and the Society of Sports Therapists.
You will also hear from established sports practitioners who deliver masterclasses offering vital pointers to foster your employability skills and maximise your chances in the graduate job market.
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:
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.
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.
We have also recently appointed Double Olympic Medallist, Bryan Steel, as the Head Coach for Team Derby Performance Sport Cycling. Bryan is a celebrated figure in the world of cycling, bringing a wealth of experience to his role. The decorated Olympian, who represented Team GB at four Olympic Games from 1992 to 2004, boasts an impressive medal collection. His crowning achievements include a bronze medal in the team pursuit event at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Games in the same discipline. Brian's journey also includes 14 World Championship appearances, where he secured five medals, along with three medals at the Commonwealth Games. With the arrival of Bryan, Performance Sport at the university will work in partnership with HUUB-BCC Race Team to give track and road riders access to an elite pathway during and post higher education. This collaboration opens doors for Team Derby Performance Cycling's athletes, offering a unique opportunity to bridge their academic pursuits with professional cycling aspirations.
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.
Undergraduate Open Days
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
Teaching and learning will take place in our new £10.8m, state-of-the-art sport centre, equipped with a bespoke strength and conditioning suite and 50m running track with motion analysis. Further sport science facilities will be used to ensure students gain the required knowledge and skills to work in the applied arena of strength, conditioning and rehabilitation.
Assessment
Assessments will employ a combination of theoretical and practical assignments, such as case study presentations, field based assessments, written coursework, and professional discussions. This variety of assessments will enable learning and assess necessary skills required in future employment.
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.
James delivers innovative teaching to provide a real-world learning experience. The design of his teaching is underpinned by his S&C experience working in industry, and his work with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association. He believes in translating theory to practice in an accessible way to allow students to develop skills to ready them for the workplace.
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.
Requirement
What we're looking for
UCAS points
72
A Level
DDD
T Level
Pass
BTEC
MMP
GCSE
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
Access to HE
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 24, Pass: 21
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.
If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.
If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.
As a graduate of this course, you can look forward to challenging and rewarding career opportunities in areas such as elite and participation sport, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation and sport coaching.
Your studies will also prepare you for pursuing further qualifications at postgraduate level. At Derby you can develop advanced knowledge on the MSc Clinical Exercise Science or MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science, which includes a Sport and Exercise Psychology pathway.
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 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
For September 2024
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
You will also receive United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association student membership for the duration of your studies and for a First Aid qualification in your first year of study
Fieldtrips to relevant Strength and Conditioning events/organisations are also included and we will contribute to, or pay the full cost of, as well as additional qualifications which are arranged by us. 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 - 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.
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