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Sport and Exercise Science

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

This course gives a detailed understanding of the roles of biomechanics, physiology and psychology in sport performance. If you're interested in the science behind sport and exercise, this is the degree for you.

KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE:

  • PROFESSIONAL CREDIBILITY: Our course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) so you can be confident that the the training, curriculum and resources available to our students is in line with professional standards.

  • FLEXIBLE LEARNING: Tailor your studies to your career plans, with specialist optional modules in areas such as strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation, nutrition, applied biomechanics and performance analysis.

  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Access state-of-the-art equipment such as our High Performance Resistance Training Facility, VICON 3D motion capture system and breath by breath analysis system. You’ll also be well catered for if you want to take part in recreational sport – whether as a first timer or as an elite performer. We have a 44-station fitness facility, equipped with the latest Technogym and Wellness system technology.

  • PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE: Build vital career skills through work placements; our students have enjoyed placements with organisations such as Derby County FC, hospitals and leisure centres. We also have an excellent Internship Programme - you could apply for an internship supporting athletes at local sports clubs – an experience which will help you build your professional networks and help you to stand out in a competitive job market.

  • ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: As part of the course, you’ll have the chance to gain additional sport and exercise science professional qualifications which are recognised and highly valued by employers. These include National Governing Body coaching awards and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) Higher Professional Diploma. All will develop your confidence and leadership skills.

  • RESEARCH ACTIVE STAFF: Teaching from accredited professionals who are involved in research, high-performance sport and applied sport science consultancy. They are also members of leading professional bodies such as BASES, NCSA, CIMSPA and the UK Strength and Conditioning Association.

  • 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.

HOW YOU'RE ASSESSED:

  • You’ll learn through lectures, practicals, and seminars and will be assessed through written coursework, verbal presentations, and examination-style assessments to create a well-balanced assessment portfolio.

WHAT YOU'LL COVER:

  • In your second and third year you’ll choose from specialised areas in subjects such as nutrition, performance analysis and strength and conditioning. You’ll also have the chance to undertake your own independent research into a theme of your choice, culminating in a major conference where you will showcase your findings.

YOUR CAREER:

  • Our recent sport and exercise science graduates now enjoy roles as cardiac physiologist assistants, sports coaches, health advisors, physiotherapy assistants and performance analysts. Some have secured employment on the basis of their success on work placements and internships.

STUDY OPTIONS:

  • This course is available with a Foundation Year option.

  • This course is also available with an Industrial Placement Year.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C603
Institution code:
D39
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

112 points
We encourage you to outline all your qualifications and achievements in your application to provide us a full picture. Your offer will typically be based on your predicted and/or achieved grades from full level 3 qualifications or above e.g. A levels, BTEC Ext Diploma, Access to HE, etc. Any subject specifics are outlined below in the A-levels section, and these specifics are applicable across all equivalent qualifications. A strong application/performance and appropriate experience will be taken into account where typical criteria is not met.

A level

BBC
At least a Grade C at A Level (or equivalent) from a Science subject, which can include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education or Psychology

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DMM

Access to HE Diploma

D: 15 credits M: 24 credits P: 6 credits

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification

T Level

M

English language requirements

IELTS overall score at a minimum of 6.0; with at least IELTS 5.5 in each band (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) or another Secure English Language Test(SELT)at CEFR level B2 or above

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We have excluded the Grades on Entry data for this course. We may operate some flexibility with entry grades to support widening participation, though most of the students that enrol on this course achieve the published entry tariff or above. Applicants who achieve grades below the published tariff may be offered an alternative course or a 4-year route if there is one available. For further information please contact askadmissions@derby.ac.uk.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£16900*Year 1
International£16900*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The quoted fee is an indicative fee based on last year’s fees, as the fees for the 2026 term not yet been confirmed.

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