Program Overview

Sport and Exercise Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Overview

Our foundation year will help you hit the ground running if you want to gain a respected honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: C604
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course Description

This exhilarating course deepens your understanding of the science behind sport and exercise, so you’ll investigate the roles of biomechanics, physiology and psychology in sport performance.

What You Will Study

You’ll study the core science subjects of physiology, psychology and biomechanics, and have the opportunity to choose from specialised areas such as nutrition, performance analysis and strength and conditioning.

Foundation Year

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life.

Industry Experience

Having experience in the workplace makes a notable addition to your CV, so we support and encourage you to undertake placements and internships with sports clubs and other relevant employers.

Specialist Facilities

The multi-purpose sports centre includes a main hall, fitness gym with strength and conditioning area, studios, squash and badminton courts, an internal climbing wall, sprint track, changing rooms, treatment rooms and a café.

Conduct Your Own Research

One of the most important aspects of this course is the chance to undertake your own research into a sporting theme of your choice.

Enhance Your CV

We offer you an exciting chance to gain additional professional qualifications to complement your honours degree studies and to build your confidence, communication and leadership skills.

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.

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.

How You Will Learn

We take pride in the teaching and learning experience of our students. You’ll learn through lectures, practicals, and seminars, all of which take place at our Kedleston Road site.

Assessment

We have received particular praise from external reviewers on our innovative use of practical assessments, which take place in our new specialised facilities.

Careers

As a Sport and Exercise Science graduate, you can look forward to a fulfilling career. Our recent graduates are now succeeding in roles such as sports coach, performance analyst, physiotherapy assistant, health advisor and cardiac physiologist assistant.

Entry Requirements

2025 Entry

• 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: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

2025/26

• UK: £9,535 per year (full-time)
• International: £16,900 per year (full-time)

How to Apply

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course, 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.

The quickest and easiest way to apply is through our online application portal.