BA (Hons) Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby
BA (Hons) Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport at University of Derby received Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023, and the university is.
About this course
BA (Hons) Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Derby, based in Derby Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Sport and exercise sciences graduates from this provider, 87% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 87% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 5 modules
- Academic and Research Skills for Sport and ExerciseCore20 credits
Module details
This module is taught in two parts: Academic skills and research skills. The academic skills component provides students with grounding in the key skills needed to be successful at undergraduate study, including, literature searching, literature review, academic writing, referencing, and presentation skills. The research skills component gives students an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods, including descriptive statistics. Students will learn how to collect and interpret data using a range of approaches including questionnaires, interviews and experimental methods. The emphasis on the module is to develop student’s confidence in engaging with academic literature i
Assessment: Coursework
- Coaching and Skill AcquisitionCore20 credits
Module details
This module will focus on the application of skill acquisition theories in the coaching practice. Students will develop an understanding of how principles such as feedback, attentional focus and the environment can inform session design and delivery; with the view to enhancing both athlete learning and performance. Student’s practical skill development will centre upon their ability to enhance performance through the application of skill acquisition principles. Students will be taught via a variety of lectures and seminars as well practical coaching sessions.
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Foundational Movement SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to introduce the concepts, theories, research and practical assessment of foundational movement skills (FMS). These will be looked at from both an educational and coaching perspective. The key skill areas of locomotion, Stabilisation and Object manipulation skills will be investigated in both a theoretical and practical environment. External qualifications associated with the delivery of FMS in teaching practice will also be provided, ensuring students on the module develop both an academic understanding of the importance of FMS in early childhood PA development, and the practicalities of embedding FMS into PE/PA in a variety of school settings.
Assessment: Coursework
- Introduction to Coaching ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces and examines the key areas of sport science, including basic physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and nutrition. In addition, it provides experience with the concepts of these areas in an applied and practical setting. This module underpins the broader sport and exercise science areas and is, therefore, important preparation for modules at Levels 5 and 6.
Assessment: Coursework
- Introduction to Teaching Physical EducationCore40 credits
Module details
Providing an introduction to the broad area of Physical Education (PE), “Introduction to Teaching PE” is designed to provide students with a range of knowledge and practical skill sets to equip them on their journey to delivering inspiring, engaging and impactful physical education in a range of educational levels and settings.
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
Year 2 6 modules
- Research Methods for Sport and ExerciseCore20 credits
Module details
This module builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in the level 4 Academic and Research Skills for Sport and Exercise module. The module is designed to prepare students for their dissertation at level 6. Students will conduct a systematic literature review in a topic area related to their degree, in order to develop a coherent research question. Particular emphasis will be given to developing a robust rationale for the research question proposed based on a review of existing literature. Furthermore, students will propose a research methodology based on the rationale developed. The overall focus of the module is on the process of “doing research”, and this will reflect in the delivery
Assessment: Coursework
- Principles and Practices of TrainingCore20 credits
Module details
The module is designed to give students an understanding of the concepts and practice of training and fitness. It will develop their awareness of training principles, the need for analysis of fitness requirements for specific sports, and the evaluation of sports performance. As part of the PDP provision, students will have the option to work with individual athletes in a “real-world” context.
Assessment: Coursework
- Coaching Children and AdolescentsCore20 credits
Module details
This module will focus on developing the student’s understanding of concepts and issues related to models of athlete development with particular attention paid to the notions of ‘long-term athlete development’ and ‘physical literacy’. Students will gain insight into the social, psychological and physical development of young children and adolescents and how sport development interventions are tailored towards the individual participant in both a participation environment. In addition to the theory covered, students will gain experience in applying the related theory into practical sport development sessions throughout the semester that are designed to meet the needs of young children and ado
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- The Learning Coach: The Learning ApproachCore20 credits
Module details
This module will provide students’ with a sound understanding of sport coaching principles in the context of learning. It will examine core components of coaching and learning and establish links between theory and practice. The focus of the module will be on those aspects that facilitate change within individuals.
Assessment: Coursework
- Exploring Cognition and Learning NeedsCore20 credits
Module details
This module focuses upon the cognition and learning Needs within the SEND Code of Practice 0-25 (2005). Support for learning difficulties may be required when children and young people learn at a slower pace than their peers, even with appropriate differentiation. Learning difficulties cover a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), where children are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and associated difficulties with mobility and communication, through to profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), where children are likely to have severe and complex learning difficulties as well as a physical disabi
Assessment: Coursework
- Psychology for Physical Activity PractitionersCore20 credits
Module details
Lifestyle change specialists need a sound understanding of psychological theory and strong practical skills to support clients in making changes. This module introduces exercise and health psychology theories and models that facilitate understanding of the factors that can influence exercise participation. Students will also cover contextual aspects, such as socio-cultural influences, that can influence behaviour and the facilitators of and barriers to exercise and physical activity. Students will also be taught evidence-based techniques that can be used to support client behaviour change and have the opportunity to practice and enhance their communication and coaching skills when working on
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
Optional Placement Year 1 modules
- Placement Learning and Professional DevelopmentCore20 credits
Module details
This module forms part of the placement year typically completed between the second and final stage of a degree programme. The module provides a framework for the development of reflective skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice including for example aspects of problem solving such as objective setting, planning, negotiating, demonstrating, and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of work completed within the organisation and future employability planning. During the module students will develop a reflective portfolio where they record the skills, knowledge and experience developed during the placement experience and evaluate how this wil
Assessment: Coursework
Year 3 4 modules
- Independent Study for Sport and ExerciseCore40 credits
Module details
The independent studies module provides students with the opportunity to reflect and build upon their subject knowledge and expertise by conducting an in-depth investigation; requiring a systematic and significant application of both acquired research skills and understanding. The investigation may adopt a variety of frameworks, typically dependent upon a combination of both the discipline and topic in question. The rationale being to avoid limiting the students to the traditional empirical research format; instead empowering them to select an investigatory design that is best suited to the conduct, completion and presentation of the study in focus e.g. an industry report or an individually
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- Adaptive Coaching Theory and PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module will provide students with an opportunity to develop themselves as practitioners progressing their coaching, teaching and communication skills. In particular students will focus upon their ability to apply pedagogical theory to the planning and delivery of practical coaching sessions with disabled performers; whilst also furthering their commitment to and engagement in the process of reflective practice. Rather than coach their peers, students will work in groups to plan, deliver and evaluate a number of coaching sessions with participants who exhibit a range of learning, sensory and physical disabilities. The planning, delivery and content of the coaching sessions will be inform
Assessment: Coursework
- The Outdoor ClassroomCore20 credits
Module details
The module will begin by examining contemporary educational theory and praxis, then develop to enable students to apply the theories in the context of the outdoor classroom. Through practical experience within a current educational venue, students will develop a deeper understanding of the different perspectives on the use of the countryside as a learning arena for a variety of subjects. Students will develop their understanding of planning and implementing learning programmes by designing and creating educational resources for practical education projects. The emphasis of the module will be on using the outdoors as an arena for learning regardless of the age group or subject.
Assessment: Coursework
- Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education, School Sport and Physical ActivityCore40 credits
Module details
Integrated within this module is the “Association for Physical Education Level 3 Diploma in Supporting the Delivery of PESSPA (Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity)”. This course will be delivered by our partners at Derby County Community Trust (DCCT), and students will undertake a circa 200-hour placement in order to allow them to put into practice the planning, leading and reviewing of PESSPA. Students will engage in both theoretical and practical learning associated with safeguarding, mentoring pupils and colleagues, personal development of students and inclusivity and diversity principles, all within the context of PESSPA. Various elements of the course will be enhanced
Assessment: Coursework
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study how the body works during exercise and how to apply that knowledge in practical settings. A course like this normally moves from foundations, anatomy, exercise physiology, and sport psychology, through practical coaching skills and biomechanics, before progressing to specialist options such as strength and conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching, or PE teaching routes. In your final year, you'll undertake an applied placement working with teams, clients or schools, and complete an independent research project or dissertation. The emphasis throughout is on connecting theory to real-world sports and exercise practice.
Who it's for
This course suits those with a genuine interest in sport, exercise science, and physical education who want to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; typical entrants had between 128 and 143 UCAS tariff points. You'll study in English and complete the degree in three years of full-time study.
Careers & job market
Across Sport and Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Starting salaries typically ranged from £22,000 to £30,000 at that point. After five years, graduates earned between £23,375 and £33,000. Of working graduates, 62% were in highly skilled work or further study. These figures reflect national outcomes data and are not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
This is a full-time, 3-year BA (Hons) degree at the University of Derby, a public university on its Derby Campus. Teaching is delivered in English. The course is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, and the university holds a Gold award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 75% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C608). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Derby →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £22,000 – £25,000 | 25 |
| 3 years after | £22,000 | £17,000 – £25,000 | 140 |
| 5 years after | £26,000 | £22,500 – £31,000 | 140 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Sports and fitness occupationsSOC 2020 343 · 16% of published destinations · ASHE median £13,819
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 60; response rate: 75%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sport & Exercise Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
87% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 89.6% · in work or study 87% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Derby
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Derby Campus - Kedleston Road
642 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Derby from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Derby; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Derby’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Derby and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Derby
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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