BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science with Foundation Year at University of Derby has been structured to combine core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Derby, based in Derby Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Subjects allied to medicine graduates from this provider, 93% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 92% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,500. (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)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 185. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 93% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (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.
Foundation Year 8 modules
- Research Methods and Data HandlingCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop an understanding of why and how research is conducted within science disciplines. You will develop a working knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative data handling skills through the use of Excel and other appropriate software. Introductions to formulating and operationalising research questions and hypotheses will be included along with an exploration of the rationale behind applying different research methods for different purposes and the ethical considerations linked to these. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of this module, you will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of a range of data handling approaches Demonstrate ability to plan
Assessment: Coursework
- Study Skills and ResearchCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop the skills essential for study at university and facilitate the transition into Higher Education. The module will help students understand university systems and processes, the study skills they require to succeed and the role they have in their own learning. The module will be taught through a series of lecture, tutorials and workshop sessions. The module will cover three broad themes linked to individual awareness / personal development, digital literacy and study skills. Topics will be delivered by a range of academic and specialist support staff. Indicative content includes learning styles, student wellbeing, employability, scientific writing, oral communicati
Assessment: Practical
- The Art of Sport and Exercise: A FoundationCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental ‘art’ of sport and exercise disciplines. Students will gain an understanding of the broad range of qualitative based subject disciplines attributed to sport and exercise and begin to develop an appreciation of the skills required to work within the diverse sport and exercise field. This module focusses on the ‘art’ of sport and exercise to ensure a grounding knowledge for all. Students will learn of the different roles a sport and exercise professional may take on and the skills attributed to each in order to be successful.
Assessment: Coursework
- Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides an overview of the sporting landscape within the United Kingdom and how recent developments have helped shape it. Students will gain an understanding of the broad range of subject disciplines attributed to sport and exercise and begin to develop an appreciation of the skills required to work within the diverse sport and exercise field. This module focusses on both the ‘art’ and ‘science’ of sport and exercise to ensure a grounding knowledge for all. Students will learn of the different roles a sport and exercise professional may take on and the skills attributed to each in order to be successful.
Assessment: Coursework
- EnglishOptional20 credits
Module details
If you don’t already have a GCSE or Functional Skills qualification in this subject, completion of this module will enable progression onto the undergraduate programme.
Assessment: Coursework
- MathematicsOptional20 credits
Module details
If you don’t already have a GCSE or Functional Skills qualification in this subject, completion of this module will enable progression onto the undergraduate programme. The course covers statistics and probability, number work, geometry, algebra and graphs.
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Society and CultureOptional20 credits
Module details
This module provides you with an introduction to the study of societies and cultures. It is intended to encourage an understanding of core sociological theories, and is designed to develop your appreciation of how we evaluate the social world and understand the societies and cultures we live and work in. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Explore an aspect of society using more than one sociological perspective Compare and evaluate different social theories Module content The module emphasises core sociological theoretical perspectives. The module provides a tour of influential key thinkers that have made their stamp on the discipline, such
Assessment: Coursework
- Biomedical ScienceOptional20 credits
Module details
This module will provide students with a theoretical understanding of anatomy and physiology of key body systems. Fundamental anatomical and physiological concepts will be explored for diverse body systems with focus on composition and function. The concepts of health and disease will be introduced while exploring diverse body systems. The following theoretical areas will be covered: basic body anatomy; structure and function of key body systems; introduction to the concept of health and disease.
Assessment: Exam, Practical
Year 1 6 modules
- 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
- Principles of Sports BiomechanicsCore20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to an area of study that is concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects of these forces on sports performance. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of mechanical principles and laws as they relate to the study of human movement and sports performance.
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- 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
- Principles of Sport and Exercise PsychologyCore20 credits
Module details
The role of psychology is an increasingly important and recognised aspect of participation and performance in sport and exercise contexts. This module examines various personality and social-psychological factors that impact upon participation and performance. The module offers a range of sport and exercise psychology topics focusing on three main areas: 1) Individual participants in sport and exercise, 2) Strategies for performance enhancement, and 3) Groups, group processes, and intergroup relations. For each topic, theories and research evidence are applied to practical examples.
Assessment: Coursework
- Principles of Sport and Exercise PhysiologyCore20 credits
Module details
Knowledge of how the different parts of the body function during physical activity is necessary to understand how humans can take part in sport and exercise. This module examines the basic physiology of the relevant body systems. What these systems consist of, how they function and how they respond to an acute bout of physical activity will be considered. In addition to building core knowledge of sport and exercise physiology, students will acquire a set of core skills in the laboratory. This module underpins the subsequent study of sport, exercise and health, and is therefore important preparation for modules at Levels 5 and 6.
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Introduction to Anatomy for Sport & ExerciseCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides students with a theoretical understanding of human anatomy. The module considers the human body in action and aims to introduce students to the integrated function of anatomical systems during physical activity and exercise. The module will incorporate both theoretical and practical elements to ensure students are given the appropriate opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of anatomy within an applied context.
Assessment: Exam
Year 2 9 modules
- Physiological Assessment for Sport, Exercise and HealthCore20 credits
Module details
This module explores the methods available to assess the function of the biological hardware relevant to sport, exercise and health. Building on core knowledge acquired at Level 4, this module considers how we can measure the physiological capacity of an individual. There will be a strong emphasis on understanding theory and gaining practical experience. Students will become acquainted with numerous methods which are used in a range of different contexts. These methods could, for instance, be used to monitor performance, prescribe exercise, evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention, or determine whether physiological function is within normal healthy limits.
Assessment: Exam, Practical
- 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
- Sport and Exercise PsychologyCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides an overview of various sport and exercise psychology topics at an intermediate undergraduate level. The significant role of individual characteristics and social processes when designing interventions to enhance sport performance and exercise participation is explained. The module focuses on how psychology can be used by sport and exercise psychologists to enhance performance and physical activity.
Assessment: Coursework
- Biomechanical Assessment for Sport and ExerciseCore20 credits
Module details
This module will develop the concepts and applications studied at level 4 in Principles of Sports Biomechanics. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of how the principles and methods of biomechanics can be used to investigate sport and exercise activities. The module will support students in their understanding of the methods that are available to analyse sporting performance and their applications. It will also provide students with an opportunity to conduct and report investigations of their own sport and exercise related movements using biomechanical principles and methods. The module will prepare students for more advanced studies in the third year of their course.
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- Nutrition and Metabolism for Sport and ExerciseOptional20 credits
Module details
This module investigates the function and role of dietary macro nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins, micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, supplements/ergogenic aids and fluid consumption on sport and exercise performance.
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Strength and ConditioningOptional20 credits
Module details
Strength and conditioning specialists or coaches help athletes to maximise athletic performance, reduce injury risk and avoid overtraining. This module builds on the scientific principles studied in biomechanics, motor control, anatomy and sports physiology at level 4, and applies them to this interdisciplinary and practical subject area. Students will study applied biomechanics and physiology within the context of strength and conditioning and learn to develop periodised, safe and effective evidence based sport specific training programs. The module will incorporate a high practical element, with students developing practical competence in core lifts and other practical disciplines as well
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Physical Activity and HealthOptional20 credits
Module details
This module will enable students to understand the incidence and causes of mortality and morbidity. The benefits of physical activity on multiple facets of health such as coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity and cancer will be discussed. The module will also examine health promotion initiatives put forward by a range of organisations, and the methods by which people can be motivated to become more physically active for health benefit.
Assessment: Coursework
- Injury Rehabilitation for Sport & Exercise ScienceOptional20 credits
Module details
Sport scientists are often required to understand the implications of injury on sporting performance, how to help rehabilitate athletes who suffer an injury and the methods to help prevent injuries. This module builds on the scientific principles studied in biomechanics, motor control, anatomy and sports physiology at level 4; and biomechanics and physiology at level 5. Students will study applied biomechanics, anatomy, physiology and strength and conditioning within the context of sports injuries and rehabilitation. Students will gain a theoretical underpinning of the process of sports injuries, how this progresses and effects performance and they will learn how to design safe and effective
Assessment: Exam, Practical
- Applied Notational AnalysisOptional20 credits
Module details
This module focusses on developing student’s understanding of notational analysis techniques and modelling processes which underpin the collection of performance analysis data. The module will develop student’s skills in the application of contemporary performance analysis technologies. The module also aims to develop student’s skills so they can report the outcomes of analyses in applications representative of real world practice, appropriate for dissemination to both coaches and athletes.
Assessment: Coursework
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 10 modules
- Applied Sports ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
Building on the theoretical content presented at levels 4 and 5 this module introduces the contemporary issues related to applying such theory into applied practice. More specifically the module will introduce the concept of mono, multi and interdisciplinary approaches within applied sports science. Students will critically evaluate the strengths and the weaknesses of each method using a problem-based approach and on the understanding that performance is based upon a set of functionally inter-linking variables. The module will also introduce key concepts such as bridge building, restructuring and integration, all of which are recognised by BASES as crucial to the understanding of interdiscip
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- 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
- Applied Sports PhysiologyOptional20 credits
Module details
This module examines the application of scientific knowledge to sport. Building on knowledge and skills acquired at Levels 4 and 5, this module considers how we can use our understanding of the many integrated physiological systems in the context of sports performance. The module will firstly consider the factors that limit performance, before studying how adaptions due to physiological interventions can improve performance. There will be a specific focus on contemporary and pertinent ideas. Furthermore, there will also be a strong emphasis on understanding the scientific research and theory that underpins applied sports physiology. Students will develop the skills required to select, interp
Assessment: Coursework, Exam
- Applied Strength and ConditioningOptional20 credits
Module details
The module provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical competencies required to work with a variety of populations within the field of strength and conditioning. Students will further develop the skills and abilities introduced at level 5 through an on-going practical case study, and a selection of advanced training topics will be explored in-depth. The module will incorporate a high practical element, with students developing competence in practical strength and conditioning disciplines as well as theoretical understanding of the practical competencies. Where appropriate key nutritional strategies to support training methods will be introduced.
Assessment: Practical
- Applied Sport Psychology and Behaviour ChangeOptional20 credits
Module details
This module explores applied practice within sport and exercise psychology and the practitioner skills that can support clients’ behaviour change. It allows students to become familiar with theoretical frameworks and models and current sport and exercise literature related to behaviour change and practitioner philosophy. Students will develop critical appraisal skills and enhance their ability to apply theory and research to real-life practical situations. Consideration of applied consultancy practice, professional philosophy, ethics and approaches to psychological support for clients will develop students’ understanding of applied sport and exercise psychology focusing on performance and we
Assessment: Coursework
- Biomedical Implications of Exercise, Activity and HealthOptional20 credits
Module details
The high incidence of lifestyle-related health problems like coronary heart disease, obesity and stress means that increased activity and programmes that encourage and support the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyles are becoming increasingly important. The challenge of increasing the level of physical activity requires an understanding of individual and situational factors that inhibit regular exercise. It is also recognised that that several clinical populations could benefit from regular activity (e.g. cardiac rehabilitation, osteoporosis and diabetes) and medical teams dealing with such patient groups need an understanding of how to promote long-term adherence to exercise. The
Assessment: Coursework
- Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism for Sport and ExerciseOptional20 credits
Module details
This module builds on the basic grounding delivered in 5BY500 Nutrition and Metabolism for Sport & Exercise. Students will investigate a variety of pertinent topics such as but not limited to nutraceuticals / synergistic use of ergogenic aids in sport and exercise performance, nutrition and immune function, nutrition for the global athlete, dysfunctional approaches to nutrition in athletes (i.e. fe/male athlete triad) and nutritional strategies for exercise in extreme environments. The module will also progress student’s knowledge in more advanced topics of nutrition for sport and exercise such as the direct/indirect role of nutrigenomics and/or nutrigenetics on health and sport and exercise
Assessment: Coursework
- Applied Rehabilitation and Risk ReductionOptional20 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop the underpinning knowledge developed in previous modules in order to prepare students for work within a performance environment and/or competitive setting. The theoretical basis for the module includes human performance testing and stratification of injury risk within the athletic population. Development of screening strategies and rehabilitation programme design will form the core of this module. The module will incorporate a high practical element to which the theoretical understanding will be applied.
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- Applied BiomechanicsOptional20 credits
Module details
This module will develop the concepts and applications studied at level 5 in biomechanical assessment for sport and exercise. The module aims to equip students with an understanding of how a broad range of advanced techniques can be used in the collection of biomechanical data. The module will then provide students with the necessary skills to analyse and interpret this data with respect to performance in real world biomechanical scenarios. In conjunction with the content delivery, the module will allow students the freedom to conduct a novel piece of independent research which will develop their ability to critically evaluate current biomechanical literature and present biomechanical resear
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- Advanced Performance AnalysisOptional20 credits
Module details
This module develops previous skills gained at level 5 and further examines the role of performance analysis within sport. The module places a greater emphasis on the applied application of performance analysis and how this supports the coaching cycle within a variety of sports. The module will provide students with a strong theoretical background in performance analysis and combines this with industry relevant experience. Students will explore a number of different software platforms and gain an understanding of which software packages are suitable for undertaking different types of analysis. Contemporary issues at the forefront of performance analysis will also be discussed and critically
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
A Sport & Exercise Science degree with a Foundation Year starts with core science before progressing to applied practice and specialism. Year 1 begins with anatomy, exercise physiology and sport psychology, alongside practical coaching work. You'll usually move in Year 2 into biomechanics, physiology of training and research methods, learning to test athletes and analyse technique. From Year 3 onwards, you'll typically choose specialist options such as strength & conditioning, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching or PE teaching routes, combine these with applied placement experience in teams or schools, and complete an independent research project.
Who it's for
This course suits students who want to develop expertise in Sport and Exercise Science through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The Foundation Year is designed for those who may not yet meet standard entry requirements. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff band among entrants was 96–111 points. You should be prepared for independent study alongside structured teaching and ready to engage with both academic research and real-world professional contexts.
Careers & job market
Across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of working graduates, 62% were in highly skilled work or further study. Starting salaries nationally ranged from £22,000 to £30,000; after five years, this rose to £23,375–£33,000. These figures come from national Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Educational Outcomes data, not university-specific guarantees. Your career path will depend on your specialisation, experience, and individual choices. Check the university's funding pages for information on bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time BSc (Hons) taught in English at the University of Derby's Derby Campus. The University of Derby is a public university founded in 1992 and holds Gold teaching quality recognition from the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The degree is a nationally recognised UK degree award.
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 | 84% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| a foundation course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
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 C604). 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 | £28,500 | £28,000 – £29,000 | 185 |
| 3 years after | £27,000 | £21,500 – £31,500 | 465 |
| 5 years after | £30,500 | £23,500 – £37,000 | 440 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 185. 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. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 185. 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.
- Nursing ProfessionalsSOC 2020 223 · 66% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,597
- 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
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: 175; response rate: 51%. 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
93% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,500. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 91.6% · in work or study 93% · continued 80%.
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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