Doctorate in Professional Practice (Sport and Exercise)
University of Derby
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.3) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

Online

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Study mode

Part Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

4 Years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Online

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

4 Years

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Subjects

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Sports Science
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Domestic
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Course info

Undertake research that will enhance your professional practice, benefiting you, your clients and others in the profession Our expert teaching team are either personally engaged in professional practice or actively researching how it may be enhanced and our ongoing research in professional practice means we bring cutting-edge knowledge to the delivery of the programme Benefit from our extensive industry links in both professional and publicly funded areas of practice. Our knowledge and ...Read more

Undertake research that will enhance your professional practice, benefiting you, your clients and others in the profession Our expert teaching team are either personally engaged in professional practice or actively researching how it may be enhanced and our ongoing research in professional practice means we bring cutting-edge knowledge to the delivery of the programme Benefit from our extensive industry links in both professional and publicly funded areas of practice. Our knowledge and expertise ranges from the boardroom to the changing room or clinic and our industry awareness shows through in the material delivered in the programme and our individual support for each student Members of the teaching team have undertaken a professional doctorate themselves. They have first-hand experience of the journey you will go on and can provide relevant and effective support for you throughout the programme The Doctorate in Professional Practice (Sport and Exercise) aims to develop your ability to use applied research methods helping you to explore key aspects of your professional experience and current practice in meaningful and relevant ways. We all know that professional practice can be a complex, messy and nuanced experience for sport and exercise practitioners. We have designed the programme to explore innovative research methods that recognise and work with the complexity of practice. We aim to equip you to be able to undertake projects such as: Exploring and critiquing the culture in a specific sport or exercise environment to better understand how it might be enhanced (ethnography) Exploring how different forms of personal development (e.g., reflective practice) can enhance practitioner philosophies, knowledge and skills Going through cycles of intervention, reflection and planning to improve practice with a specific group of athletes or patients (action research) Following, critically examining and understanding the experiences of groups of athletes or patients (case-studies) Examining the impact of new practice methods on client outcomes Completion of the doctorate will set you apart from other professionals in your area. On the programme, you will develop critical expertise that can enhance your career and sharpen your professional practice. It will enhance your ability to influence thought and practice in your field and prepare you for more senior professional roles in sport or exercise. The programme will also equip you to step across into a role within higher education.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
48/279
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
52nd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
79th
What students say
H
Harshvardhan
15 Dec 25

The campus experience has been very positive overall. The facilities and infrastructure are excellent, and the environment is supportive for students. There is some scope for..Read more

I
Itimad
12 Dec 25

The best thing is that the teachers are supportive...Read more

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a Masters degree in a sport and exercise-related discipline, possess a minimum of two to three years of appropriate professional practice experience, and be able to clearly articulate how the programme aligns with their professional role and personal context.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£3,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£3,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£3,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Sports Studies reviews

Sports Studies
Sports Studies
H
Harshvardhan
15 Dec 25
MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science
The campus experience has been very positive overall. The facilities and infrastructure are excellent, and the environment is supportive for students. There is some scope for...
Read more
I
Itimad
12 Dec 25
Sport and Exercise Science
The best thing is that the teachers are supportive....
Read more
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How Sports Studies students rated:

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( 4.2) 41 reviews
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4 stars
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12%
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Student rating
( 4.3) 2,161 reviews
5 star
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Uni info

University of Derby
Kedleston Road Derby Derbyshire DE22 1GB United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Peartree  1.8 miles away

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