This degree offers you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

Course description

Prepare for a career where you can help athletes boost their performance and remain in peak condition. This course gives you highly specialised knowledge and advanced practical skills.

• Gain an edge by taking a foundation year as part of a four-year study programme to achieve your BSc (Hons) qualification
• Choose this route if you plan to change your career or want to explore a subject that is new to you
• Take your first steps towards professional accreditation in strength and conditioning
• Gain experience in the most up-to-date training methods and techniques
• Harness state-of-the-art technology in our dedicated strength and conditioning suite with its VICON 3D motion capture system
• Benefit from our longstanding partnerships with the likes of Derby County FC, Derbyshire County Cricket Club and Burton Albion FC
• Enhance your employability with opportunities to undertake work placements, shadow the professionals, go on fact-finding visits and enjoy masterclasses delivered by leading figures in the field

This far-sighted new course equips you for a career centred on maximising athlete performance, reducing the risk of injury and devising effective rehabilitation regimes. This is a field where technology and research are constantly evolving, so we keep you up-to-date with the latest developments.

How you will learn

Teaching and learning will take place in our new £10.8m, state-of-the-art sport centre, equipped with a bespoke strength and conditioning suite and 50m running track with motion analysis. Further sport science facilities will be used to ensure students gain the required knowledge and skills to work in the applied arena of strength, conditioning and rehabilitation.

Assessment

Assessments will employ a combination of theoretical and practical assignments, such as case study presentations, field based assessments, written coursework, and professional discussions. This variety of assessments will enable learning and assess necessary skills required in future employment.

Careers

As a graduate of this course, you can look forward to challenging and rewarding career opportunities in areas such as elite and participation sport, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation and sport coaching.

Your studies will also prepare you for pursuing further qualifications at postgraduate level. At Derby you can develop advanced knowledge on the MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science, which includes Sport and Exercise Psychology or Physiology pathways.