Course description

Bring an exciting new dimension to your interest in sport. This interdisciplinary degree draws together the art and science of sport and education, opening up more career avenues for you.

• Develop both practical and academic skills relating to sport coaching, teaching and education
• Gain the knowledge you need to progress to teacher training opportunities such as a PGCE
• Build practical experience by working with sports clubs, schools and/or community groups and through fieldtrips in the UK
• Make the most the facilities within our exceptional sports centre
• Be inspired by our enthusiastic and expert staff who boast a wealth of professional experience in the sport and educational arenas

Our course combines both the art and science of sport and education. It is specially designed for students who have an interest in sport coaching as a form of education.

Sport and Education at Derby

Designed for students interested in sport coaching as a form of education, our course takes an interdisciplinary perspective and offers a smooth transition to teacher training and broader roles in sport environments.

Exploring the importance of the sport coach as an educator, you'll study the principles of learning and how they can be applied in both teaching and coaching practice within educational settings. We offer a thorough grounding in contemporary theory, drawing on disciplines like educational psychology and human development.

Thanks to our strong links with sports clubs, schools and community organisations, you will have opportunities to put theory into practice, deepening your understanding of the careers you could pursue.

Expert teaching

Many of our staff are actively involved in research, undertaking influential studies that are breaking new ground in their disciplines. You'll benefit from teaching by experts in education and sport and enlightening guest lecturers by professional coaches, elite athletes and many more leaders in the field.

• Dr Stuart Mourton - Stuart is the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Sport and Education. He joined the University of Derby in 2013 and has led a number of the degree programmes at Derby, taught on modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and acted as a supervisor on a number of PhD supervisory packages. Outside of work, he volunteers with Special Olympics GB, helping develop skiers at the Special Olympics West Midlands ski group.
• Peter Gilliver - Peter is a Senior Lecturer and works on a range of practical and theoretical modules within sports education and coaching programmes. His research interests cover a number of areas within sport psychology, motor movement and adventure, and include projects that look at climbing expertise and the solving of problems.
• Nicola Taylor - Nicola started her teaching experience delivering outdoor vocational qualifications to potential outdoor leaders, working with the local schools and special needs groups. She was also a freelance Mountain Instructor teaching climbing, mountaineering and movement skills. She then moved to the University of Derby and supports the Sport and Education course.
• Dr Niamh Mourton - Niamh is an Associate Lecturer for Sport and Education and specialises in inclusivity. She has extensive experience in this area through her profession, as well as research and volunteering.

Real-world experience

This course has been created in consultation with key stakeholders from both the sports industry and the education sector so that it matches employers’ needs. You’ll engage with our extensive professional networks, including opportunities for work experience, coaching practice and industry-backed research.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have the chance to put theory into practice. We have strong links with sports clubs, schools, colleges, community organisations and local authorities to help you deepen your understanding of the educational aspects of sport and the variety of career roles you could pursue. You’ll get involved in delivering sport sessions to groups of different ages and abilities.

Sport science facilities

Our sports centre includes specialist sport science facilities including a main hall, physiology laboratories, multiple sport therapy suites, a performance suite for biomechanics, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. You can also take full advantage of facilities such as a fitness gym, studios, squash and badminton courts, an internal climbing wall, sprint track, changing rooms, and treatment rooms.

Our Performance Suite

Our Performance Suite allows Sport and Exercise Science students to learn about performance analysis, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention. As well as elite athletes outside of the University, you'll also be working with our Team Derby athletes to help them improve their performance and successfully compete. Take a look at the Performance Suite and Vicon cameras in action:

Build your portfolio of skills

Beyond the core content of your degree, we help you develop important transferable skills and intellectual abilities that will take you far. Our Steps to Success programme runs alongside the course to support your personal and academic development, and help you chart your future career direction.

You could take part in additional training to add further professional qualifications to your CV, including coaching badges and other awards given by the national governing bodies for specific sports.

To help you prepare for study at postgraduate level, you will also gain experience of academic research, conduct an independent investigation into a topic of your choice, and have the opportunity to present at a conference hosted by the University.

You'll also be able to gain experience through fieldtrips. The images below showcase a fieldtrip to Pembrokeshire that our third year students went on. The trip included a range of exciting activities including surfing, axe throwing, camping, hiking and outdoor survival skills.

How you will learn

This course is delivered using a variety of traditional and contemporary teaching and learning methods. These include lectures, tutorials, and practicals, as well as innovative approaches using information technology. A student-centred approach is adopted throughout and considerable emphasis is put on experiential learning, as well as the practical application of underpinning principles.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used during the course, which include essays, written and practical exams, reports, portfolios, and presentations. In addition to final module assessments, students will receive feedback on their performance throughout the course enabling learning and progression.