Undergraduate Course

Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health with Foundation Year

BSc (Hons)

Course details

Study options

Full-time: 4 years

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2024/25)

UCAS points

72 (September 2024 entry)

UCAS code

C691

Course level

Undergraduate

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Start date

September

Location

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course description

Skilled professionals are increasingly in demand to help improve health and wellbeing in our society. This pioneering course equips you for graduate-level roles in all aspects of health and exercise promotion.

An academic taking a students blood test

Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health at Derby

This specialist degree will equip you with the skills needed to make a real impact on improving health and wellbeing in today's society. You will also gain additional qualifications in gym instruction and personal training.

You'll explore the importance of physical activity and nutrition in preventing and managing disease, as well as promoting optimal health. You'll enjoy inspirational work placement opportunities with local partner organisations such as Move More Derby, Livewell Consortium and Sporting Futures. You'll draw on the latest scientific evidence, some of which is being developed by our own researchers.

The skills you will gain will help bring about positive change in individual attitudes to exercise and nutrition, and contribute towards meeting ambitious government and local authority targets for reducing inactivity.

100%of students agreed they were satisfied with the academic support**BSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health, National Student Survey 2023
95%of students agreed they were satisfied with the teaching on this course**BSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health - National Student Survey 2023
91%of students agreed that they were satisfied with the provided learning opportunities **BSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health - National Student Survey 2023

Sport and Exercise Science - your questions answered

In the below video, Head of Discipline for Sport and Exercise Science, Andy Hooton, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Derby. 

Andy Hooton, Head of Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science.

View Sport and Exercise Science - your questions answered! video transcript

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

A close up of a students hand with electrode pads on

Expert staff

You'll be taught by a range of staff who have extensive knowledge in the area of physical activity, nutrition and health including:

Influential research

Many of our staff are actively involved in research, undertaking influential studies that are breaking new ground in their discipline including topics such as:

Dr Mark Faghy, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, is part of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Is Medicine committee. This partnership will enable you to engage with other students and academics from affiliated institutions around the world and brings to life teaching, knowledge exchange and research opportunities that are promoted through the ACSM.

Specialist facilities

Our £10.8m Sports Centre includes a main hall, fitness gym with strength and conditioning area, studios, squash and badminton courts, an internal climbing wall, sprint track, changing rooms, treatment rooms and a café. It complements our existing facilities such as floodlit all-weather pitches and tennis courts.

We have invested in cutting-edge facilities. You will hone your skills in a well-equipped sport and exercise facility and measure the parameters of health and fitness. In addition, we use a range of computer software packages for statistical analysis. 

You’ll also be well catered for if you want to take part in recreational sport – whether new to you or as an elite performer. We have a new 44-station fitness facility at our Kedleston Road site, equipped with up-to-the-minute Technogym and Wellness system technology.

A range of career options

In this video Dr Ruth Ashton, Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, discusses her industry experience since graduating, the research she has carried out, her specialism in health-based sport and how this is being implemented in the curriculum of our Sport and Exercise Science courses.

A close up image of Dr Ruth Ashton, Lecturer in Physiology at the University of Derby.

View Ruth Ashton - my career in Sport and Exercise Science video transcript

Magdalena on a work placement

Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health: gaining confidence

Our Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health student Magdalena Slavikova worked on a national health promotion programme for her placement allowing her to build confidence and develop her skills.

Find out about Magdalena's experience on her placementFind out about Magdalena's experience on her placement

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:

Radzi in the Performance Suite at our Sports Centre.

View Open Day Live - Performance Suite video transcript

Sports Scholarships

The University of Derby is a sporting hub for talented athletes and coaches. We have a track record of improving the performance of our University sports clubs and we have created an infrastructure to provide support for talented athletes. We offer a Sports Scholarship programme that aims to help talented student-athletes realise their sporting potential while supporting them through their academic studies. We offer scholarships of up to £6,000 and provide tailored athlete-support packages delivered by an experienced multi-disciplinary Performance Sport team.

Join Team Derby

If you enjoy a challenge and would like to make the most of your own sporting passion and prowess, you could become involved with Team Derby which is the focal point for the University’s sporting community. It encompasses all aspects of sport, including courses, numerous sports clubs, the Athletics Union and sport development activities. You can also take part in the national BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) competitions.

We have also recently appointed Double Olympic Medallist, Bryan Steel, as the Head Coach for Team Derby Performance Sport Cycling. Bryan is a celebrated figure in the world of cycling, bringing a wealth of experience to his role. The decorated Olympian, who represented Team GB at four Olympic Games from 1992 to 2004, boasts an impressive medal collection. His crowning achievements include a bronze medal in the team pursuit event at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Games in the same discipline. Brian's journey also includes 14 World Championship appearances, where he secured five medals, along with three medals at the Commonwealth Games. With the arrival of Bryan, Performance Sport at the university will work in partnership with HUUB-BCC Race Team to give track and road riders access to an elite pathway during and post higher education. This collaboration opens doors for Team Derby Performance Cycling's athletes, offering a unique opportunity to bridge their academic pursuits with professional cycling aspirations.

students on the performance sport programme at University of Derby

View Performance Sport at Derby video transcript

Mark Faghy conducting research in the background, with a man wearing an oxygen mask.

Managing Excellence

When Mark Faghy first arrived in Derby as a teenage undergraduate, he stated proudly that his goal was to become manager of the England football team. Now he is a respected research academic leading an international collaboration in the fight against Covid. And his students are helping.

Read Mark's storyRead Mark's story

What you will study

There is an applied focus throughout the programme, supported by our partners Derby City Move More Consortium. This will enable you to develop your knowledge and practical skills in a real world learning environment.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

You’ll learn through a variety of lectures, seminars, practicals, and technology enhanced innovative learning solutions. You’ll be involved in physiology testing, psychology-based case studies relating to exercise, whilst learning cardiometabolic health assessment techniques. In addition, you’ll also acquire essential work-based skills and knowledge through regular work placements with Derby City Move More Consortium and other local organisations/companies.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed on your knowledge, understanding, and applied practical and research skills through a range of well-balanced assessment methods. These include oral presentations, written assignments, practicals, exams and research projects. Assessments will take place in our specialist facilities and will give you with the skills required for future employment.

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

Who will teach you

Corrina Chidley

Dr Corinna Chidley
Programme leader

As a lecturer in sport and exercise nutrition, Dr Chidley leads and delivers modules across programmes within the School of Outdoor and Exercise Science.  Dr Chidley has extensive experience working in elite sport as a performance nutritionist.

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points72
A LevelDDD
T LevelPass
BTECMMP
GCSEGCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 24, Pass: 21

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

If you're an international student and want to improve your English language skills before you start your course, the Derby English Language Centre's pre-sessional English course can help you. 

Fees and funding

2024/25

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,250 per year

N/A

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

Careers

At Derby we specialise in nurturing highly employable graduates. The BSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health qualification offers the ideal preparation for rewarding and wide-ranging careers in areas including health improvement, nutrition and healthy eating promotion, exercise referral, lifestyle management and community development. You could secure employment with organisations such as the NHS, local councils and public health agencies.

Whatever career path you aim to follow, you will graduate with in-depth knowledge and applied experience together with the professional attitude to take you far. The broader communication, problem-solving, research and presentation skills you gain will prove invaluable for employers beyond the health and local authority sectors too.

You could also consider postgraduate qualifications. We also offer the MSc Clinical Exercise Science and MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science – which includes a Sport and Exercise Psychology pathway – where you will develop advanced knowledge in your chosen subject.

Through our Professional Development Package, you'll gain valuable transferable skills, including:

Careers and Employment Service

To boost your employment skills, you can access the University's Careers and Employment Service. The team can connect you with employers to help find opportunities for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. Our careers consultants are also on hand to guide you through the career options for your degree, CV writing, or starting your own business - and we commit to helping you for three years after you graduate to find a job. 

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees
For September 2024
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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