FdA Athlete Professional Development

University of Derby

Developed in collaboration with ProChance Football, this foundation degree is aimed at aspiring athletes engaged with our partner organisations across football and cycling. As a promising sportsperson and/or sports official, you are focused on your performance and pursuing your dreams to compete professionally / at an elite level. Your life outside of your sport is crucial too, and it’s important to plan your life after sport, future proofing your career.This flexible and unique foundation degree allows you to do that, and receive a recognised qualification for doing so. You’ll be able to train and compete full-time, while studying and working towards your degree.The blocked on-campus delivery and remote study methods have been designed to support elite/professional athletes and officials.The course places you at the core of the programme, focusing on your personal and professional development you’ll explore:Your life so far and your future plansYour values, beliefs and motivationsWhat you want from your life in and after sportHow to be successful during your competitive/officiating career and afterwardsHow self-reflection can help shape your future life and career choicesYou will:Learn from our expert teaching team who are actively involved in research, high-performance sport and applied sport science consultancy. They are also members of leading professional bodiesUse state-of-the-art equipment in our Sports CentrePut theory into practice through work-based learning in both years of your studies. You'll have the opportunity to apply the skills you learn within the modules to roles within the host organisation such as coaching, teaching, sports administration, event support and mentoringOnce you finish the course, you’ll not only have formal recognition of a foundation degree on your CV, but you’ll also be in a position where your next career step will be an extension of your current sporting life. It can also be a stepping stone to further development through a BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Development Top-up.