More Than Just Another Season

After injuries and relegation battles in Germany, this footballer was looking for more than just another season. He chose to pursue a postgraduate degree in Finance in the UK while competing in high-level university football. He reconnected and found enjoyment in playing football again, thanks to the right environment and support.

Introducing ... Derrik Berko

Image credit: Omari Obwoya

Rebuilding, not just recovering

After a rough couple of years in Germany with injuries and a hard relegation battle, besides staying healthy and playing competitive, I wanted to find the joy in football again.

Most of my life has been a mix of school/uni and football anyway, so I’m used to that rhythm. I wanted to build on my business degree from Cologne and deepen my understanding of and specialise in finance, so the "student-athlete" life at Essex felt like the optimal way to pursue my goals.

Making it possible

The sports scholarship was very important. Without it, I probably wouldn’t be here. Studying in the UK as an international student is expensive (international tuition fees, visa, rent, food etc). Without that support, I likely would have pursued my master's in Germany or the Netherlands. 

My advice to others would be to look for these and research opportunities early. Understand applying for a course, accommodation options, scholarship opportunities, visa and passport requirements, proof of funds and deadlines. I found out about the scholarship by chance at a Master's fair in Germany, so stay open and on the lookout for opportunities.

A different kind of support

Everyone has been so welcoming, which made settling into a new country a lot easier than I expected, and the support has been great. 

Academically, there are so many resources available. Fay and the PAD sessions helped me understand how the university system works in the UK. Lecturers are approachable and appreciate questions, which makes a big difference at postgraduate level. 

Athletically, my teammates made it easy to fit in from day one. The coaching staff, from Pav (football coach) to Jem (strength & conditioning coach), are always there if you need something. Having talented players around me and playing under Pav has been really good for my development. What has helped me most is the freedom to play. We are encouraged to take calculated risks, play out from the back and express ourselves. After dealing with injuries, that trust helped me rebuild my confidence and actually enjoy football again.

Feeling at home

One thing that surprised me immediately was the quality of the facilities. The number of grass pitches and the condition of the match-day surface make you look forward to playing at home. The football environment feels professional, from private gym sessions to assessments, taping, massages and injury support.

Off the pitch, the campus is very international. I’ve met people from more different backgrounds than I expected. Because of that diversity, I never felt like an outsider. At the same time, you still experience English and British culture. There are lots of ways to connect with people, through Freshers' Week or societies, for example.

Finding the balance at Essex

It’s a good mixture of both worlds. You’re in a smaller, quieter city with not too many distractions, but you’re still close to London.

As a Finance student, you get access to resources like the Bloomberg terminals and free subscriptions to the FT and The Economist. 

On the football side, competing in BUCS university football gives you the chance to play at a high level and train in a structured, ambitious environment alongside studying. Performance-focused workshops help you think about life after football and build professional connections. 

If you want a place where you can grow as a player and a professional, Essex is a place where you can do both. 


Discover how our Performance Sport programme at Essex can support your overall development.

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Sports scholarships and bursaries

We are committed to supporting and developing high performance athletes. Find out whether you could be eligible for a sports scholarship or bursary, plus a range of additional benefits too when you join the University of Essex.