UDSPOTHE - BSc Sports Therapy

Knowledge and understanding of Sports Therapy is developed through an integrated programme of teacher-led lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory based practical sessions, and through the guided use of student centred learning activities such as problem solving exercises, case studies, directed reading and e-learning. Level 4 provides a solid foundation of general subjects underpinning Sports Therapy including anatomy, human physiology and sports science. In-depth studies of the Sports Therapy examination and assessment protocol and rehabilitation and are the focus of the level 5 programme and at level 6 emphasis is placed on advanced and applied aspects of Sports Therapy including manual therapy, electrotherapy, placement work, related theory, clinical reasoning skills and business developments in sport.

Opportunities to explore the ethical dimensions of the discipline are available at all levels and are part of the expectations of the course’s governing body.

The North campus library has recently undergone a successful refurbishment offering specialised group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. Open areas have also been provided on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge at Benwell Road. All these areas have comfortable seating and access to IT and wireless facilities. Utilisation of the University’s VLE, WebLearn, has become an invaluable tool with which to disseminate information and to support and assess student learning. In addition students will be using facilities provided within the Universities New Science Centre, which include state of the art physiology laboratories; therapy treatment rooms; and, the expansive sports hall.

The principal aim for this pathway is to develop students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, both academically and practically, so as to achieve both clinical competence and graduate ability. The student will develop the subject-specific knowledge and the ability to relate it to the clinical situation.

To understand the evidence-based nature of the therapies, it is essential that a level of understanding of science be achieved. Thus there is a substantial component of human and exercise science in the course. As the Society of Sports Therapists set the competency benchmarks for membership, these are reflected in the topics studied throughout the degree.

It is essential that the students develop an ability to problem solve and clinically reason. These skills are the foundations for accurate diagnosis and treatment formulation. The course aims to develop these critical and analytical skills to ensure that practice remains current but supported by a body of scientific knowledge.

The ultimate aim is to produce a contemporary course that reflects current clinical practice in sports therapy. The students obtain a high level of clinical competence through practice and the problem based learning. The course develops these skills by directing the students to the resources that help them find solutions. Practical demonstrations and presentations ensure that they achieve the benchmarks for society membership.

The course encourages student interaction and contribution by developing their ability to work independently, in proposing and developing solutions to problems in a systematic and effective manner, and in communicating confidently and clearly both in writing and verbally.

Students will be encouraged to engage meaningfully with personal development planning (PDP) through the curriculum, to enable them to reflect on, plan and review their own personal and academic skills. PDP will enable students to develop well supported claims to achievements and be able to articulate these to others and the University will enable students to recognise and record their achievements.

The course learning outcomes listed below have been developed in-line with the Level 6 descriptors for Bachelor’s degree with honours as stated in the QAA’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)

1. Knowledge and understanding:
On completing the course, students will:
1.1 have a thorough systematic knowledge of the various scientific and clinical topics studied
1.2 show an ability to apply knowledge in practical settings involving sport, exercise and
rehabilitation from injury
1.3 have the capacity to demonstrate the advanced scholarship required to execute and critically evaluate research relevant to exercise science, injury and rehabilitation

2. Cognitive intellectual skills:
On completing the course, students will:
2.1 be able to understand and develop clear and logical arguments in support or criticism of medical and scientific theories with support from primary sources of evidence and scholarly reviews
2.2 demonstrate an ability to solve problems by applying underpinning knowledge to the clinical situation
2.3 be able to analyse medical and patient information to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan based on current evidence
2.4 show fluency with appropriate quantitative and numerical skills, involving relevant mathematical and statistical methods
2.5 demonstrate academic and scientific literacy at graduate level

3. Transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice:
On completing the course, students will:
3.1 have the ability to devise and sustain arguments, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear and professional manner
3.2 have an understanding of: ethical, equal opportunity and professional issues and work within the professional code of conduct
3.3 be able to demonstrate strong decision-making skills and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary sports or medical team to prevent injury and diagnose and rehabilitate post injury
3.4 demonstrate a range of other key transferable skills including active involvement in learning, exercise of initiative and judgement, use of appropriate resources and technology including IT, the ability to work both independently and with others, and the capacity for self-awareness and self-reflection
3.5 appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including: punctuality, professionalism, communication, consideration for others, creativity, and commitment
3.6 demonstrate an understanding of the need to continually develop professionally

4. Subject-specific practical skills:
On completing the course, students will:
4.1 be able to analyse patient information and derive a diagnosis and treatment plan supported by
current scientific and medical evidence
4.2 be able to make informed judgements to competently and safely implement treatment and
rehabilitative strategies to a patient with a sports injury
4.3 have an understanding of the main philosophies of practice in the sports rehabilitation arena whilst appreciating the limits of knowledge
4.4 demonstrate an ability to lead and motivate others with an awareness of the different needs of patients
4.5 demonstrate an understanding of practical skills relating to sport and exercise science, including competence in collecting data from a range of test equipment and from psychological inventories, and in implementing appropriate interventions
4.6 be able to suggest appropriate methodologies for a variety of measurements in sports and exercise science

There is currently no Benchmark Statement for BSc Sports Therapy, however, The Benchmark Statement for ‘Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism’ were used. Of the study areas specified as characterising sports-related programmes (p21), the present course focuses principally on 6.17 and 6.18. There is also some coverage of 6.19 and 6.20.

A variety of assessment methods will be used including unseen and seen written and practical examinations, essays, literature searches/reviews, practical reports, oral presentations and oral examinations. With the exception of written examinations, most assessments have both formative and summative roles. Additional non-assessed formative assessments will be used. The final year project provides the opportunity for an extended piece of formal scientific writing.

Students will be assisted with securing massage placement opportunities in level 4. Students will be able to choose individual work placements during level 6 as well as completing placement hours in the university clinic.

To qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy with eligibility for membership with The Society of Sports Therapists, the student must:
i) Satisfy the requirements for BSc with Honours (see University Undergraduate Scheme)
ii) Take all core modules* and pass the components as detailed in section 29

* All modules on the programme are core modules to ensure that graduates meet the professional requirements for eligibility to become members of The Society of Sports Therapists.

In order to be eligible to undertake ST6W10 Sports Therapy Placement, students must have:
i) Passed ST4004 - Science, Research and Application
ii) Passed ST5010 – Sports Rehabilitation
iii) Passed ST5011 – Sports Therapy

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

Core modules required to gain BSc (Sports Therapy):

Level 4:
ST4001 - Essential Principles in Sports Science
ST4002 - Sports Anatomy and Physiology *(Pass Anatomy Written and Practical Exam on aggregate)
ST4003 - Practical Sport Experience
ST4004 - Science, Research and Application* (Massage Practical and Massage Written Exam)

Level 5:
ST5001 - Sports Physiology
ST5010 - Sports Rehabilitation* (Pass All)
ST5011 - Sports Therapy* (Pass All)
ST5060 - Sports Science Research Methods

Level 6:
ST6P01 – Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation* (Pass on Aggregate)
ST6011 - Advanced Sports Therapy* (Pass All)
ST6W10 - Work Placement and Electrotherapy* (Pass All)
ST6063 - Business Developments in Sport

Unless all *components of these specific modules are passed then a student will obtain an exit title of Sports Health Studies (at all exit levels) and will not be able to gain membership to The Society of Sports Therapists.

Students are encouraged to reflect throughout the course by teaching staff, who, during practical lessons and feedback opportunities, ask students to consider their own strengths and weaknesses. Self-reflection is considered a useful method for personal development. This is also achieved during the Level 4 Science, Research and Application module, that assesses a students personal and professional development plan.

By way of modules: ST4004 Science, Research and Application ST5060 Sports Science Research Methods and ST6P01 Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation students will progressively develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement. Students will take part in tutorials at all levels designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs.

The course benefits from careers education, information and guidance at every level. Level 4 introduces professional studies, which requires students to develop a PDP, a plan that is further developed throughout the course. Level 6 includes a module dedicated to business skills, which is specifically tailored to benefit graduates in their chosen workplace.

Students will become student members of The Society of Sports Therapists. Throughout the course, students will benefit from guest lecturers and gain knowledge in other specialist areas.

This course is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists (SST), which provides student insurance throughout your degree. On graduation, you will be eligible to become a member and purchase public liability insurance from the SST.

Years 1 and 2 include Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) accredited content, which means you can go on to complete your REPS Level 2 and 3 qualification at a heavily subsidised rate.

On graduating, you’ll be equipped to pursue a career as a sports therapist, working with teams, in a clinic or as a self-employed practitioner. This course is also excellent preparation for postgraduate study.

According to the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DHLE) survey in 2015, 94.7% of our graduates were in work or further education within six months of graduating. Previous students have gone on to work for organisations such as Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have

• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)
• 260 or more UCAS points from two or more A levels, including Biology, PE, Human Biology, Biology, Sports Science or Sports Studies at grade C or above (or equivalent, eg Applied Science A level Double Award at grade CC, or BTEC Extended Diploma in a sports subject with DMM)

Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the BSc Sports Therapy Extended Degree.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.