PMSPTTPY - MSc Sports Therapy

The MSc Sports Therapy is a 200 credit degree which is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists. On completion of the degree graduates are eligible for membership to The Society of Sports Therapists and to apply for insurance to practise. The course builds upon knowledge gained through undergraduate sports science courses to develop critical and practical skills which can be applied to the practise of sports therapy to produce competent sports therapists. Skills learnt include massage, manual therapy, rehabilitation and clinical reasoning and are induced via practicals, case studies, seminars and lectures.

1. To provide a programme of study for sport and exercise science graduates that will equip them with in-depth understanding and critical analysis in the following areas:
i. Appropriate diagnostic techniques
ii. Clinical reasoning skills
iii. Treatment parameter prescriptions
Differentiation of MSc Sports Therapy graduates and BSc graduates can be identified by the level of awareness and analysis obtained when studying at Masters level in these key areas. Whilst the clinical skills are comparable, the MSc graduates would have greater analytical skills in the current examination and assessment techniques as well as the most appropriate treatment parameters. These are the key requirements required for future careers in Sports Therapy in the UK. This course will ensure that students achieve the benchmark competencies for membership of The Society of Sports Therapists (if the required modules are completed to attain either MSc Sports Therapy or PG Diploma Sports Therapy. Both of these pathways include completion of module SPPW34N which includes 200 hands-on placement hours).
b. To create learning experiences through which the student becomes safe, competent and autonomous in the assessment, evaluation and delivery of sports therapy interventions, supervision of the rehabilitation process and development of injury prevention strategies in a variety of sports contexts.
c. To develop students’ powers of critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation and the ability to integrate knowledge from the wide variety of sports therapy, sports science and sports medicine disciplines.
d. To provide practical opportunities for the collection and advanced analysis of data relating to sports therapy.
e. To produce effective learners/practitioners by providing opportunities for students to develop their transferable skills and improve their employability.

Knowledge and Understanding
1. Have advanced systematic knowledge of the various scientific and clinical topics studied
2. Have the ability to critically evaluate current research relevant to exercise science, sports injury, current treatment and rehabilitation
3. Show an ability to apply knowledge in practical settings involving sport and exercise
4. Have the ability to design and execute research relevant to sports therapy

Cognitive intellectual skills
1. Discriminate, synthesise and integrate relevant concepts from a wide knowledge base, including sports medicine and sports science
2. Select, utilise and interpret outcome measures effectively from a sound evidence base to clinically reason an appropriate intervention.
3. Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of the theoretical basis for sports therapy treatment, rehabilitation and injury prevention
4. Differentiate between evidence based treatment and rehabilitation and current standard practice
5. Demonstrate an open and reflective approach to practice
6. Demonstrate a mastery of appropriate quantitative and numerical skills relevant to sports therapy research

Transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice
1. Have the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear and professional manner to academic, medical and athletic audiences
2. Have good interpersonal skills to be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with injured athletes across a spectrum of sports and level of participation
3. Have an understanding of ethical, equal opportunity, health & safety issues and work within the professional code of conduct
4. Be able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary sports medical team to prevent injury, provide acute injury management, diagnose and rehabilitate post injury
5. Demonstrate a range of other key transferable skills including active involvement in learning, exercise of initiative and judgement, use of appropriate resources and technology, the ability to work both independently and with others, and the capacity for self-awareness and self-reflection
6. Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including: punctuality, professionalism, communication, consideration for others, creativity, and commitment

Subject-specific practical skills
1. Differentiate between possible injury treatment or rehabilitation options based on presentation of the injured athlete (real life or paper based case) and with reference to critical evaluation of relevant literature
2. Demonstrate a range of practical skills relating to sports therapy treatment and rehabilitation interventions based on contemporary evidence and current standard practice
3. Be able to practice sports therapy effectively with constant adherence to standards of professional practice and codes of conduct
4. Demonstrate an ability to lead and motivate athletes with an awareness of the needs of athletes in different sports and exercise environments and at different levels of participation

There is no specific statement for MSc Sports Therapy. The general statements for MSc courses can be applied to this course. There is currently no Benchmark Statement for 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 practical exams with viva component, literature reviews, case studies, oral presentations (individual and group) and oral examinations. The dissertation provides the opportunity for an extended piece of formal scientific work.

The practical assessments involve the demonstration of specific techniques, usually with a case scenario (paper based). All practical assessments include a viva component to assess students’ depth of knowledge of underlying principles and their ability to rationalise treatment choices based on current evidence. The practical assessments involve demonstration of an ability to problem solve in a practical sports therapy environment. Practical assessments of paper and live medical cases allow the students to demonstrate their practical and theoretical knowledge and competency.
The written components include case studies, literature reviews and oral presentations. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on development of communication skills at postgraduate level and on the requirements of formal scientific writing. Use of technology is implicit in all work requiring literature exploration and in the written or oral presentation of work. Written case studies assess their ability to problem solve and derive appropriate treatment plans from current literature. Literature reviews will assess the students’ ability to critique, evaluate and synthesise the current body of evidence to support practice.

All assessments will generally require depth of analysis and synthesis based on the current body of evidence in sports therapy and sports medicine. All forms of assessment, including examinations (written and oral), literature reviews and presentations, require an ability to organise and apply knowledge, and to develop arguments. Quantitative analyses will be included in particular in the research methods module and the dissertation.

Students will undertake observations of related health professionals, including but not limited to Sports Therapists during the Work Placement module. Part of this module will also include placement hours both at the University clinic and external placements. A portfolio and reflective piece of writing will support this style of learning.

The course conforms to the framework and University Academic Regulations in all instances with the exception of the following. The course is a 200 credit Masters program. This enables all competencies, as outlined by the professional body (The Society of Sports Therapists), to be met. The dissertation module is only 40 credits compared to the regulations which suggest 60 credits. This also allows the large amount of content, required to fulfil the competencies, to be delivered. The emphasis on this course is on preparing qualified, competent Sports Therapy practitioners and as such the dissertation module weighting is lower than the University recommendation.

To attain an MSc Sports Therapy award title the student must successfully complete the required modules to attain 200 M-level points as stated above. This is a course specific variation from the current regulations to ensure that the students successfully complete the clinical competencies required by The Society of Sports Therapists.

PG Certificate Sports Health Studies: Any combinations of modules to the total of 60 credits of MS7001, ST7030, ST7031, ST7032, ST7033, ST7009 (providing pre-requisites for modules are met)

PG Diploma Sports Health Studies: Any combinations of modules to the total of 120 credits of MS7001, ST7030, ST7031, ST7032, ST7033, ST7009 (providing pre-requisites for modules are met)

PG Diploma Sports Therapy – membership to The SST: All core compulsory modules MS7001, ST7030, ST7031, ST7032, ST7033, ST7009, ST7W34 (providing pre-requisites for modules are met),

This course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists. Successfully pass the course in order to become eligible for membership of the organisation.

Many of our graduates work with professional, semi-professional and amateur sporting institutions. These include football, rugby, ice hockey and basketball teams as well as professional cyclists.

Roles have also been plentiful in other areas of private practice, such as sports therapy and rehabilitation services within health and leisure centres. You’ll also have the option to pursue further research.

You will be required to have:

• a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in sports or exercise science (graduates with related degrees or other suitable qualifications will be considered on an individual basis)

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.