Course specification and structure
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UDSPDTHE - BSc Sports and Dance Therapy

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Human Sciences
Subject Area Health Sciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS 6 YEARS
Part-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

Knowledge and understanding of Sports and Dance 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 and Dance Therapy and Sports Science including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, research and sports principles and their application. In-depth studies of Sports and Dance injuries, manual therapy techniques, sports and dance biomechanics, and physiology are the focus of the level 5 programme and at level 6 emphasis is placed on advanced and applied aspects of treating and managing sports and dance injuries. Opportunities to explore the ethical dimensions of the discipline are available at all levels.

The Holloway Road library offers 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 Science Centre, which include state of the art physiology laboratories; therapy treatment rooms; and, the expansive sports hall.

Course aims

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 and dance 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 of Sports Therapists 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.

Course learning outcomes

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

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 dance 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 dance 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 or dance injury
4.3 have an understanding of the main philosophies of practice in the sports rehabilitation area 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

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Insert table mapping modules (with code) against the course learning outcomes:

Level 4

ST4007 Foundations of Sports Therapy LO 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5


ST4009 Human Anatomy and Biomechanics LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6


ST4010 Human Physiology and Training Principles LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6


ST4011 Sports Research Skills LO 1.3, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5, 4.6


Level 5

ST5005 Sport and Dance Exercise Physiology LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6


ST5012 Sports and Dance Rehabilitation LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6


ST5056 Clinical Examination and Assessment in Sports Therapy LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6


ST5055 Peripheral Manual Therapy LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6


ST5060 Sports Science Research Methods LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6


ST5073 Biomechanics of Human Movement and Dance Technique LO 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5


Level 6

ST6018 Advanced Sports Therapy Techniques LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6


ST6W12 Sports and Dance Therapy Work Placement LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6


ST6053 Business Developments in Health Sciences LO 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5


ST6P01 Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation LO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6


ST6054 Advanced Biomechanics LO 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5


ST6064 Clinical Exercise Physiology LO 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5

Principle QAA benchmark statements

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.

Assessment strategy

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. All assessed components adhere to the Universities feedback guidelines.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

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’s Sports Injury Clinic. Business Developments in Health Studies is a work-related-learning module which is core for level 6 students

Course specific regulations

To qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Sports and Dance 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 24

* All modules on the programme which are core modules 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 ST6W12 Sports and Dance Therapy Work Placement, students must have:
i) Passed ST4007 – Foundations of Sports Therapy
ii) Passed ST5012 – Sports and Dance Rehabilitation
iii) Passed ST5056 – Clinical Examination and Assessment in Sports Therapy
iv) Passed ST5055 – Peripheral Manual Therapy

Modules required for interim awards

Core modules required to gain BSc (Sports and Dance Therapy):

Level 4:
ST4010 – Human Physiology and Training Principles
ST4009 – Human Anatomy and Biomechanics
ST4011 – Sports Research Skills
ST4007 – Foundations of Sports Therapy *(Pass all components)

Level 5:
ST5005 - Sports and Dance Physiology†
ST5012 - Sports and Dance Rehabilitation *†(Pass all components)
ST5056 – Clinical Examination and Assessment in Sports Therapy *(Pass all components)
ST5055 – Peripheral Manual Therapy * (Pass all components)
ST5060 - Sports Science Research Methods
ST5073 – Biomechanics of Human Movement and Dance Technique†

Level 6:
ST6P01 – Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation *†(Pass on aggregate)
ST6018 - Advanced Sports Therapy Techniques *(Pass all components)
ST6W12 – Sports and Dance Therapy Work Placement *†(Pass all components)
ST6053 - Business Developments in Health Sciences

*Students must pass this module.
All † modules include dance specific content

Satisfactory attendance must be achieved for progression from the module to be awarded. An attendance requirement applies to all practical elements of classes. Failure to meet this requirement will require the attendance component of the module to be re-sat at the earliest opportunity.

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. There are alternative exit awards at levels 5 and 6; Dip HE Sports Health and Dance Studies, BSc Sports Health and Dance Studies-non Hons, BSc (Hons.) Sports and Dance Health Studies (where PSRB requirements are not met).

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

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.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

The course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

This course is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Employment opportunities for graduates in sports and dance therapy are diverse. Future state registration has been approved for members of The Society of Sports Therapists, meaning that opportunities in the NHS may also be possible. Currently, most of our graduates work in private clinics or with sports clubs/ teams either individually or as part of a multi-disciplinary medical team. Private sector employment is offered by health and fitness organisations, including those operating leisure and fitness centres. Larger private companies and hotels, frequently offer sports and leisure facilities 'in house' and recruit Sports and Dance Therapists to run injury clinics.

Career opportunities

This course opens up a number of career options in the rapidly developing area of dance science. By combining dance and sports therapy, this course gives you the skills needed to pursue roles such as dance company therapist (in-situ or touring), injury prevention officer for dance schools and companies, or pre- and post-performance masseuse.

You could also choose to set up your own clinic or work as a consultant, providing screening, choreography advice, prehabilitation and rehabilitation.

Entry requirements

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

  • a minimum of grades CCD in three A levels (or a minimum of 88 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with MMM)
  • GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent, eg Key Skills Level 3)

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 our Sports Therapy (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree.

You should have some current or extensive past experience in dance. If you don't have the standard entry requirements, you may be interviewed to assess your dance background and suitability for the course.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes C600 (Sport and Exercise Science): 50% , B160 (Physiotherapy): 50%
Route code SPDTHE

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
ST4007 Foundations of Sports Therapy Core 30        
ST4009 Human Anatomy and Biomechanics Core 30        
ST4010 Human Physiology and Training Principles Core 30        
ST4011 Sports Research Skills Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
ST5005 Sports and Dance Physiology Core 30        
ST5012 Sports and Dance Rehabilitation Core 30        
ST5055 Peripheral Manual Therapy Core 15        
ST5056 Clinical Examination and Assessment in Sports T... Core 15        
ST5060 Sports Science Research Methods Core 15        
ST5073 Biomechanics of Human Movement and Dance Technique Core 15        

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
ST6018 Advanced Sports Therapy Core 30        
ST6053 Business Developments in Health Sciences Core 15        
ST6P01 Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation Core 30        
ST6W12 Sports & Dance Therapy Work Placement Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM&PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM&PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM
ST6054 Advanced Biomechanics Option 15        
ST6064 Clinical Exercise Physiology Option 15