UDSPORPY - MSci 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 and Sport and Exercise Science including; anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, research and the application of sports principles. In-depth studies of sports injuries, manual therapy techniques, applied sports biomechanics, and physiology are the focus of the level 5 programme. At level 6, emphasis is placed on advanced and applied aspects of treating and managing sports injuries. Opportunities to explore the ethical dimensions of the discipline are available at all levels. During the 3rd full year of study a level 7 research methods module is taken in order to prepare students for the Masters level study. During their 4th year students develop their practical skills underpinned by further critical reasoning. As they are graduate sports therapist during this final year, they are able to undertake an extended hands on placement with real-life experience as well as an extended dissertation in an area of interest of their choice.

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 University’s Science Centre, which include state-of-the-art physiology laboratories, therapy treatment rooms, and an 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 postgraduate ability. The student will develop the subject-specific knowledge and the ability to relate it to a clinical environment.

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 design of the course serves the aim to provide students an enhanced and extended work placement and project experience given the competencies they will have developed during their first 3 years of study.

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 of Sports Therapist membership.

The course learning outcomes listed below have been developed in-line with the Level 7 descriptors for Master’s degree 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 and advanced systematic knowledge of the various scientific and clinical topics studied with critical awareness of current problems
1.2 show originality in applying knowledge to practical settings involving sport, exercise and rehabilitation from injury
1.3. Have the ability to critically evaluate current research relevant to exercise science, sports injury, current treatment 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 be self-directed and original to solve problems by applying underpinning knowledge to the clinical situation
2.3 be able to analyse and evaluate medical and patient information to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan based on current evidence
2.4 show fluency and competence with appropriate quantitative and numerical skills, involving relevant mathematical and statistical methods to solve complex problems
2.5 demonstrate academic and scientific literacy at postgraduate level through critiquing current research and advanced scholarship
2.6. discriminate, synthesise and integrate relevant concepts from a wide knowledge base, including sports medicine and sports science
2.7. select, utilise and interpret outcome measures effectively to clinically reason an appropriate intervention using criticality of theoretical principles and current literature
2.8. demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of the theoretical basis for sports therapy treatment, rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies
2.9. critique and differentiate between evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation and current standard practices
2.10. demonstrate an open and reflective approach to practice
2.11. demonstrate, evaluate and critique appropriate quantitative and numerical skills relevant to current sports therapy research

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 complex arguments, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear, original and professional manner
3.2 have a comprehensive 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, in complex and unpredictable environments
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: exercise of initiation, punctuality, professionalism, communication, consideration for others, creativity, and commitment
3.6 demonstrate an understanding of the need to continually develop professionally
3.7. Have excellent interpersonal skills to be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with injured athletes across a spectrum of sports and to both specialised and non-specialised audiences

4. Subject-specific practical skills:
On completing the course, students will:
4.1 be able to analyse and evaluate patient information, make sound judgements even in the absence of complete 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 in complex situations
4.3 have a systematic understanding of the key 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 a complete 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 critically evaluate and create methodologies for a variety of measurements in sports and exercise science
4.7. Demonstrate a range of practical skills relating to sports therapy treatment and rehabilitation interventions based on contemporary evidence and current standard practice
4.8. Be able to practice sports therapy effectively with constant adherence to standards of professional practice and codes of conduct

Level 4
Module code Module title Course learning outcome met

ST4007 Foundations of Sports Therapy 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 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 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 1.3, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5, 4.6

Level 5
Module Code Module Title Course learning outcome met

ST5006 Sport and Exercise Physiology 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

ST5010 Sports Rehabilitation 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 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 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 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

ST5052 Psychological Factors in Sport 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5

ST5053 Biomechanics of Human Movement 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5

ST5053 Practical Delivery in Coaching and Teaching 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5

Level 6
Module code Module title Course learning outcome met

ST6018 Advanced Sports Therapy Techniques 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

ST6W11 Sport Therapy Work Placement 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 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 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6

ST7002 Sports Research Methods 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.11, 3.1, 3.4, 4.6

Level 7
Module code Module title Course learning outcome met

ST7W01 Extended Sports Therapy work placement 1.2, 1.3, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.7, 4.8

ST7P35 Sports Therapy and Exercise Science Dissertation 1.1, 1.3, 2.6, 2.8, 2.11, 3.1

ST7003 Progressive Sports Therapy 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.6, 2.8, 2.9, 3.1, 3.7, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.7

The Benchmark Statement for ‘Events, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism’ were used. Of the study areas specified as characterising sports-related programmes, the present course focuses principally on 6.17 and 6.18. There is also some coverage of 6.19 and 6.20.
Reference was made to the descriptors of the FHEQ for level 7.

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.

Students will be assisted with securing massage placement opportunities in level 4.

Students will be able to choose an individual project and their work placements during level 6 as well as completing placement hours in the Universities Sports Injury Clinic. Students commencing level 6 of the programme will be eligible for The Society of Sports Therapists Limited Medical Malpractice and Public Liability Insurance which will cover them for up to 250 hours of supervised sports therapy practice during this year. This is on the provision that they have successfully completed all sports therapy modules at levels 4 and 5 (see section 26).

Business Developments in Health Studies is a work-related-learning module which is core for level 6 students.

Students will be able to choose an individual project and their work placements during level 7 as well as completing placement hours in the Universities Sports Injury Clinic. On progression to level 7 of the MSci programme and on payment by the University of an additional “Top Up Premium”, students will be covered by the Society’s Medical Malpractice and Public Liability Insurance for unlimited hours of supervised sports therapy practice during this academic year.

To qualify for the award of Integrated Masters in Sports Therapy with eligibility for membership with The Society of Sports Therapists, the student must:
i) Satisfy the requirements for an MSc
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 ST6W11 Sports Therapy Work Placement, students must have passed:
i) ST4007 – Foundations of Sports Therapy
ii) ST5010 – Sports Rehabilitation
iii) ST5056 – Clinical Examination and Assessment in Sports Therapy
iv) ST5055 – Peripheral Manual Therapy

In order to take ST7W01 Extended Sports Therapy work placement students must have passed ST6W11.

For progression to level 6 of the MSci, students must have achieved at least 60% in ST5060. If this is not achieved they are able to transfer to the BSc Sports Therapy course for level 6 and then exit with that award following successful completion of level 6.

If student numbers are too low to warrant the resources needed to run ST7003, ST7052 will be offered as an alternative. The course learning outcomes are the same for both modules.

Core modules required to gain BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy:
Level 4:
ST4007 – Foundations of Sports Therapy *(Pass all components)
ST4009 – Human Anatomy and Biomechanics
ST4010 – Human Physiology and Training Principles
ST4011 – Sports Research Skills

Level 5:
ST5006 – Sport and Exercise Physiology
ST5010 – Sports 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

Level 6:
ST6P01 – Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation *(Pass on aggregate)
ST6018 – Advanced Sports Therapy Techniques *(Pass all components)
ST6W11 – Sports Therapy Work Placement *(Pass all components)
ST6053 – Business Developments in Health Sciences

Students can only take an exit award to graduate at level 6 with a BSc Honours in Sports Therapy, with eligibility for membership of the Society, on successful attainment of 360 credits and completion of at least 200 hours supervised sports therapy practice.

To gain the award of Integrated Masters, the following 3 core modules must be passed in addition to those above;
Level 7:
ST7003 Progressive Sports Therapy*(Pass all components)
ST7P35 Sports Therapy and Exercise Science Dissertation*(Pass on aggregate)
ST7W01 Extended Sports Therapy work placement**(Pass all components)

*Students must pass this module

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.

Failure to meet the above criteria means the 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.

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. In addition, there is continuous reflection on clinical practice within the final-year work placement module.

On graduation you will be eligible for a membership of the Society of Sports Therapists.

Employment opportunities for graduates in sports therapy are diverse. 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 Therapists to run injury clinics. There are also some opportunities for sports therapists within the NHS.

The Society of Sports Therapists will provide unlimited hours of insurance for the students on placement at level 7 (up to the level of £1.5m). Additional, higher levels of cover, can be arranged if necessary.

On graduation you will be equipped with competencies, experience and qualifications to pursue a career as a sports therapist. You may find work in environments such as private injury clinics, sport and exercise organisations, the NHS, professional sports teams, higher education or research settings.

You could take your studies further by pursuing an MPhil or PhD.

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

• a minimum of grades BBC in three A levels including grade B from a relevant subject (or a minimum of 104 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits)
• GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

You will be considered on a case-by-case basis if you hold relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience.

Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered. So too will transfers after Level 4 or 5 from appropriately matched Sports Therapy courses BSc.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this integrated master’s degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing Sports Therapy (including foundation year) BSc (Hons).

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.