Course specification and structure
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PMSPTTPY - MSc Sports Therapy

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Master of Science Level Masters
Possible interim awards Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, Advanced Diploma in Professional Development
Total credits for course 200
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 1 YEARS  
Part-time 2 YEARS  
Course leader  

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

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.

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.

Course aims

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.

Course learning outcomes

1. Knowledge and Understanding
1.1 Have advanced systematic knowledge of the various scientific and clinical topics studied
1.2. Have the ability to critically evaluate current research relevant to exercise science, sports injury, current treatment and rehabilitation
1.3. Show an ability to apply knowledge in practical settings involving sport and exercise
1.4. Have the ability to design and execute research relevant to sports therapy
2. Cognitive intellectual skills
2.1. Discriminate, synthesise and integrate relevant concepts from a wide knowledge base, including sports medicine and sports science
2.2. Select, utilise and interpret outcome measures effectively from a sound evidence base to clinically reason an appropriate intervention.
2.3. Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of the theoretical basis for sports therapy treatment, rehabilitation and injury prevention
2.4. Differentiate between evidence based treatment and rehabilitation and current standard practice
2.5. Demonstrate an open and reflective approach to practice
2.6. Demonstrate a mastery of appropriate quantitative and numerical skills relevant to sports therapy research
3. Transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice
3.1. Have the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear and professional manner to academic, medical and athletic audiences
3.2. Have good interpersonal skills to be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with injured athletes across a spectrum of sports and level of participation
3.3. Have an understanding of ethical, equal opportunity, health & safety issues and work within the professional code of conduct
3.4. 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
3.5. 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
3.6. Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including: punctuality, professionalism, communication, consideration for others, creativity, and commitment
4. Subject-specific practical skills
4.1. 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
4.2. Demonstrate a range of practical skills relating to sports therapy treatment and rehabilitation interventions based on contemporary evidence and current standard practice
4.3. Be able to practice sports therapy effectively with constant adherence to standards of professional practice and codes of conduct
4.4. 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

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Level 7

ST7050 Clinical Assessments of Sports Injuries

L.O 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5, 4.3,

ST7051 Manual Therapy for Peripheral and Spinal Joints

L.O 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

ST7052 Clinical Studies in Sports Therapy

L.O 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

ST7053 Sports Therapy Treatments

L.O 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 4.2, 4.3

ST7054 Scientific Application in Sport

L.O 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.6, 3.1, 3.5,

ST7055 Trauma Management

L.O 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3,

ST7009 Sports Rehabilitation

L.O 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

ST7W34 Work Placement

L.O 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1,3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2,4.3,4.4

ST7P35 Sports Therapy and Exercise Science Dissertation

L.O 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 2.6, 3.1,

Principle QAA benchmark statements

There is currently no Benchmark Statement for MSc Sports Therapy, however, 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.

Assessment strategy

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.

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

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.

Course specific regulations

To qualify for the award of MSc Sports Therapy with eligibility for membership with The Society of Sports Therapists, the student must:
i) Satisfy the requirements for MSc Sports Therapy
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 ST7W34 Work Placement, students must have passed:
ST7050, ST5051, ST7052, ST7053, ST7055 and ST7009 to ensure they have the skills and competencies to meet the modules requirements.

Exit Awards:
Postgraduate Certificate in Sports Health Studies is awarded to a student who has passed modules equivalent to 60 credits.

Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Health Studies is awarded to a student who has passed modules equivalent to 120 credits.

Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Health Studies (with Society of Sports Therapy accreditation) is awarded to a student who has passed all core modules equivalent to 180 credits but not including a dissertation module.

Modules required for interim awards

Title Credits Modules
MSc Sports Therapy – accredited by The SST 200 All core compulsory – ST7050, ST7051, ST7052, ST7053, ST7054, ST7055, ST7009, ST7W34, ST7P35


MSc Sports Health Studies 180 All core compulsory - ST7050, ST7051, ST7052, ST7053, ST7054, ST7055, ST7009, ST7P35


PG Diploma Sports Therapy – membership to The SST 160 All core compulsory - ST7050, ST7051, ST7052, ST7053, ST7054, ST7055, ST7009, ST7W34


PG Diploma Sports Health Studies 120 Any combinations of modules to the total of 120 credits of ST7050, ST7051, ST7052, ST7053, ST7054, ST7055, ST7009 (providing pre-requisites for modules are met)


PG Certificate Sports Health studies 60 Any combinations of modules to the total of 60 credits of ST7050, ST7051, ST7052, ST7053, ST7054, ST7055, ST7009 (providing pre-requisites for modules are met)

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

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

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.

Reflective and personal development will be integrated into modules taken on the course. The majority of the modules include practical skills on which students will be continually appraised and interpret both peer and tutor feedback. Students will be actively encouraged to self-reflect each week and seminar sessions will incorporate group reflection and personal development skills which will be essential to their practises in a multidisciplinary team. In addition to this the placement module includes a reflective piece of writing and through production of a portfolio of evidence they are expected to critically reflect on their placements throughout the work placement module.

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. Successfully pass the course in order to become eligible for membership of the organisation.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Employment opportunities for graduates in sports 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 Therapists to run injury clinics.

Career opportunities

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.

Entry requirements

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.

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 16 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes C600 (Sport and Exercise Science): 100%
Route code SPTTPY

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
ST7009 Sports Rehabilitation Core 20        
ST7050 Clinical Assessment of Sports Injuries Core 20 NORTH AUT TUE PM
ST7051 Manual Therapy for Peripheral and Spinal Joints Core 20 NORTH AUT WED AM
ST7052 Clinical Studies in Sports Therapy Core 20 NORTH SPR WED PM
ST7053 Sports Therapy Treatment Core 20 NORTH AUT TUE AM
ST7054 Scientific Application in Sport Core 20        
ST7055 Trauma Management Core 20        
ST7P35 Sports Therapy and Exercise Science Dissertation Core 40        
ST7W34 Work Placement Core 20 NORTH AUT TUE AM&PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM&PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM&PM
          NORTH SUM THU AM&PM
          NORTH SUM TUE AM&PM

Stage 1 Level 07 January start Not currently offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
ST7009 Sports Rehabilitation Core 20        
ST7050 Clinical Assessment of Sports Injuries Core 20        
ST7051 Manual Therapy for Peripheral and Spinal Joints Core 20        
ST7052 Clinical Studies in Sports Therapy Core 20        
ST7053 Sports Therapy Treatment Core 20        
ST7054 Scientific Application in Sport Core 20        
ST7055 Trauma Management Core 20        
ST7P35 Sports Therapy and Exercise Science Dissertation Core 40        
ST7W34 Work Placement Core 20