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 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.

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 graduate 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 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 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 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

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

ST5006 Sport and 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

ST5010 Sports 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

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

ST5053 Biomechanics of Human Movement LO 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 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

ST6W11 Sport 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

ST6052 Principles of Sport Psychology and the Elite Athlete LO 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5

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 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5

There is currently no Benchmark Statement for BSc 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.

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 individual work placements during level 6 as well as completing placement hours in the Universities Sports Injury Clinic. Business Developments in Health Studies is a new work-related-learning module which is core for level 6 students.

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 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

Core modules required to gain BSc 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 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.

The course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists.

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.

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.

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:

• 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)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.

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 Sports Therapy Extended Degree BSc.

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.