Overview

The details

Course: Sports Therapy

UCAS code: C603

Start date: October 2022

Study mode: Full-time

Maximum duration: 3 years

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)

Our BSc Sports Therapy provides you with the knowledge base to underpin your practical skills and expertise in order to become eligible to register as a sports therapist. Our course focuses on employability and self-development, supporting you to become an autonomous practitioner upon graduation, confident in your practice yet aware of the need for continuing professional development.

Our course builds on the experience of delivering sports therapy. You develop a range of treatment options including electrotherapy, exercise therapy and manual therapies. In your final year, you will complete 200 hours of supervised clinical placements in our Sports Therapy Clinic and through external teams and clubs. During these placements, you will work and be supervised as Sports Therapists, practising elements of the profession that you have been taught.

A high proportion of our specialised teaching is practical-based in small classes and upon graduation you are eligible to register with the Society of Sports Therapists, allowing you to work independently in a clinical setting or with a team or club.

Being part of our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences you will join a community focused on sports and exercise science, sports therapy and physiotherapy. We bring together our internationally recognised research, share knowledge, and enhance placement and vocational opportunities for our students and graduates.

We offer you one of the best student experiences around. You experience a lively, informal environment with many possibilities to pursue your own interests.

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists.

Female student sat in the corner of a sofa holding a cup of tea and chatting to another student slightly out of view in the left of the image.

Chat to our staff and students

Find out what it's like to live and study at Essex from those who are already here.

Why we're great.

Take advantage of having easy access to our ultramodern and well-equipped Sport Arena and lab facilities.
Work with elite athletes and gain experience in our renowned Human Performance Unit.
93% of our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022).

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

If you spend a full year abroad, you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university.

Placement year

Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation. These are usually sports teams or clubs and provide the opportunity for you to apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment and develop your personal skills.

Organisations our students have recently been placed with include West Ham United Football Club, Colchester United Football Club, Colchester Rugby Club and Royal Hospital School.

If you complete a placement year, you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.

Our expert staff

We offer a lively, friendly and supportive environment with research-led study and high quality teaching. We are 23rd in UK for research power in sport and exercise sciences (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Specialist facilities

Our School is based in our Sport Arena at our Colchester Campus, where we have a range of specialist clinical laboratories and IT facilities to assist you with the effective learning and acquisition of new skills. You also have access to five fully equipped Sports Science laboratories, state-of-the-art analytical equipment, and access to the equipment used by the Department of Psychology's Centre for Brain Science.

We offer excellent physical and online resources in terms of libraries, computer labs, datasets, archives and other research materials. You can take advantage of our links with the Institute of Social and Economic Research, which conducts large-scale survey projects, many for Government, EU and other public agencies, and has its own library. The UK Data Archive is also based at our Colchester Campus and stores national research data.

Human Performance Unit

The Human Performance Unit (HPU) has been used by professional athletes and sports persons from a range of disciplines, including Team GB athletes participating in the London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and players from our local Colchester United Football Club.

The HPU supports student teaching and research across all degree types. Our undergraduates in sports therapy, sports performance and coaching, and sports and exercise science use the HPU for some of their modules, with both beginners and professional sports persons recruited to take part. This gives students experience in managing the practical physiological tests, as well helping them develop soft skills such as communication and teamwork.

Additionally the HPU supports a range of placement activities. Our Masters students can take a 12-week placement, while undergraduates have the option to use the HPU during our optional Placement Year. Along with continuing the work with individual athletes, students who have a placement year as part of their course also assist with sports science workshops held at the HPU for local schools. These workshops are tailored to the National Curriculum for PE, and give our students experience of working with teachers and young people.

Find out more about the services the HPU offers.

Your future

Graduates will be eligible to register as a sports therapist with the Society of Sports Therapists working as an independent private practitioner, with a team or in a sports and leisure club. There is an increasing emphasis on the use of exercise in health promotion which offers other opportunities.

The course also prepares students for postgraduate study, which could be in a range of areas including sports science, other healthcare professions (including nursing and physiotherapy) or teaching (PGCE teaching qualification) for example.

We also work with our University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

"I have really enjoyed the structure of my course and love my practical modules; I get to apply what I’ve learnt and it’s very engaging. Last year, I was lucky enough to study abroad at Brock University in Canada. I was able to experience a new culture and gain an insight into how they practice sports therapy. I had the opportunity to work with their basketball team’s sports therapist and helped treat players during and after their games. I am really grateful for the experience, because I had the chance to travel the world and make lifelong friendships. I would strongly encourage all students to do a year studying abroad!"

Hopkins Langlah, BSc Sports Therapy student

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

Specific entry requirements for this course in Clearing are not published here but for most of our degree courses you will need to hold a Level 3 qualification. If you are interested in applying and have already received your results, use our Clearing application form to apply for 2022 entry and find out if you are eligible. You will be asked to provide details of your qualifications and grades.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Structure

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Professional Skills and Development 1

(30 CREDITS)

The aim of this module is to develop your academic, scientific and professional abilities relevant to the study of and professions related to sport, rehabilitation and exercise sciences. There are four key focuses of this module: professional skills; research design and ethics; data analysis, presentation and interpretation; and employability.

View Professional Skills and Development 1 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Biomechanics

(15 CREDITS)

This module will help you to understand the physical and mechanical principles that determine how we, and the objects with which we interact during exercise and in sporting events, move. You will learn the meaning of concepts such as force, mass, speed, velocity, acceleration, momentum and we will explore how they enable us to describe and understand movement in sport and exercise.

View Biomechanics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Sport and Exercise Psychology

(15 CREDITS)

Is it all in the mind? The margin between victory and defeat is thin, but can an athlete’s psychology really give them an edge? Why do some people find exercise difficult and other find exercise essential? Understanding how involvement in sport, exercise and physical activity affects a person's health and wellbeing is important in creating better interventions. The aim of this module is to introduce you to the fundamental principles underpinning the psychology of sport and exercise.

View Sport and Exercise Psychology on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Introduction to Sports Therapy

(30 CREDITS)

What is sports therapy? Explore the ethics and obligations behind the practice and the fundamental skills required to be a sports therapist in this fast-growing profession. You will also be introduced to remedial sports massage techniques and the concept of reflective practice.

View Introduction to Sports Therapy on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Therapy

(30 CREDITS)

How is the human body organised? How does it function? Explore the anatomy and pathophysiology of the human body in relation to sports therapy practice. You will look at the key systems of the body and their functions including the skeletal, circulatory, integumentary and nervous systems, and the common sporting disorders associated with them.

View Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Therapy on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Research and Evidence for Practice

(15 CREDITS)

In this module, you will explore approaches to collecting data and the issues surrounding validity, reliability and trustworthiness of data. You will experience the realities of planning and conducting research and interpreting findings in an academic setting. As part of this module, you will be encouraged to work in autonomous groups to collect and analyse data appropriately. Overall, the module will equip you with knowledge and skills required for your final year research project.

View Research and Evidence for Practice on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Exercise Physiology

(15 CREDITS)

How do our bodies respond and adapt to an exercise bout and prolonged training? You will review the structure and function of the muscular, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, assessing how they respond to physical strain, and how they contribute to the limitations of human performance. You also consider how the nervous and endocrine systems adapt and help to control the responses to acute exercise and training.

View Exercise Physiology on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Applied Movement Science

(15 CREDITS)

Optimal performance in sports and health requires two things: the ability to optimize performance without compromising injury risk. This module will provide you with a very practical toolbox towards designing the appropriate exercise programs for your clients. This module will cover topics ranging from the biomechanical basis of optimizing core stability for health and performance, neuromuscular adaptations to pain and injuries, neuromuscular basis for exercise selection, overuse and acute injury mechanisms, to understanding the mechanical limits of athletic behaviours. In a practical, you will collect your own data and perform scientific experiments to understand and characterise the effect of footwear in the context of injury prevention. Lessons will be a mixture of lectures and hands-on session, where students get taught on how to instruct the optimal performance of different exercises to ensure maximum benefit to health and function.

View Applied Movement Science on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Evaluation of Sports and Exercise Injuries

(30 CREDITS)

Building on knowledge gained in the anatomy module, this module teaches you skills in assessment, evaluation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions relating to peripheral and spinal joints. This module also includes 20 hours of first aid where you will support the University BUC’s teams.

View Evaluation of Sports and Exercise Injuries on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

Injury Management and Rehabilitation

(30 CREDITS)

Investigate the role of functional rehabilitation within the practice of sports therapy. Exercise is an essential component of injury management, and you pay close attention to injury prevention and performance enhancement. You develop your abilities to prescribe and deliver progressive exercise programmes, and learn to make reasoned decisions in the selection of exercise, basing choices on factors such as flexibility, endurance, strength, skill and co-ordination. You also explore the topics of return to sport, warm-up and cool down, the participation of specific populations in exercise and sport, and the role of exercise and mental health.

View Injury Management and Rehabilitation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: CORE

Treatment of Sports and Exercise Injuries

(15 CREDITS)

This module develops the students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in treatments available to sports therapists in their practice including soft tissue techniques and other manual techniques such as spinal and peripheral mobilisations.

View Treatment of Sports and Exercise Injuries on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Research Project

(30 CREDITS)

This module offers you the opportunity to undertake an in-depth piece of work focused on a Sports Therapy topic of your choice. The Research Project may take various forms of empirical research, employing different kinds of methods and methodologies such as testing, surveys, interviewing or processing secondary data. The project provides an opportunity to apply the research methods covered during your course. You will be allocated a supervisor from the Sports Therapy team to provide support and guidance for your project.

View Research Project on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Advanced Sports Therapy

(30 CREDITS)

This module provides you with the opportunity to integrate your sports therapy skills and knowledge, learn how to use various electrotherapy modalities (including shockwave, ultrasound, interferential and TENS), consolidate your clinical reasoning abilities and develop your ability to assess and treat more complex cases.

View Advanced Sports Therapy on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Contemporary Issues and Rehabilitation Practice

(30 CREDITS)

Using an evidence-based approach, you will explore contemporary issues in sports therapy and evaluate the evidence behind commonly used assessment and management strategies. You will also further expand your rehabilitation skills, building on previous knowledge and learning to develop long-term rehabilitation strategies for various sports with appropriate exit and return to play criteria.

View Contemporary Issues and Rehabilitation Practice on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Sports Therapy Placement

(30 CREDITS)

This module builds on the knowledge you'll have developed throughout your course. Clinical supervision is provided to enable you to gain your 200 hours of clinical practice. This clinical supervision takes the form of lectures and teaching support as well as work in the University clinic and any external placement that you secure. This module allows you to explore more complex cases and supports you with the tools that you will need when you graduate in this field.

View Sports Therapy Placement on our Module Directory

Placement

On a placement year you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Year abroad

On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Teaching

This course combines University learning, e-learning and work-based learning to help you enhance your practice skills
Modules have their own accompanying webpages on Moodle where you can download relevant readings, power-points, podcasts and YouTube clips, and contribute to online discussions
We also work closely in partnership with the NHS and the independent health sector to provide placement opportunities

Assessment

Your assessment is by a combination of written coursework and end-of-year examinations

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,250

International fee

£18,600

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2022 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday, September 17, 2022

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Find out more

How to apply during Clearing

Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.

Find out more about Clearing
Get to know us better at our Clearing events

Interviews

We don’t interview all applicants during Clearing, however, we will only make offers for the following courses after a successful interview:

BA Multimedia Journalism
BSc Nursing (Adult)
BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
BA Social Work

The interview allows our academics to find out more about you, and in turn you’ll be able to ask us any questions you might have. Further details will be emailed to you if you are shortlisted for interview.

Apply now

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