Sports Therapy BSc (Hons)

The aim of the programme is to broaden and deepen your understanding of sports therapy through the academic study of sports medicine and sports science. As a sports therapist you are an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team necessary to provide the best care, management and rehabilitation for sport and recreational participants, regardless of age and ability. It utilises the principles of sport and exercise sciences incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work.

You will gain competencies in:

• First aid to injuries in a recreational, training and competitive environment
• Examination and assessment of sports injuries (spinal and peripheral joints) and where appropriate, refer on for specialist advice and intervention
• Planning and implementing appropriate treatment regimes for the injured athlete
• Soft tissue manipulation and sports massage pre and post-activity
• The rehabilitation of the patient/athlete back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness
• Utilising sports and exercise principles to optimise preparation and injury prevention programmes
• Electrotherapy including modalities such as ultrasound, interferential, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and laser

The degree also contains the study of sports science, essential elements for a practitioner prescribing exercise. These include knowledge of human anatomy, cellular and exercise physiology, sports psychology, sports biomechanics and sports nutrition. Modules are supported by the latest research findings.

Indicative Course Content

Year One

• Sports Injury Management 1
• Pathophysiology for Sports Therapists
• Human Anatomy
• Physiology of High Intensity Performance
• Research Methods for Sport and Exercise Sciences 1
• Introduction to Sports Biomechanics
• Physiology of Endurance Performance

Year Two

• Sports Injury Management 2
• Rehabilitation and Remedial Therapy
• Research Methods for Sport and Exercise Sciences 2
• Physiological Limitations to Performance
• Neuromusculoskeletal Manual Therapy to the Spine
• Biomechanics and Performance Analysis in Sport and Exercise

Year Three

• Independent Project
• Advanced Neuromusculoskeletal Manual Therapy
• Nutrition for Sport and Exercise
• Psychology of Injury and Rehabilitation
• Clinical Placement
• Therapeutic and Clinical Electrotherapy
• Advanced Sports Injury Management

Why this Course?

• Throughout this course there is a strong emphasis on the 'hands-on' practical work
• Practice-based learning experience forms an integral component of this degree programme
• You will be provided with the clinical skills to examine, assess, treat and rehabilitate the injured athlete to full functionality
• When you complete your honours degree you will have been deemed as meeting the required levels of competencies and knowledge necessary for full membership of 'The Society of Sports Therapists'
• The programme is taught by specialists in their respective disciplines, which reflects the varied clinical expertise available within the department
• You will be equipped to gain appropriate and rewarding employment and make an immediate and on-going contribution in the workplace

Careers

• Sports therapist for a sports club or team
• Private practice
• Fitness consultant
• Personal training
• Health promotion
• Teaching

Entry Requirements

Full Time and Part Time
3 Years (Placement optional) Full Time. Delivery: Full and Part Time.