COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Sports Therapy curriculum provides a comprehensive combination of clinical assessment, rehabilitation, manual therapy, research, and supervised professional practice to prepare students for accreditation as Sports Therapists and careers in musculoskeletal healthcare. The programme begins with Anatomy, Pathology and Clinical Assessment, which develops an advanced understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics, injury pathology, clinical examination, diagnostic reasoning, and musculoskeletal assessment techniques used to identify and evaluate sports-related injuries. Manual Therapy focuses on the practical application of soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, massage, stretching, and other evidence-based manual treatment methods that improve movement, reduce pain, and support recovery. Evidence Based Practitioner equips students with advanced research skills, critical appraisal techniques, evidence-based decision-making, research methodology, and the ability to apply scientific evidence to clinical practice. Conditioning and Rehabilitation develops expertise in exercise prescription, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation planning, injury prevention, functional recovery, return-to-sport strategies, and long-term performance enhancement for athletes and physically active individuals. Injury Management and Interventions explores the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries using contemporary therapeutic interventions, rehabilitation techniques, and clinical reasoning. Spinal: Assessment and Treatment provides specialised knowledge of spinal anatomy, biomechanics, clinical assessment, differential diagnosis, rehabilitation, and manual treatment approaches for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions. Professional Practice in Sports Therapy develops professional ethics, communication, patient management, legal responsibilities, multidisciplinary working, reflective practice, clinical governance, and the standards required for safe and effective sports therapy practice. Students also complete Placement: Applied Clinical Practice, undertaking supervised clinical placements within sports injury clinics, healthcare settings, professional and amateur sports teams, and community sporting environments where they apply their knowledge while developing practical competence, confidence, and professional judgement. Throughout the programme, students strengthen leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and research skills while gaining extensive hands-on experience in musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation. Overall, the curriculum prepares graduates for careers as Sports Therapists working with professional and amateur sports teams, rehabilitation centres, private sports injury clinics, fitness organisations, elite performance programmes, healthcare providers, universities, and independent practice. The programme also satisfies the academic and clinical competencies required for Society of Sports Therapists (SST) accreditation while providing an excellent foundation for further specialist training, research, and leadership within sports medicine and rehabilitation.