BSc (Hons)

Sports Therapy

B180

This dynamic degree prepares you for a career in the growing field of Sports Therapy where you will be enabled to empower athletes and sports people of all abilities to get the best out of their potential and performance.  Our aim is to shape confident learners by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market. 

Someone in running trainers running up some stairs

Course overview

 

Over the duration of your course, you will gradually, and progressively, build your knowledge, practical and clinical skills, confidence and expertise under the tuition of our expert staff.  By the end of the programme, through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis and the guidance of staff, you will become independent and critical Sports Therapy professionals. 

On graduation, you will be able to employ the principles of sport and exercise science to the prevention of injuries, and to evaluate and rehabilitate injured athletes, both at professional and amateur levels. 

Centred around our industry-standard sport and exercise facilities at the King Alfred campus, this innovative programme allows you to blend science and hands-on practice along with placements in sports clinics and clubs to inspire you further. 

Expert teaching combined with bespoke amenities, such as biomechanics, physiology and psychology laboratories, ensure you have the knowledge base to critically evaluate, and engage with, contemporary sport and exercise research and practice. 

On your way to becoming an injury, rehabilitation and fitness specialist you will learn how to use sport and exercise principles to optimise performance, preparation and injury prevention programmes; provide the immediate care of injuries and basic life support in a recreational, training, occupational and competitive environment; assess, treat, rehabilitate and, where and if appropriate, refer on for specialist advice and intervention; provide appropriate soft-tissue and manual therapy interventions in a sport and exercise context; and plan and implement appropriate rehabilitation and return to training/work programmes. 

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. In addition to the formally scheduled contact time, you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team, and the wide range of services available to you within the University. 

It is a requirement that 200 hours of work placement must be undertaken between the end of the second year and the end of the third year of study. This placement may take place post semester 2 study period. 

Upon successful completion of the programme will enable you to be eligible to apply for membership the Society of Sport Therapists (SST). While studying you will have student membership which provides you with access to the online British Journal of Sports Medicine Schemes, and eligibility to attend the AGM and associated seminars. Student members also have access to restricted membership areas on the SST website as well as the society’s jobs board where current professional vacancies and volunteering opportunities are posted regularly.  As support the library electronic resources supply access to a large number of sport and rehabilitation journals and books. 

This degree is taught alongside our various sports degrees as well as physiotherapy, nursing and dietetics, providing opportunities for interprofessional learning and practice. 

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time

Apply

B180

Typical offer

112-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • Enjoy high quality teaching in a friendly learning environment on a compact campus with a community feel 
  • Gain hands-on experience of the Sports Therapy profession on clinical placements 
  • This programme is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.  

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. 

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University. 

Independent learning 

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available  

Overall workload 

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity. 

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course. 

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity* 

Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours 
Independent learning: 912 hours 

Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity* 

Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours 
Independent learning: 912 hours 

Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity* 

Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours 
Independent learning: 852 hours 
Placement: 144 hours 

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.  

Location 

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester. 

Assessment 

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances. 

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff. 

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework 

Year 1 (Level 4)*: 

25% coursework 
30% written exams 
45% practical assessment

Year 2 (Level 5)*: 

48% coursework 
13% written exams 
39% practical assessment

Year 3 (Level 6)*: 

62% coursework 
0% written exams 
38% practical assessment

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme. 

Feedback 

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors. 

Further information 

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures. 

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Anatomy, Physiology and Clinical Sciences 1 15 Credits

The aim of the module is to cover the normal human anatomy and physiology across the lifespan and will include the physiological, structural, behavioural and functional changes associated with selected pathology and disease progression in the musculoskeletal and neurological systems.  The module will cover pathology as well so that students are able to appreciate normal anatomy and the causes and effects on anatomy through disease and injury. The module will cover control of movement, as it relates to function, key psychosocial theories and the specific applications to from Sports Therapy interventions and management. The module will include a practical element to put anatomy into practice by identifying and locating different soft tissue structures and bony points. The module will utilise the basic research skills such as literature searching, information processing and critiquing, evidence-based practice and using evidence where appropriate.

Essential Biomechanics 15 Credits

This module aims to introduce the basic concepts of biomechanics and relate these to human movement and sport performance. Students undertaking this module will extend and add to their knowledge of biomechanics and will gain the foundation of knowledge required for sport and exercise biomechanics modules at levels five and six.

Personal and Professional Development 15 Credits

This module helps students understand the issues inherent in working as a professional within the sport and health settings. The focus is on the individual, how to situate themselves within the professional working environment and conduct themselves as a professional. Students will understand how to maintain a Personal Development Portfolio, how to reflect on activities and experiences and develop a personal analysis, setting goals and personal objectives. The module will include professionalism, codes of conduct, performance and ethics, values-based practice, information governance, confidentiality and the legal and policy frameworks that underpin Sports Therapy practice. The module will adopt a macro to micro view of sport and health settings involving sector structures, organisations, roles of national/ international bodies that run sport and Sports Therapy.  Reference will be made to relevant models and frameworks for delivery, and different emphases internationally, and how this translates down to local and individual professional practice.

Introduction to Scientific Research 15 Credits

This module will introduce the importance of research and explore the different philosophies that underpin scientific research in sport and exercise. It will also introduce a variety of specific qualitative and quantitative methods appropriate for the interdisciplinary study of sport and exercise. Consideration will also be given to key concepts such as validity, reliability and ethics.

Anatomy, Physiology and Clinical Sciences 2 15 Credits

The aim of the module is to cover the normal human anatomy and physiology across the lifespan and will include the physiological, structural, behavioural and functional changes associated with selected pathology and disease progression in the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal and digestive systems. The module will also cover pain theory as it relates to function, and the relationship to Sports Therapy interventions and management. The module will cover pathology as well so that students are able to appreciate normal anatomy and the causes and effects on anatomy through disease and injury. The module will utilise the basic research skills such as literature searching, information processing and critiquing, evidence-based practice and using evidence where appropriate.

Introduction to Sports Therapy Practice 30 Credits

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to sports Therapy practice as context for their studies over the 3 years of the programme and provide the requisite first aid necessary to support practice. The module will cover first aid principles, analysis of normal movement and gait as a foundation for moving onto exercise principles, design and principles of exercise prescription [health and safety, planning, designing, supporting, instructing]. An introduction to anthropometric and ergonomic principles will also be explored in the context of sport and sports therapy. The module will utilise the basic research skills such as literature searching, information processing and critiquing, evidence based practice and using evidence where appropriate.

Assessing Sports Injuries and Soft Tissue Interventions 15 Credits

This module will cover the basics subjective and objective assessment of clients, the clinical reasoning and decision making process, to plan, select and apply safe and effective soft tissue and massage techniques.

Modules

Data Analysis in Sport 15 Credits

This module will examine quantitative approaches to research in sport. An emphasis will be placed on practical research skills (e.g., key methods of data collection, management, analysis) and critical skills (e.g., evaluating research papers and methods), alongside a broad awareness of ethical issues in sport research.

Developing Sports Therapy Assessment and Practice (Peripheral) 15 Credits

The aims of this module are to further progress the clinical reasoning and organisation of musculoskeletal knowledge gained in level 4. The module will use a case based approach to develop students’ knowledge into specific pathologies affecting the peripheral joints. There is a strong focus on clinical reasoning and the module will explore a variety of common peripheral musculoskeletal conditions and sporting injuries. This module will cover the evidence based integrated assessment and management of the different common conditions using case studies with selected behavioural, psychosocial and physical elements. The module will cover the safe and effective application of Sport Therapy assessment (including commonly used special tests), manual therapy, physiological and accessory techniques, electrotherapy and other modalities of management of peripheral joint problems as well as the relevant moving and handling, legislation and risk assessment procedures. 

Designing Exercise Interventions 15 Credits

This module will examine those psychological factors that affect physical activity and exercise behaviour. Specifically, this module will use theories and behavioural models to examine the possible barriers related to the adoption and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle in an environment where sedentary living is becoming ever more prevalent. The psychological processes that underpin the physical activity and exercise motivation literature will then be used to appraise the specific intervention programmes that practitioners may undertake.

Developing Communication Skills in Sports Therapy 15 Credits

This module offers an introduction to the study of communication skills and supports students to develop their skills and theoretical knowledge to be effective communicators and build more effective professional working relationships with clients regardless of age, intellect or social group. This module will engage students in contemporary discussions about the need for ongoing continuous professional development in relation to communication skills and examine a range of factors and their potential impact upon the approach adopted by the Sports Therapist. This module will help students to understand difficult concepts and explore some of the fundamental questions and challenges in communication skills training today. Using examples from across the globe, students will be encouraged to reflect on their basic assumptions with regards to communication skills, emphasising effective communication within the model and process of sports therapy practice and the development of transferable academic skills and critical thinking.

Developing Sports Therapy Assessment and Practice (Spinal) 15 Credits

The aims of this module are to further progress the clinical reasoning and organisation of musculoskeletal knowledge gained in level 4. The module will use a case based approach to develop students’ knowledge into specific pathologies affecting the spinal joints. There is a strong focus on clinical reasoning and the module will explore a variety of common spinal musculoskeletal conditions and sporting injuries. This module will cover the evidence based integrated assessment and management of the different common conditions using case studies with selected behavioural, psychosocial and physical elements. The module will cover the safe and effective application of Sport Therapy assessment (including commonly used special tests), manual therapy, physiological and accessory techniques and modalities of management of spinal joint problems as well as the relevant moving and handling, legislation and risk assessment procedures. 

Sports Performance and Clinical Physiology 15 Credits

This module aims to provide students with the physiological knowledge that underpins the effect of various clinical and discuss the scientific principles, concepts, theories and practice of sports performance and the factors that influence it. The module will explore areas of screening, fitness assessment and testing and body measurements. There will be some focus on specific conditions of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system, neurological conditions, diabetes and obesity.  Students will develop an applied understanding pertaining to the purpose and characteristics of ‘effective training’, and recognition of related limitations and special considerations.

Functional and Applied Rehabilitation 15 Credits

The module develops students’ knowledge of rehabilitation principles, from pre-habilitation to return to sport.  Students will be able to recognise, describe and apply rehabilitation interventions to different tissues and injuries, different stages of the recovery process, progress a client from injury to full functional fitness and show effective reasoning. You will understand the application of tissue loading and its influence on a range of common musculoskeletal sporting injuries and the impact of the presence of other common conditions (including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and life threating allergic reactions).  This includes the formulation of safe and effective sports specific rehabilitation programmes for both individual clients and group-based rehabilitation and how to progress, regress, modify and integrate other rehabilitation modalities e.g electrotherapy and equipment, according to clients' needs. Case scenarios will be used to enhance learning and the practical application of skills and application of anatomy, pathology, psychology alongside current research.

Nutrition in Sport and Exercise 15 Credits

This module aims to critically evaluate the physiological and biochemical principles of sport and exercise within a nutritional context. Detailed consideration will be focused towards macronutrients and their role for individuals within a range of sport and exercise contexts. The module will provide students with skills surrounding the assessment and analysis of nutritional intake. The use of nutritional and supplement strategies will be critically evaluated in terms of performance enhancement and health.

Modules

Dissertation 30 Credits

This module aims to provide students with the experiences of planning and executing an in-depth and independent research project that investigates a specific area within sport/exercise. Students will negotiate the focus of the project with tutorial guidance and will be expected to show an awareness of research methodology appropriate for an empirical research project. Emphasis will be placed on topics that are analytical, interdisciplinary and/or evaluative in nature. This is the opportunity for students to produce a research project in a particular area of interest that relates to the curriculum being studied.

Dealing with Complexity in Sports Injury Management 15 Credits

This module will cover the management of complex conditions, including management of trauma, using more complex case studies with potential multi-pathology. This module provides an opportunity to draw together key aspects of sports therapy and build on the knowledge, understanding and applied sports therapy practice you have gained across your degree to demonstrate synthesis of learning. The focus will be on assessment of signs and symptoms and management of sports trauma and complex sporting injuries and the practice guidelines, evidence and clinical reasoning and decision making that underpins it. Alongside this, students will learn more practical elements of safe and advanced treatment and management within trauma and complex sporting injury. 

Personal and Professional Development 2 15 Credits

This module progresses Personal and Professional Development 1 and expands students’ knowledge and understanding of working as a professional with an emphasis on professional conduct and working most effectively within the wider sport management team. Part of the module explores running a private practice business and the health and safety and quality assurance measures required to both review and enhance practice. The formation and management of a small business presents a unique challenge for Sports Therapists as entrepreneurs so the module will explore the macro to micro view of sport and health sectors and its personal and professional impacts. The module will address the self-management skills needed to develop in terms of workload, resources, maintaining their own health. The module adopts a coaching approach to individual development to help students progress their Personal Development Portfolio, their personal analysis and reflections on activities and experiences.

Professional Placement 30 Credits

Placement provides an opportunity to put Sports Therapy knowledge and skills into practice.  Students will actively participate in the assessment and management of a client caseload within an area of practice under guidance of a placement educator.  Placements are an opportunity for self-development and integrating theory with practice-based work. Students will work alongside a variety of sports and healthcare professionals and demonstrate the professional values commensurate with Sports Therapy. A member of the Faculty’s team will provide a link to the academic programme and visit at least once during the placement. The formal Placement allocation of 200 hours will form the module assessment. Up to 50 other placement hours may be gained via an accumulator model outside of the formal placement allocation in the form of observational experience, working with sports teams and other work experience activities. This is not assessed but still be monitored by the placement and programme team.

Extending Sports Therapy Practice 15 Credits

This extended study module provides an opportunity for students to focus on a Sports Therapy clinical area of interest and study this in depth. The area of interest may be an extension of what has been taught within the programme in level 5 or 6 or it may be a new topic area that has relevance to, and link with, what has been taught within the programme in level 5 or 6. The chosen area of interest must be appropriate and be able to be taken to level 6 to show criticality and engagement with the literature and evidence base so as to satisfy the module learning outcomes. Consequently, the area of interest will be negotiated and agreed with the mentor/tutor/supervisor prior to study being undertaken. Depending on the area of interest there may be some additional ‘masterclass’ style practical teaching that is appropriate.

Strength and Conditioning Coaching 15 Credits

This module takes an evidence-based and critical approach to strength and conditioning coaching, with a specialist focus on teaching students a practical and theoretical understanding of weightlifting skills (i.e., clean, jerk, snatch, as well as weightlifting assistance exercises such as the front squat).

Entry requirements

112-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: BBC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points). A science A-level or equivalent at grade C or above. Biology or human biology are preferred, but other sciences are acceptable, including physical education and sport science.
  • BTEC/CTEC: DDM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications. National Extended Certificate/ Foundation Diploma/ Technical Diploma/ Extended Diplomas in Applied Science. 
  • International Baccalaureate: 120-128 UCAS tariff points. To include a minimum of grade 5 in Standard or Higher level English and Maths and a minimum of grade 5 in a Higher level Science.
  • T-Level - in Health, Healthcare Science or Science 

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance is required prior to enrolment if you are offered a place on this course.  

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor international students who require a Student Visa on this course. However, if you are an international student that does not require Student Visa sponsorship, you are welcome to apply.

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2025 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services. 

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course: 

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 

All students who accept an offer for this course are required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check. Please note, the cost of the check is £49.50 and covering the cost is the responsibility of the student.
 
In addition to the check, all students are strongly encouraged to sign up to use the DBS Update Service [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service] for the duration of their course. Students who fail to sign up to the Update Service may be required to complete and pay for an additional check during their course which may affect their ability to engage successfully with placements.

Uniform 

Uniform for placements will be supplied; one jacket, one polo shirt and one pair of shorts. If students would like additional uniform, this can be purchased at an additional cost. 

Optional kit can be purchased from the University for practical sessions. Indicative cost is £20-£50 per item. 

Core Texts 

Core texts are available from the University Library; however some students prefer to purchase their own copies. These can be bought second hand or as an e-book, which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £70-£299 per academic year. 

Placement Expenses 

There are placements in the final year of the programme that are organised by the University with regional providers. Insurance for students on placement and the necessary immunisation/vaccination is provided by the University. 

Students will need to travel to placements/arrange accommodation. In some cases there may be costs incurred here for travel and accommodation but this depends upon where your placement is located.  

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates can find employment as Sports Therapists in a range of areas including working in a sports therapy clinic, with all levels of sports teams in injury prevention and rehabilitation, in the health and fitness/leisure industry, and in health services. Graduates may also choose to go on to study a Masters degree and enter research careers. 

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA. 

Accreditation 

This course is accredited by the Society of Sport Therapists. 

Pre-approved for a Masters 

If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree. 

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member
“Here at Winchester we believe in providing opportunities for every student to have hands-on practical experience and hence we ensure small class sizes for every lab.” Hazel Brown, Head of School of Sport, Health and Community

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18 January 2025