MSc
Sports Therapy

Key Information


Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Start Date

September 2024

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Academic Year

Course Overview

Lincoln's MSc Sports Therapy aims to prepare students for applying sports science knowledge and principles to the assessment and treatment of injuries within a sporting context. The programme has been developed in collaboration with The Society of Sports Therapists, an accrediting regulatory body for Sports Therapy programmes.

The course is designed to develop skills in sports therapy, sport and exercise rehabilitation, and working professionally as a sports therapy practitioner. The course has a strong practical element and students will have the opportunity to gain experience under supervision, providing pitch-side cover with sports teams based at the University of Lincoln, and treating staff and students within the in-house Sports Injury Clinic.

Students on this programme are required to accumulate 200 hours of supervised clinical placements, opportunities for this may include working with local, professional, and amateur sports teams, as well as within the University Sports Injury Clinic.

Students can learn from experienced lecturers who come from a background of working in elite sport. Guest lectures are also provided from a variety of professionals who currently work in the industry including sports scientists, physiotherapists, and osteopaths covering professional football, rugby, and athletics.

Why Choose Lincoln

Accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists

Connections with sports clubs

Opportunities to engage in field trips

Chances to contextualise knowledge through placement

On-campus Sports Injury Clinic to help develop skills in assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation

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How You Study

The course focuses on the theory and practice of sports therapy. Students are able to develop the skills needed and utilise sports and exercise principles to optimise performance. They have the chance to learn how to provide immediate care of injuries and provide basic life support in a recreational, training, and competitive environment. Students can also develop the communication and listening skills required to work as a sports therapist.

You have the chance to learn through a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, web-based resources, written and practical assessments and research-engaged teaching. There is a strong practical element incorporated in many of the modules which will help to develop the kinaesthetic skills necessary for working in the industry.

In addition, students can develop the skills to undertake research projects and apply research findings to sports therapy practice.

Teaching staff on this programme include those with professional experience in a range of areas, including many years working clinically in elite sport, privately, and in rehabilitation centres.

During terms 1 and 2, full time students will attend the University 2 days/wk with approximately 12 hours contact time and part time students 1 day/week.
In term 3 students will undertake an online module, dissertation and clinical placements.

Modules include:

- Functional Anatomy and Human Movement
- Practical Skills for Sports Therapy 1
- Practical Skills for Sports Therapy 2
- Professional Practice in Sports Therapy
- Clinical Reasoning in Practice
- Dissertation (Sports Therapy Master's)
- Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation
- Research Methods and Skills

Practice Placement

There is a high practical component within the programme and students will have the chance to build a 200 hour clinical placement portfolio. This may include working within the sports injury clinic, pitch side cover, local professional and amateur teams, and in the community at sporting events both locally and across the country. Students also have the opportunity to engage with local, regional, and national organisations.

Upon entry to the programme, students will be registered as a student member of The Society of Sports Therapists. Through this, they will be eligible for the limited medical malpractice and public liability insurance required to allow them to undertake their 200 hours of supervised sports therapy practice during their studies.

On successful completion of the course, graduates may be eligible for full membership of The Society of Sports Therapists.

Students are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and living costs for sessions held off-campus. In 2019, this included working with local professional or amateur teams and attending outpatient clinics.

There is a high practical component within the programme and students will have the chance to build a 200 hour clinical placement portfolio. This may include working within the sports injury clinic, pitch side cover, local professional and amateur teams, and in the community at sporting events both locally and across the country. Students also have the opportunity to engage with local, regional, and national organisations.

Upon entry to the programme, students will be registered as a student member of The Society of Sports Therapists. Through this, they will be eligible for the limited medical malpractice and public liability insurance required to allow them to undertake their 200 hours of supervised sports therapy practice during their studies.

On successful completion of the course, graduates may be eligible for full membership of The Society of Sports Therapists.

Students are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and living costs for sessions held off-campus. In 2019, this included working with local professional or amateur teams and attending outpatient clinics.

Modules


† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Clinical Reasoning in Practice 2024-25SES9033MLevel 72024-25This module aims to develop the student’s clinical reasoning and decision making skills in practice. Clinical reasoning models will be used to demonstrate an understanding of how important decisions, diagnosis of injury and subsequent treatment plans are developed and justified using evidence from theory and research.CoreDissertation (Sports Therapy Masters) 2024-25SES9034MLevel 72024-25This module aims to enhance knowledge of the research process and further develop critical thinking skills related to scientific enquiry. Students will on completion be able manage and implement a successful research study in an area relating to Sports Therapy.CoreFunctional Anatomy and Human Movement 2024-25SES9035MLevel 72024-25This module aims to develop and enhance students’ current knowledge of normal human movement and anatomical function for activities across a range of sports. Both peripheral and spinal regions will be covered in detail allowing the student to safely and competently conduct objective joint assessments that will help identify specific sport and exercise related injuries that occur in a range of different anatomical structures.CorePractical Skills for Sports Therapy 1 2024-25SES9036MLevel 72024-25This module aims to develop core practical and clinical skills required to work as a sports therapist. These skills will allow the student to work safely and effectively with an injured individual providing initial assessment and treatment to a range of common sporting injuries. The skills will be developed through teaching of key theory relating to pathology, assessment and treatment of common injuries along with clinical practice in a supervised environment.CorePractical Skills for Sports Therapy 2 2024-25SES9037MLevel 72024-25This module aims to develop the more advanced practical and clinical skills required to work as a sports therapist. These skills will allow the student to work safely and effectively with an injured individual providing advanced assessment and treatment to a wide range of sporting injuries. The skills will be developed through the teaching of advanced assessment and treatment techniques along with clinical practice in a supervised environment.CoreProfessional Practice in Sports Therapy 2024-25SES9038MLevel 72024-25This module aims to develop the skills of a sports therapist in a working environment and focusses upon the ability to critically reflect upon and apply innovative solutions in sports therapy practice. It is applied and students spend 200 hours in the Community. The skills will be developed through teaching, observing practitioners and applying treatment under supervision.CoreResearch Methods and Skills 2024-25SES9006MLevel 72024-25This module aims to enhance knowledge of the research process and further develop the research skills required in essential preparation for the Research Project. The module will address epistemological issues, as well as ethical considerations, research design, and quantitative and qualitative methods of enquiry and analysis. The focus is on developing the skills to critically evaluate peer-reviewed literature, and integrate such knowledge in preparation for independent study. You will be able to focus on an issue or issues relevant to your personal interests and intended professional development. This will draw on critical analysis and understanding of research methodology and methods acquired from the discipline of sport science.CoreSport & Exercise Rehabilitation 2024-25SES9039MLevel 72024-25This module aims to develop the students’ knowledge around principles of rehabilitation and how these can be applied at different stages during the recovery process for a range of common sporting injuries. Critical appraisal of current research will help the student understand how to safely and effectively rehabilitate an individual back to full functional fitness after injury.Core

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

The School is currently undertaking research in a number of areas at national and international levels. The research is organised under the remit of our five research groupings:

  • Biofeedback in Sport Group (BIO)
  • Health Advancement Research Team (HART)
  • Mental Toughness Research Group (MTOUGH)
  • Physiology of Exercise and Sport Performance (PESP)
  • Youth Sport Research Group (YSR)


A major focus of research activity lies in developing local, national, and international partnerships to design and deliver projects that are beneficial to service users and which influence policy, practice, and procedures. Areas for particular emphasis include sport science, coaching practice, and exercise and health development.

For more information, please visit the School’s research pages.

Field Trips

Field trips can enable students to learn from industry professionals and deepen their knowledge. Students may have the chance to take part in field trips during the course. In 2019, students visited St George’s Park to experience the hydrotherapy suites and see the facilities that elite athletes can access for rehabilitation needs. This trip was paid for by the School. A visit to Grantham and District Hospital also gave students the chance to attend outpatient musculoskeletal clinics staffed by orthopaedic consultants and gain experience in a clinical environment.

Accreditations

The course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists. Students will be enrolled as Student Membership of The Society of Sports Therapists and on graduation will be eligible to apply for full membership. Some of the benefits include the opportunity to access publications, attend courses, legal and professional advice, and professional insurance.

SST logo

How you are assessed

The assessment strategy adopted within the MSc Sports Therapy reflects the programme's emphasis on applied practice and the development of a range of communication skills. However, in all assessments students will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of the relevant theoretical issues. Assessment types are varied to meet the subject specific demands of each module and may include portfolios, reflective writing, practicals, written assignments, presentations, or a dissertation.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

How to Apply

Postgraduate Application Support

Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

How to Apply
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Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

First or second class honours degree in sport and exercise science and a successful interview.

An applicant may also be considered with an alternative degree if supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject through their experience or training. It is anticipated that this would be from within the work environment, additional qualifications or volunteering.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.


Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/


If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses:


https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/


These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Satisfactory enhanced DBS checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course.

Interviews and Applicant Days

Successful applicants will be invited to an interview. The interview can be held by Skype or telephone if requested and consists of an informal discussion about the programme and a chance to discuss relevant experience applicants may have, such as work experience or volunteering. Applicants will have the opportunity to meet lecturers and look around the facilities at the University, including the Sports Centre and Human Performance Centre.

Course Fees

You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

Course Fees

The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course -Specific Additional Costs

Students are responsible for their travel costs to sessions held off campus. In 2019, this included working with local professional or amateur teams and attending outpatient clinics.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Funding Your Study

Postgraduate Funding Options

Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

Explore Funding Options
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Career Development

Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln benefit from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us. 

Why Postgraduate Study?

Academic Contact

For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

Andy Hunt
ahunt@Lincoln.ac.uk

Postgraduate Events

To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

Upcoming Postgraduate Events
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The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.