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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
Our Sports Therapy degree produces sports therapists who've had the benefit of expert teaching, plenty of practical experience and whose skills are always in demand.
If you want to work with injured athletes and help them back to full fitness and competition, this course is for you.
You won't just be there to step in when injury occurs, though. You'll also need to learn and understand the sports science behind a successful diagnosis as well as how to manage injuries.
You'll benefit from the diverse East London Sport community and our SMILES mentorship programme which was started by Earle Abrahamson.
With us, you'll become highly employable and earn a reputable professional degree from which you can build a successful career.
The extended BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy with Foundation Year is perfect if you want a degree in sports therapy but don't have the standard entry requirements.
In your Foundation Year, you will study the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for you to achieve success on your degree. You will study alongside Foundation Year students from all our sports courses and learn from our dedicated team of sports academics. At the end of the year, you will even have the chance to progress on to a different sports degree if you wish.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Each year you will spend around 270 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate amount for this course are:
- Year 1: scheduled teaching - 270 hours; guided independent study - 930 hours.
- Year 2: scheduled teaching - 270 hours; guided independent study - 930 hours.
- Year 3: scheduled teaching - 270 hours; guided independent study - 930 hours.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
COURSE SPECIFICATION - Foundation Year for Sports
pdf, 166.73 KB
COURSE SPECIFICATION - BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
pdf, 167.14 KB
MODULES
- Core Modules
Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology CloseIntroduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Sports Development & Coaching CloseSports Development & Coaching
Physical Health & Wellbeing in Sport ClosePhysical Health & Wellbeing in Sport
Psychological Influences on Health & Wellbeing in Sport & Physical Activity ClosePsychological Influences on Health & Wellbeing in Sport & Physical Activity
Academic & Communication Skills in Sports CloseAcademic & Communication Skills in Sports
Career and Professional Development in Sports (Mental Wealth) CloseCareer and Professional Development in Sports (Mental Wealth)
Optional ModulesWork Placement CloseWork Placement
- Core Modules
Essential Skills for Sport (Mental Wealth) CloseEssential Skills for Sport (Mental Wealth)
You will be able to develop the academic, interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective learning and employment in the sport, exercise and physical activity industries. In addition, you will be introduced to professional, ethical and reflective practice skills specific to their discipline. You will then be able to recognise the importance of research and academic skills for university and working life.
Anatomy & Physiology for Sport CloseAnatomy & Physiology for Sport
This module will introduce you to the body systems and the basis of human performance. The module will also examine the physiological levels of organisation in the human body and their function in facilitating physical activity.
Musculoskeletal Anatomy for the Lower Limb CloseMusculoskeletal Anatomy for the Lower Limb
To introduce and develop anatomical and biomechanical knowledge in relation to sports therapy practice. This includes the structure and function of the neuromusculoskeletal system relevant to lower limb anatomy. The module further aims to develop core practical competencies in the assessment of joints and muscle strength. You will have the opportunity to develop skills that will enable you to assess and understand how anatomical structures relate to human movement patterns.
Musculoskeletal Anatomy for the Upper Limb CloseMusculoskeletal Anatomy for the Upper Limb
To introduce and develop anatomical and biomechanical knowledge in relation to sports therapy practice. This includes the structure and function of the neuromusculoskeletal system relevant to upper limb anatomy. The module further aims to develop core practical competencies in the assessment of joints and muscle strength. You will have the opportunity to develop skills that will enable you to assess and understand how anatomical structures relate to human movement patterns.
Introduction to Sports Injuries CloseIntroduction to Sports Injuries
This module will develop your professionally focused knowledge and skills in relation to the role of a Graduate Sports Therapist. As part of this module you will learn the foundational knowledge required for understanding Sports, Performance, Exercise, Occupational or Activity-Related Disease, Dysfunction or Injuries that are common to the upper and lower limbs. This will include key terms such as epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, and classification systems for bone and soft-tissue issues, and learning about how damage and healing occur in bone and connective soft-tissue injuries. You will also and nociception and pain, both the socio-cultural and biological aspects.
You will the learn foundations of patient care and assessment, including how to conduct the 'subjective' clinical assessment, including screening for red, yellow, blue, black and orange flags, and acknowledgement of social determinants of health, such as racism, sexism, and socio-economic status in patient presentation.
Together with the other level 4 modules, this module will give you an understanding of the biopsychosocial paradigm in Sports Therapy management of the injured athlete, and how it informs professional practice.
Soft Tissue Practices CloseSoft Tissue Practices
This module will develop your professionally focused knowledge and skills in relation to the role of a Graduate Sports Therapist by exploring the safe and competent planning and application of soft-tissue therapies in the management of injury. As part of this module, you will learn the theory, and engage in applied practice, of techniques such as massage, stretching, and cryotherapy.
Together with modules SExxx and SExxx, you will develop understandings of how to integrate these in Sports Therapy practice, together with the use of exercise as therapeutic movement in injury management.
- Core Modules
Sports Trauma Management CloseSports Trauma Management
This module will develop your professionally focused knowledge and skills in relation to the role of a Graduate Sports Therapist. As part of this module, you will explore the legalities, theory, principles, and practice of sports first aid and pre-hospital athletic trauma management. You will also learn how to reduce the risk of injury and illness for athletes. Students will be supported in engaging with opportunities to achieve externally-recognised awards/CPD.
Peripheral Assessment and Mobilisation Techniques ClosePeripheral Assessment and Mobilisation Techniques
This module will continue to build your skills in problem solving and clinical reasoning. Your ability to effectively and safely examine and clinically assess the peripheral limbs for musculoskeletal injury will be developed. The Society of Sports Therapists examination and assessment protocol will be used as the framework for delivery of this module.
Research Methods & Design (Mental Wealth) CloseResearch Methods & Design (Mental Wealth)
This module will support you to develop skills that enable you to conceptualise, plan, analyse and interpret experiments that answer real world problems. The focus will be on research methods as applied to professional practice through the monitoring of change that occurs in outcomes specific to your chosen career path. The module will also continue to develop your level of critical thinking through interpretation and synthesis of secondary data.
Biomechanics and Strength Training for Rehabilitation CloseBiomechanics and Strength Training for Rehabilitation
Understanding movements and applying strength training programmes are key concepts in preventing and rehabilitating injuries. This module will provide you with the skills and knowledge to analyse biomechanical movement data and prescribe strength training programmes for rehabilitation and injury prevention. The module will enable you to apply and connect your learning and understanding within clinical and sport specific environments.
Rehabilitation of the Injured Athlete CloseRehabilitation of the Injured Athlete
This module will develop your professionally focused knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning in relation to the role of a Graduate Sports Therapist. As part of this module, you will utilise case studies for sports rehabilitation of the injured athlete and their return to, and maintenance, of peak performance. You will combine the principles of training/conditioning, the components of fitness, and current research and evidence from Sports Medicine to plan and conduct the sports rehabilitation for a case study of an athlete with a Sports, Performance, Exercise or Activity-Related Disease, Dysfunction or Injury.
Physiological and Nutritional Assessment for Sports Performance ClosePhysiological and Nutritional Assessment for Sports Performance
This module will build your knowledge and practical skills in the core topics of exercise physiology and sports nutrition, helping you understand how they underpin physiological assessments in the laboratory. As part of this module you will develop the ability to evaluate the results of physiological and nutritional assessments.
- Optional Modules
Optional placement CloseOptional placement
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three. - Core Modules
Spinal and Peripheral Rehabilitation CloseSpinal and Peripheral Rehabilitation
In this module you will build on the soft tissue skills and appendicular anatomy learned at Level 4 by being introduced to the axial anatomy of the spine. You will learn the examination and assessment (E&A) protocols, including special tests associated with the spine to help your differential diagnose the presenting complaints of injured athletes.
On mastering your E&A routines, you will go on to learn spinal manipulation skills developed by Maitland and Mulligan. This leads to a clinically informed approach for examination, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation techniques and principles relevant to the spine. In so doing, you will learn to manage mechanical musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction of the neck, thoracic and lumbar spine.
Independent Research Project CloseIndependent Research Project
To encourage you to work independently and under supervision with an academic member of staff to produce a project that demonstrates your ability to research and/or explore an applied topic in sport and exercise science/therapy. You will communicate your findings to a range of audiences such as coaches, clinicians, physical educators and sport scientists.
Students will choose between our Applied Research Project in Sport 20-credit module plus our Entrepreneurship and Enterprise in Sport 20-credit module or the Independent Research Project 40-credit module.
Clinical Practice, Work Placement and Employability (Mental Wealth) CloseClinical Practice, Work Placement and Employability (Mental Wealth)
In this module you will integrate and synthesise learning from across the programme to better prepare you to work as competent and autonomous Graduate Sports Therapists ready for clinical practice and employment. You will develop mastery of clinical, treatment and rehabilitation skills through working within UEL's Sports Injury teaching clinic at external placements.
Mental Health and Wellness in Sport CloseMental Health and Wellness in Sport
To develop professional knowledge and skills expectant of a Graduate Sports Therapist by exploring the dynamics of mental health and wellness in sport. Through a careful analysis of, the biological, psychological and social factors that impact athlete performance, you will develop skills necessary for professional and clinical practices.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
You'll be taught by a range of academics, many of whom are practitioners in the area they teach. Some of the assessments focus on practical skills and are presented as 'live or simulated briefs'. This ensures that the practice-led teaching is relevant to industry. Our staff are well placed to take advantage of a range of professional networks and industry contact. Each module is designed with practical components informed by theoretical underpinnings, with the intention that students develop an ability to have an informed approach when designing their practical assignments.
Guided independent study
When not attending timetabled lectures or workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve skills development through online study, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects and preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, specialist facilities, such as game labs, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including MS Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.
Academic support
Our academic support team provides help in a range of areas - including learning and disability support.
Dedicated personal tutor
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.
Workload
Each year you will spend around 270 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars, and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate amount for this course are:
- Year 1: scheduled teaching - 270 hours; guided independent study - 930 hours.
- Year 2: scheduled teaching - 270 hours; guided independent study - 930 hours.
- Year 3: scheduled teaching - 270 hours; guided independent study - 930 hours.
Your timetable
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
Class sizes
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 30-40 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 30 plus students. In the classroom you will be taught in groups of 18-30 + students. However, this can vary by academic year.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
- Year 1 = Practical (40%), Portfolio (27%), Exam (17%), Coursework (16%)
- Year 2 = Practical (40%), Portfolio (27%), Exam (17%), Coursework (16%)
- Year 3 = Practical (40%), Portfolio (27%), Exam (17%), Coursework (16%)
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
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Our lecturers work in elite sport and we regularly get guest lecturers as well from the likes of the English Institute of Sport, Essex County Cricket Club, Tottenham Hotspur, Southend United, British Swimming and lots more. UEL Sports Therapy is such an exciting course to be a part of. There's something exciting every term and it really helps us understand what it takes to work at those levels."
Graham Bell
Sports Therapy, BSc (Hons), undergraduate
BSc Sports Therapy at the University of East London
Want to know what life is like for undergraduate Sports Therapy students at UEL?
Apply now to come and study on this exciting programme.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
By the time you finish our course, you'll already have worked in every potential career avenue a sports therapist could take.
You'll have taken advantage of your unrivalled opportunities for practical experience. You'll have soaked up insight from guest speakers who are all professional practitioners at major sports clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
You'll also then be eligible to gain your membership of the Society of Sport Therapists, which will be your passport to your new career, and become a member of other professional bodies such as the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS).
So, in every way, you'll be ready for a successful future.
Course Leader Michael Cole, who has run a successful private sports therapy practice as well as having worked with elite sports teams, believes the course equips graduates ideally in both these areas.
Alternatively, you could use your degree as a springboard to further study in a number of related fields such as physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, sports medicine, exercise, strength and conditioning and teaching.
Either way, the name of UEL carries weight in sporting circles. Graduates from our various sports degrees have gone on to work in world-famous clubs, from West Ham United to the New York Giants. There's no reason why you won't be following in their footsteps - or creating your own.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.