MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc Hons Sports Therapy
Oxstalls, Gloucester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This accredited program, recognized by the Society of Sports Therapists (SST), provides a rigorous academic foundation underpinned by core sports science disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. The course structure is designed to offer a balanced blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience. Students will learn the latest techniques in sports therapy, focusing on the management of musculoskeletal injuries. A key feature of the program is its commitment to developing highly employable graduates, with a focus on professional practice and even business entrepreneurship for those considering setting up their own clinics. The program boasts a high level of student satisfaction, with positive feedback often highlighting the quality of teaching and academic support provided by the dedicated Sports Sciences team.
Curriculum: The curriculum is carefully structured across the three years of study to progressively build students' knowledge and skills. Early modules provide a solid grounding in the fundamentals of human physiology, sport and exercise biomechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy, and clinical assessment techniques. Students will learn the principles of sports massage and soft tissue therapies. As the course progresses, the curriculum delves into more advanced topics such as injury management and therapeutic modalities, applied biomechanics in sport and exercise, and applied functional rehabilitation. A significant component of the final year is the independent research project (dissertation), allowing students to specialize in an area of particular interest. Throughout the program, there is a strong emphasis on practical application, with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning in specialist sports therapy suites, physiology and biomechanics labs, and within a student-led injury clinic.
Research Focus: The program is informed by the latest research and developments in the field of sports therapy. Students are encouraged to develop strong research skills throughout their studies, culminating in the final-year dissertation. This independent research project allows students to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in sports science and therapy. The focus on research methods and analysis within the curriculum equips graduates with the ability to critically appraise and apply evidence-based practice in their professional careers.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the University of Gloucestershire's Sports Therapy program is its strong industry engagement. Students benefit from the expertise of a multidisciplinary clinical team and experienced lecturers with extensive industry backgrounds. The program provides numerous opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through placements with various sports organizations. Past students have had the chance to work with professional sports teams, international scholars, and even international touring teams like Tonga and Samoa Rugby Union and Team Malawi Olympic athletes. The University's in-house sports therapy clinic provides a further opportunity to gain practical experience screening, assessing, and treating both professional athletes and members of the public. These valuable industry connections enhance graduate employability and provide networking opportunities.
Global Perspective: While the core of the program is rooted in the UK context, the University of Gloucestershire generally welcomes international students, fostering a diverse and globally-aware learning environment. The opportunities for students to work with international teams and athletes, as highlighted in the program information, also provide a global perspective on sports therapy practice. The skills and knowledge gained in the program are transferable and relevant to a wide range of sports and healthcare settings internationally. For international students, the university provides support to assist with the transition to studying in the UK.
Location
Oxstalls, Gloucester
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy program are well-equipped for a diverse range of career paths within the dynamic field of sports and healthcare. The comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on practical skills open doors to a variety of opportunities.
Sports Therapist: The most direct career path involves working as a sports therapist. Graduates can find employment with a wide array of organizations, including professional sports teams, amateur sports clubs, independent sports injury clinics, and even within the NHS. Many sports therapists also opt for self-employment, setting up their own private practices to cater to a broader clientele, including recreational athletes and the general public. Their primary role involves preventing, assessing, treating, and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries, utilizing a range of techniques such as sports massage, manual therapy, and tailored exercise programs.
Exercise Therapist/Rehabilitation Instructor: With a strong foundation in exercise science and rehabilitation, graduates can work as exercise therapists or rehabilitation instructors. In this role, they would design and deliver exercise programs to help individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, or improve their overall physical function. These positions can be found in various settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, community health programs, and private clinics.
Sports Massage Therapist: The program includes in-depth training in sports massage techniques, enabling graduates to work specifically as sports massage therapists. They can offer their services to athletes to aid in recovery, prevent injuries, and improve performance, or to the general public for relaxation and pain relief. This can be a standalone career or a component of a broader sports therapy practice.
Personal Trainer/Health Promotion: The knowledge gained in the program about human movement, exercise physiology, and program design also makes graduates well-suited for careers as personal trainers or in health promotion. They can work with individuals or groups to develop personalized fitness plans, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide guidance on exercise and nutrition.
Multidisciplinary Clinic Work: Sports therapists often work as part of a wider healthcare team. Graduates can find roles in multidisciplinary clinics, collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, doctors, orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, and chiropractors to provide holistic care to patients. This collaborative approach allows for a more comprehensive approach to injury management and rehabilitation.
Teaching/Lecturing: For those with a passion for education, a Sports Therapy degree can lead to teaching or lecturing positions in further education colleges or higher education institutions. Graduates with relevant experience can share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of sports therapists and sports scientists.
Research: The program's emphasis on research methods prepares graduates for roles in research. They can work as research associates on various projects related to sports science, injury prevention, or rehabilitation, contributing to the development of new knowledge and best practices in the field. They may also choose to pursue postgraduate studies to further specialize in research.
Sports Development: Graduates can also apply their knowledge and skills in the broader field of sports development. This could involve working for sports organizations, local authorities, or community-based programs to promote participation in sports and physical activity, and to develop initiatives that support athlete well-being and injury prevention.
Pitchside First Aid/Trauma Care: The program typically includes training in pitchside first aid and trauma management. This allows graduates to work with sports teams and at sporting events, providing immediate care to injured athletes and managing emergencies on the field.
Armed Forces/Ministry of Defence: The skills and knowledge gained on the course can also be valuable in the armed forces or Ministry of Defence, working with military personnel on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and fitness programs.
