BSc Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation program designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become competent sports therapists. This dynamic and highly practical course focuses on the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries within a sporting and exercise context. The program is accredited by the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT), ensuring that upon successful completion, graduates are eligible for professional registration, providing a competitive edge in the sports therapy field. Students gain hands-on experience in industry-standard facilities, including a dedicated on-site clinic and opportunities to work at major sporting events.

Curriculum: The BSc Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation curriculum at CCCU provides a robust blend of theoretical learning and extensive practical application. Students delve into essential topics such as anatomy, biomechanics, muscle function, and the physiological responses to injury. Core modules typically cover areas like Lower Limb Anatomy and Musculoskeletal Injury, Clinical skills and Soft Tissue Practice, and Professional Practice. The learning approach is blended, combining lectures, seminars, practical sessions, labs, workshops, and tutorials. A key aspect of the curriculum is the emphasis on practical learning, with a small group teaching ratio of 1:20 for practical sessions and 1:10 in the on-site clinic, ensuring personalized attention and hands-on skill development. Students also gain first aid training early in the course, preparing them for supervised work with the public from Year 1, with increasing hours of practical experience required each year through external events and the university's STaR Clinic.

Research Focus: The BSc Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation program at Canterbury Christ Church University is delivered by a team of highly qualified and research-active academics and technical staff. This commitment to research ensures that teaching is continuously informed by the latest advancements and evidence-based practices in sports therapy and rehabilitation. Many staff members hold doctoral qualifications and are at the forefront of their research fields, both in the UK and internationally. Students are encouraged to engage with research-led teaching and have opportunities to get involved with current research, often linked to the broader Sport and Exercise Research Lab (SERL). The program's structure, including an "Orientation to Higher Education and Research in the Sport and Exercise Sciences" module, instils foundational research skills necessary for critical appraisal and future professional development.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a central and defining feature of the BSc Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation program at CCCU. The course has been designed with a strong focus on employability, actively preparing graduates for professional practice. Students gain invaluable practical experience through mandatory clinical hours in the university's on-site STaR Clinic, where they work with real clients under supervision. Furthermore, the program provides numerous opportunities for experiential learning at external sporting events, such as the London Marathon and local runs, and through partnerships with local charities like Pilgrim's Hospice. These diverse practical experiences, which increase in responsibility each year, ensure students are proficient in BASRaT's key competencies upon completion. The university actively fosters connections with employers, recognizing their need for dynamic, adaptable, and collaborative graduates ready to contribute to the sports and healthcare sectors.

Global Perspective: The BSc Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation program at Canterbury Christ Church University, while grounded in UK professional standards (BASRaT), inherently incorporates a global perspective due to the universal nature of sports injury and rehabilitation. The scientific principles of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics applied in sports therapy are globally recognized. Furthermore, the academic team, many with international research experience, may bring diverse global approaches and insights into the curriculum. The exposure to various sporting events and potential work with a diverse client base, including national and international athletes through opportunities such as the SportsLab consultancy unit, can broaden students' understanding of sports therapy practices and challenges on an international scale. The emphasis on evidence-based practice encourages students to critically evaluate research and therapeutic approaches from around the world.