(MSc) Master of Science
Sports Therapy
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
MSC C63012
16/11/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
Accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists.
Admission criteria
A 2.2 degree in Sport Science, Sports Coaching, or another related field with significant sports science components.
Applications from students with a degree below a 2.2 or equivalent may be considered dependent on any relevant professional qualifications and experience.
A satisfactory enhanced DBS check may be required prior to starting any placement(s) for this course. This will be organised by the University where required.
A satisfactory Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate is also required, in addition to a DBS Check, where you have lived outside of the UK in the last 5 years for 6 months or more.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
The MSc Sports Therapy aims to produce graduates who are proficient in the prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of sports injuries through:
• Providing students with theoretical knowledge and understanding of key topics in Sports Therapy.
• Developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the application of theoretical and practical principles in Sports Therapy.
• Developing the analytical and reflective skills to support a critical understanding of issues in Sports Therapy.
• Enhancing students’ knowledge of research methods and analytical procedures.
• Enabling students to plan and conduct a research project related to Sports Therapy.
• Equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to progress on to further study and/or professional training related to Sports Therapy.
• Developing a range of transferable skills such as communication, numeracy, IT use, problem solving, working with others, self-evaluation, self-improvement, and autonomous learning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Advanced understanding of how to integrate theoretical knowledge of biological and physical sciences into practical and applied Sports Therapy.
A2: Understand, design, and implement training plans to mitigate injury risk and restore sports performance.
A3: Knowledge and critical awareness of theories and issues in Sports Therapy.
A4: Knowledge and understanding of using assessment techniques and other data to inform practice.
A5: Knowledge of how to critically appraise research findings and apply research evidence to question routine practice including relevant ethical and legal issues
A6: Understand how to conduct original research including relevant ethical and legal issues
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding. Lectures and practical’s will be the principal methods of delivery of A1-A5.
These sessions will comprise a blend of lecturer-led delivery, student-led practice/tasks, discussions of research articles and case-studies, and problem-based learning. To reflect the applied nature of the discipline, practical classes focusing on “real world” scenarios will provide students with a knowledge of skills and techniques relevant to research and applied practice. Across all modules, a variety of online resources will be provided via the virtual learning environment (Moodle) and students will be supported to undertake relevant reading and associated activities. In class activities and the virtual learning environment will facilitate group discussions and peer learning. The completion of a research project will underpin A6 and contribute to A1 through A5 depending on the project topic. The range of teaching and learning methods will support students who learn from, or engage with, material in a variety of formats (i.e., audio, visual and/or kinaesthetically).
Assessment methods
A1-5 will be assessed by written coursework, practical assessments, vivas, and oral presentations.
A6 will be assessed through completion of a dissertation based upon original research and an oral presentation.
The University of Essex ensures that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure equality of opportunity for all students. Use of formative assessment in all modules also provides students with the opportunity to receive formative feedback prior to summative assessments. The delivery and assessment for each module takes into account the needs of all students and arrangements for students with special education needs can be met.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Gather, synthesise, and evaluate evidence for effective client and injury management.
B2: Utilise evidence-based practice to inform decisions on injury treatment, management and rehabilitation.
B3: Select, apply, and evaluate appropriate research methodologies and analytical procedures.
B4: Plan, undertake and report an independent research project to a high professional and ethical standard
Learning methods
Seminars and practicals across all modules will contribute to B1 and B2. B3 will primarily be developed in the modules for ‘Critical Enquiry and Evidence-Based Practice’ and ‘Research Project’ through the use of online seminars and/or lectures, as well tutorials and supervisor support. B4 will be developed through the Research Project module. Across the programme, taught sessions will be complemented by online resources and through the completion of tasks and assessments to help achieve B1 through B3.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ intellectual and cognitive skills. Assessments will be delivered in several formats through which students will be provided a range of opportunities to excel.
B1 through B3 will be assessed through coursework and oral presentations.
B4 will be assessed through the dissertation and poster assessments within the Research Project module.
C: Practical skills
C1: Demonstrate competence in a range of assessment techniques and treatment modalities, with the ability to integrate evidence and patient values as appropriate.
C2: Use a wide range of interpersonal, practical, and problem-solving skills that are required for a career as a sports therapist.
C3: Demonstrate clinical reasoning abilities through the synthesis of theoretical and practical knowledge.
C4: Design appropriate rehabilitation programmes with considerations of technical, logistical, safety and ethical constraints.
C5: Develop processes for evaluation of own practice. Assess areas strengths and weaknesses and provide reflection, actions and learning.
C6: Demonstrate the ability to integrate scientific knowledge with best clinical practice in injury prevention, management, rehabilitation and client education.
Learning methods
C1 will be developed through lectures and practicals in the ‘Functional Anatomy and Pathophysiology’, ‘Injury Assessment and Clinical Reasoning’ and ‘Sports Therapy Treatment’ modules. C2 and C3 will be developed in practical classes throughout the programme and in the ‘Injury Assessment and Clinical Reasoning’ and ‘Sports Therapy Placement’ modules, which will provide opportunties to learn and develop a range of relevant skills in a supervised and supportive environment. C4 will primarily be developed in the ‘Exercise Rehabilitation’ and ‘Return to Play’ modules. The use of practical classes, problem-based learning, case-studies, and ‘real world’ scenarios across these modules will enable students to develop evidence-based rehabilitation and associated resources. C5 will be developed through the ‘Sports Therapy Placement’ module and in practical classes throughout the module. C6 will be developed in ‘Injury Assessment and Clinical Reasoning’ and ‘Sports Therapy Treatment’ and ‘Sports Therapy Placement’ modules.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ practical and professional skills. Assessment will be provided in many formats through which students will be provided with a
range of opportunities to excel.
C1 and C2 will be assessed within practical assessments.
C3 will be assessed through oral presentations and vivas.
C4 will be assessed through practical assessments, oral presentations and vivas.
C5 and C6 will be assessed through supervised clinical practice (Sports Therapy Placement), practical assessments, and written essays.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
D2: Be proficient in various word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, web browsing and email software packages, and be able to use appropriate online databases
D3: Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyse data.
D4: Be able to explore, analyse and find effective solutions for problems involving reasonably complex information
D5: Work effectively as part of a team, including with fellow students in practical scenarios and as part of multi-disciplinary teams on placement.
D6: Study independently, set realistic targets and plan work and time to meet targets and deadlines, and evaluate and reflect on own performance
Learning methods
Lectures, seminars, and practicals across modules will contribute to D1 through D6. D3 will primarily be developed through the use of lectures, seminars and tutorial support in the ‘Critical Enquiry and Evidence-Based Practice’ and ‘Research Project’ modules. In the Critical Enquiry and Evidence-Based Practice module, students will learn qualitative and quantitative research designs and analytical techniques, and these will be applied to address specific issues that appear in other modules. D5 will primarily be developed in practicals and during placement. D6 will primarily be developed in the ‘Research Project’ and ‘Sports Therapy Placement’ modules with support from an allocated supervisor, along with ongoing support from a personal tutor. All taught sessions (lectures, seminars, practicals and placements) across the programme will be complemented by online resources and through the completion of tasks and assessments to help achieve outcomes D1 through D6.
Assessment methods
D1 will be assessed primarily through practical assessments, written coursework, and oral presentations.
D2 will be assessed through all electronic submissions.
D3 and D4 will be assessed through written coursework and oral presentations.
D5 will be assessed through practical assessments and the ‘Sports Therapy Placement’ module.
D6 will partly be assessed though students meeting submission deadlines successfully.
Experiential learning and reflective practice will be directly assessed through oral presentations and written essays for the ‘Sports Therapy Placement’ module.