Sport and Exercise Therapy | BSc (Hons)

Welcome to BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy

Sports therapy is a dynamic field and therapists are a crucial part of medical teams at many sports clubs, working alongside physios, sports medicine doctors, and sports scientists.

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy at Lincoln provides an academic degree alongside a vocational qualification, offering students the chance to develop the skills needed to work within the sports therapy industry.

The course gives students the opportunity to apply sports science knowledge and principles to the assessment and treatment of injuries within a sporting context. As well as focusing on the theory and practice of sports therapy, students have the chance to develop their understanding of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and health-related fitness.

The degree has been developed in response to the increasing role that sports therapy can play in improving health. Upon successful completion, students should be able to assess athletes with a wide variety of sports injuries, understand the application of sports therapy treatments, and implement rehabilitation and injury prevention programmes.

The course has been developed in collaboration with The Society of Sports Therapists, an accrediting regulatory body for sports therapy programmes.

How You Study

The degree reflects current research informed teaching and innovation within the sector. Academic staff have a range of professional experience, from working clinically in the industry to roles in physiotherapy.

The first year is designed to provide a solid knowledge-base, introducing sports therapy alongside sports science theory and concepts such as anatomy and physiology. Second year teaching builds on skills in sports therapy and provides the opportunity to convert theoretical sport science knowledge into practice. In the third year, the course combines core and optional modules, which aim to develop understanding of advanced sport therapy treatments while allowing students to focus on the topics that are of most interest to them.

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. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

An Introduction to Your 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.

An Introduction to Musculoskeletal Injuries 2023-24SES1240MLevel 42023-24This module aims to introduce core knowledge and skills required in order to work safely and effectively as a sports therapist. Both practical and theoretical delivery will help prepare students to understand key concepts around pathology, common sports injuries and associated risk factors, the initial stages of peripheral joint assessment and the healing process related to different tissues within the body. Students will review current up to date research when applying a clinical and justified approach to practice.CoreBiomechanical Basis of Human Movement 2023-24SES1011MLevel 42023-24This module seeks to examine the mechanics of human movement, identifying the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects of these forces. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying the theoretical principles of biomechanics to sport and exercise. The specific objectives are to: - Provide an opportunity to develop an understanding of the basic principles of biomechanics. - Investigate the relationship between the theoretical principles of biomechanics and sports performance. - Introduce students to the basic laboratory techniques for the biomechanical assessment of motion.CoreEssential Skills in Sports Therapy 2023-24SES1241MLevel 42023-24This module provides students with the basic skills and understanding around the subject of sports therapy, focussing on injury related pathology and physiology and begin to expose the students to vital knowledge and skills required when working in a clinical or sports team settings. Learning and teaching will aim to introduce the roles and responsibilities of a sports therapist, theoretical and practical competencies of sports massage and fundamentals of pitchside first aid and sports trauma management.CoreEssentials in Functional Anatomy 2023-24SES1242MLevel 42023-24CoreFundamentals of Human Physiology 2023-24SES1021MLevel 42023-24This module aims to provide the opportunity for students to develop a basic knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. The module seeks to focus on anatomical, biochemical and physiological integration necessary for human movement production. Initial examination aims to develop an understanding of structures and processes relating to biological energy processing and systems, and the relationship between anatomical structures and physical functions. Students have the opportunity to develop an integrated systems approach to human movement, examining endocrine, neural and muscular functions required for movement initiation.CoreResearch Skills 2023-24SES1023MLevel 42023-24On this module, students have the opportunity to develop useful study skills for the sport and exercise scientist and benefit from an introduction to the underpinning concepts of scientific study and research methods. This module aims to enable students to benefit fully from the higher education learning environment and develop their reflective practice, alongside an understanding of the philosophy of science as related to scientific study in sport and exercise.CoreAdvanced Research Skills 2024-25SES2069MLevel 52024-25This module aims to build directly on the key research concepts delivered at Level 3, as well as seeking to provide an introduction to a wide range of methodologies applicable to exercise, physical activity, health and sport performance research. Students have an opportunity to undertake independent research activities to develop their analytical skills through applied evidence-based practice.CoreApplied Health Physiology 2024-25SES2021MLevel 52024-25The aim of this module is to examine the relationship between physical activity and health, understanding the health problems that are caused by inactivity and their pathophysiology. Students can learn both the risks and benefits of physical activity, understanding the contraindications to exercise for a range of special population groups. Students will be supported in the measurement of health-related fitness for sedentary individuals and make suitable recommendations for exercise in order to benefit health.CoreExercise Instruction 2024-25SES2067MLevel 52024-25This module aims to enable students to develop an understanding of the underpinning theory and skills required to be able to competently instruct different modalities of exercise pertaining to free weight exercises and cardiovascular/resistance machines.CoreHealth Psychology 2024-25HEA2038MLevel 52024-25This module aims to give students the opportunity to examine how different people respond to health, wellbeing and illness. The role of the rapidly expanding discipline of health psychology can be discussed in relation to psychological procedures for the assessment, intervention and prevention of ill health. Students also have the opportunity to consider individuals, families, age, cultures, religions, gender, psychological and social health and wellbeing.CorePractical Skills in Sports Therapy 2024-25SES2246MLevel 52024-25This module aims to continue 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 peripheral limb sporting injuries. These skills will be developed through teaching of key theory relating to pathology, assessment and treatment of upper and lower limb injuries along with clinical practice in a supervised environment.CoreSport and Exercise Rehabilitation 2024-25SES2247MLevel 52024-25This module provides the student with the appropriate skills and knowledge to design and implement exercise rehabilitation programmes for a variety of sports injuries. Students can develop their critical evaluation skills by exploring the evidence that underpins exercise therapy. The ability to appropriately progress or regress exercise programmes based on objective tests will be explored and they will develop an understanding of the role of the multi-disciplinary team in long term rehabilitation.CoreStudy Abroad 2024-25SES2245MLevel 52024-25Students from the School of Sport and Exercise Science can enrol at partner institutions in the USA during the third year of their undergraduate degree programme*. It is anticipated that partner institutions in other countries will be added in the near future. The Study Abroad Initiative is available to those who have successfully completed years 1 and 2 of their degree and enables students to spend a year studying overseas during what would be their third year of study. During the year abroad, students will not pay a tuition fee to either the University of Lincoln or their host university. Students will be responsible for their travel and accommodation costs in addition to their normal living costs throughout the year. Where applicable, visa costs will also need to be covered by the student. Students will then return to the University of Lincoln to complete the final year of their degree. *Only a limited number of places are availableOptionalAdvanced Skills in Sports Therapy 2025-26SES3254MLevel 62025-26This module provides the student with the more advanced skills and knowledge required to practice as a Sports Therapist. Other wider professional and ethical issues around being a sports therapist will also be explored. Interventions will typically include the assessment and treatment of the spine, spinal joint mobilisations, advanced sports trauma management skills and the appropriate use of electrotherapy modalities. Students can develop their critical evaluation skills and treatment techniques alongside supervised clinical practice within the in-house sports injury clinic.CoreDissertation 2025-26SES3024MLevel 62025-26The Dissertation module provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic and to demonstrate original and critical thought.CoreSports Therapy and Clinical Practice 2025-26SES3255MLevel 62025-26This module provides the student with the opportunity to develop and practice their skills and knowledge in a supervised clinical setting. Students will have the opportunity to practice within the in-house sports injury clinic and be supported obtaining external placements to achieve a minimum of 200 hours work experience. Students will work with a variety of sports and clinics treating athletes and patients of all ages and backgrounds. Skills will be developed through teaching, observing practitioners, reflective practice and applying treatment and rehabilitation programmes under supervision. Codes of conduct, performance and ethics will be adhered to at all times.CoreCounselling and Guidance Skills 2025-26HEA3031MLevel 62025-26This module aims to introduce students to a range of contemporary models of counselling and guidance practice. The aim is to give students the opportunity to develop skills and attitudes that can be of value in a variety of human service settings. A key feature of the module will be to allow students the opportunity to make judgements as to the appropriateness of using such techniques in different scenarios.OptionalExercise Prescription for Health 2025-26SES3013MLevel 62025-26This elective module aims to explore the prescription of exercise to benefit specific medical conditions. It draws upon the theoretical issues and practical skills delivered at level two when exploring physical activity and health. Students have the opportunity to employ vocationally relevant skills in the health assessment of a client, designing and delivering an exercise programme to benefit a specified medical condition. Students can explore healthcare systems, critically examining roles and responsibilities and the use of evaluation. This optional module includes a placement that is linked to the module assessment. Students who choose to take this module will be responsible for their travel, accommodation and general living costs during the placement.OptionalStrength and Conditioning 2025-26SES3009MLevel 62025-26This optional interdisciplinary module aims to build on prior knowledge of anatomical and physiological processes of the musculoskeletal system, and the testing and evaluation of sports performance. The specific objectives are to: - Provide students with the opportunity to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the strength and conditioning environment and factors to consider within the support of athletes. - Provide students with the chance to develop a critical understanding and appreciation of strength and conditioning programmes to enable effective delivery, implementation and evaluation. - Prepare students academically and vocationally for future work in terms of knowledge, understanding, research, assessment and planning.Optional

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualification).

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent

T Level: Merit

Applicants will also need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and a Science or sport related subject. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

EU and 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-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

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

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Clinical Placements

In order to comply with the requirements of The Society of Sports Therapists, students will be required to accumulate 200 hours of supervised clinical placements in a variety of settings. Students are primarily responsible for finding a placement, and academics may be able to support this process where needed. The School will cover all reasonable costs associated with work placements.

"This degree provides a rigorous academic qualification, and the opportunity to graduate with a CV with professional qualifications and experience."

Cathy Thomas, Head of School of Sport and Exercise Science

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Facilities

The degree has a strong practical emphasis and students can access the specialist Human Performance Centre, which contains multiple sports laboratories, a strength and conditioning suite, and an ‘endless pool’, alongside a specialist Sports Therapy teaching room. Students can make use of the School’s Sports Injury Clinic to gain practical experience.

Industry Links

The School of Sport and Exercise Science has strong industry links. This includes its close relationship with Lincoln City Football Club.

Sports Massage Clinic

Students can gain practical experience of providing exercise therapy in a real-world, professional setting by taking part in the University of Lincoln Sports Massage Clinic. The clinic is a service provided by students of the BSc Sport and Exercise Therapy programme and is designed to provide staff and students with massage treatments for a range of reasons including pre and post-sport performance, post-injury recovery, or general maintenance of physical and mental wellbeing.

Career Opportunities

Graduate roles might include working as self- employed sports therapists or within professional sports clubs or private practice. Further opportunities may exist in the health and sport sectors or through research careers.

Gemma Best - Senior Lecturer/Programme Leader

Academic Staff List

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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Key Information

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy