Welcome to MSc Sports Therapy
Lincoln's MSc Sports Therapy aims to prepare students for applying sports science knowledge and principles to the assessment and treatment of injuries within a sporting context. The programme has been developed in collaboration with The Society of Sports Therapists, an accrediting regulatory body for Sports Therapy programmes.
The course is designed to develop skills in sports therapy, sport and exercise rehabilitation, and working professionally as a sports therapy practitioner. The course has a strong practical element and students will have the opportunity to gain experience under supervision, providing pitch-side cover with sports teams based at the University of Lincoln, and treating staff and students within the in-house Sports Injury Clinic.
Students on this programme are required to accumulate 200 hours of supervised clinical placements, opportunities for this may include working with local, professional, and amateur sports teams, as well as within the University Sports Injury Clinic.
Students can learn from experienced lecturers who come from a background of working in elite sport. Guest lectures are also provided from a variety of professionals who currently work in the industry including sports scientists, physiotherapists, and osteopaths covering professional football, rugby, and athletics.
Sports Injury Clinic
The University operates a Sports Injury Clinic. Students on this Master’s degree can work with University sports teams and athletes, as well as staff and students in the clinic. This offers the opportunity to work with patients and develop skills in assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries as well as developing all aspects of communication.
Community and Industry Links
The School of Sport and Exercise Science consists of a vibrant community of staff and students. Those on the MSc Sports Therapy course will undertake certain modules alongside those on the MSc Sports Science course.
The School has a number of connections with sports clubs such as Lincoln City FC, Nottingham Rugby, Lincoln Rugby Football Club, and Gainsborough Trinity FC.
Accreditations
The course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists. Students will be enrolled as Student Membership of The Society of Sports Therapists and on graduation will be eligible to apply for full membership. Some of the benefits include the opportunity to access publications, attend courses, legal and professional advice, and professional insurance.
How You Study
The course focuses on the theory and practice of sports therapy. Students are able to develop the skills needed and utilise sports and exercise principles to optimise performance. They have the chance to learn how to provide immediate care of injuries and provide basic life support in a recreational, training, and competitive environment. Students can also develop the communication and listening skills required to work as a sports therapist.
You have the chance to learn through a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, web-based resources, written and practical assessments and research-engaged teaching. There is a strong practical element incorporated in many of the modules which will help to develop the kinaesthetic skills necessary for working in the industry.
In addition, students can develop the skills to undertake research projects and apply research findings to sports therapy practice.
Teaching staff on this programme include those with professional experience in a range of areas, including many years working clinically in elite sport, privately, and in rehabilitation centres.
During terms 1 and 2, full time students will attend the University 2 days/wk with approximately 12 hours contact time and part time students 1 day/week.
In term 3 students will undertake an online module, dissertation and clinical placements.
Modules include:
- Functional Anatomy and Human Movement
- Practical Skills for Sports Therapy 1
- Practical Skills for Sports Therapy 2
- Professional Practice in Sports Therapy
- Clinical Reasoning in Practice
- Dissertation (Sports Therapy Master's)
- Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation
- Research Methods and Skills
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.
How you are assessed
The assessment strategy adopted within the MSc Sports Therapy reflects the programme's emphasis on applied practice and the development of a range of communication skills. However, in all assessments students will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of the relevant theoretical issues. Assessment types are varied to meet the subject specific demands of each module and may include portfolios, reflective writing, practicals, written assignments, presentations, or a dissertation.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Field Trips
Field trips can enable students to learn from industry professionals and deepen their knowledge. Students may have the chance to take part in field trips during the course. In 2019, students visited St George’s Park to experience the hydrotherapy suites and see the facilities that elite athletes can access for rehabilitation needs. This trip was paid for by the School. A visit to Grantham and District Hospital also gave students the chance to attend outpatient musculoskeletal clinics staffed by orthopaedic consultants and gain experience in a clinical environment.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
The School is currently undertaking research in a number of areas at national and international levels. The research is organised under the remit of our five research groupings:
- Biofeedback in Sport Group (BIO)
- Health Advancement Research Team (HART)
- Mental Toughness Research Group (MTOUGH)
- Physiology of Exercise and Sport Performance (PESP)
- Youth Sport Research Group (YSR)
A major focus of research activity lies in developing local, national, and international partnerships to design and deliver projects that are beneficial to service users and which influence policy, practice, and procedures. Areas for particular emphasis include sport science, coaching practice, and exercise and health development.
For more information, please visit the School’s research pages.
Practice Placement
There is a high practical component within the programme and students will have the chance to build a 200 hour clinical placement portfolio. This may include working within the sports injury clinic, pitch side cover, local professional and amateur teams, and in the community at sporting events both locally and across the country. Students also have the opportunity to engage with local, regional, and national organisations.
Upon entry to the programme, students will be registered as a student member of The Society of Sports Therapists. Through this, they will be eligible for the limited medical malpractice and public liability insurance required to allow them to undertake their 200 hours of supervised sports therapy practice during their studies.
On successful completion of the course, graduates may be eligible for full membership of The Society of Sports Therapists.
Students are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and living costs for sessions held off-campus. In 2019, this included working with local professional or amateur teams and attending outpatient clinics.
Placements
There is a high practical component within the programme and students will have the chance to build a 200 hour clinical placement portfolio. This may include working within the Sports Injury Clinic, pitch side cover, local professional, and amateur teams, and in the community at sporting events both locally and across the country. Students will be expected to contribute to this process by obtaining placements local to them in semester three with assistance from the staff.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Programme-Specific Additional Costs
Students are responsible for their travel costs to sessions held off campus. In 2019, this included working with local professional or amateur teams and attending outpatient clinics.
With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or second class honours degree in sport and exercise science and a successful interview.
An applicant may also be considered with an alternative degree if supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject through their experience or training. It is anticipated that this would be from within the work environment, additional qualifications or volunteering.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
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-session English and Academic Study Skills courses:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Satisfactory enhanced DBS checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course.
Interviews and Applicant Days
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview. The interview can be held by Skype or telephone if requested and consists of an informal discussion about the programme and a chance to discuss relevant experience applicants may have, such as work experience or volunteering. Applicants will have the opportunity to meet lecturers and look around the facilities at the University, including the Sports Centre and Human Performance Centre.

Andy Hunt - Programme Leader
Andy is Programme Leader for the MSc Sports Therapy and has extensive experience of working with professional sports teams. His areas of specialism include longterm rehabilitation of the injured athlete.
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