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Sports Therapy

  • FdSc
  • 2 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
University College Birmingham
More about University College Birmingham

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

OVERVIEW
From working alongside professional footballers to treating sports injuries in a clinic, qualified sports and exercise therapists are in demand across the sports, health and leisure industries. Our specialist Sports Therapy foundation degree combines academic learning with developing your practical sports and exercise therapy skills to an advanced level, opening up a wide range of career options when you graduate.

Having developed your understanding of the therapist’s role, the science of sports and exercise therapy and rehabilitation techniques, you will have a vast array of opportunities to gain experience putting your training to the test in the real world. Our past students have gained prestigious placements with Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and with the Scottish Rugby Union at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and Six Nations, as well as working for a host of other prolific sports clubs, organisations and events. You will also have the chance to work in University College Birmingham’s cutting-edge sports facilities, including our sports injury/massage clinics and our Human Performance Centre on campus.

During your studies, you can gain a variety of further industry qualifications including sports massage and first aid. On completing our Sports Therapy course, you will also be qualified to join the industry’s professional body, The Society of Sports Therapists.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

  • Work placements – Build invaluable professional work experience through a variety of placement opportunities – past students have worked with top-level football and rugby clubs and national sports teams

  • Practical application – Put your therapy skills into practice in our on-campus clinics and at major sporting events, such as the London Marathon and Ride Across Britain

  • Enrichment – Enjoy a variety of industry trips and events including St George’s Park, King’s College London/Wembley Stadium and our annual Sports Performance and Rehabilitation Conference, as well as having opportunities to complete additional qualifications (Lubas FASE 1 and 2, ITEC Level 4 massage)

  • Award-winning university – Study at the University of the Year offering the best Student Support in the UK (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2022)

FACILITIES
Our students train in our clinics which provide a variety of services to professional athletes, students and members of the public. The clinics feature equipment including ultrasound/electrotherapy equipment, a rehabilitation area and fully-equipped gym.

You will also have use of our Human Performance Centre, featuring the latest equipment including a 35m sprint track, eight lifting platforms, an anti-gravity treadmill and more. We also share the £3m Avery Fields complex with Bournville RFC, offering an all-weather pitch, two grass pitches and a clubhouse with function room and modern changing facilities.

PLACEMENTS
Placements are a requirement of The Society of Sports Therapists, so we encourage students on our course to gain work experience throughout your studies, working on placement with professional sports therapists.

Employers we have worked with include the Scotland Rugby team, Team Scotland, Aston Villa FC, Leicester Tigers RFC, West Bromwich Albion Ladies FC, West Midlands Fire Service and Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge (physiotherapy department).

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

  • Sports therapist

  • Sports physiotherapist

  • Occupational therapist

  • Personal trainer

  • Health promotion specialist

  • Higher education lecturer

Upon completion of the foundation degree, you can also progress onto the final year of our full BSc (Hons) degree.

  • Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

Modules

YEAR 1

  • Personal Development and Evidence Based Practice
  • Exercise Science for Sports Therapists
  • Introduction to Sports Injury Management
  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy
  • Fundamentals of Movement Assessment
  • Exercise Instruction for Sports Therapists

YEAR 2

  • Pathology of Sports Injuries
  • Peripheral and Spinal Assessment
  • Research for Sports Therapists
  • Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation 1
  • Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation 2
  • Screening and Intervention for Injury Prevention

Assessment method

Note: Indicative information only. Actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. Please be aware that methods of delivery for this course may be altered due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – for the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: www.ucb.ac.uk

ASSESSMENT

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:

  • Coursework – 40%
  • Practical assessment – 44%
  • Written examinations – 16%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University College Birmingham

Study options

  • FdSc • Full-time • 2 Years

Start dates

  • 14/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
C602
Institution code:
B35
Campus name:
University College Birmingham
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University College Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C602
Institution code:
B35
Campus name:
University College Birmingham
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Sports Therapy at University College Birmingham: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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    I am a mature student studying Adult Nursing. I am a single parent and work part-time. I love uni life, and UCB is fantastic. The lecturers are friendly, approachable, helpful and have time for you which was a big tick as this is very important. Everyone around uni is lovely. It's fresh and vibrant, and from the first day of starting in January, I knew it was the uni for me! It's never too late to learn; if you are thinking of studying to become a nurse, I cannot recommend it enough! If i can do it, so can you!!!!

  • Emily

    University College Birmingham
    Prosthetics for Film and Television, MA
    From 2016-2018 I studied Art, Photography and Psychology A-Levels at Princethorpe College, Rugby, and after not being too sure of what I wanted to study at university I decided to throw myself into full time employment. I then came across the Specialist Hair and Media Make-Up course here at University College Birmingham and applied in 2020. Moving cities during the pandemic was very strange, however I soon became very comfortable at The Maltings where I lived with the majority of my classmates. After three years of study, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and I have now moved onto studying Prosthetics for Film and Television MA. Alongside the masters degree, University College Birmingham gave me the opportunity to work for them as an intern in the Marketing Department as part of the masters internship bursary scheme, where my course is paid for in the form of 400 hours of work over the academic year (September-July), which has been a huge benefit for myself financially. I also work as a part time front of house team member at a restaurant in Birmingham city centre, I enjoy this job a lot as I get to interact with lots of different people, I also feel very accepted there as I am free to express myself with my piercings, tattoos and makeup.

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    Marketing
    Hi, I'm a final-year Digital Marketing student with a passion for exploring the world of branding and online strategies. I enjoy reading dystopian novels, as they challenge my perspective and stimulate new ideas through their thought-provoking themes. Traveling is my way of broadening horizons and discovering new cultures. Last year, I completed a placement that offered hands-on experience in the industry, further fueling my enthusiasm. I'm here to help with any questions about the university—navigating the process can be complicated, and I'd be happy if my support could make it easier for others!

  • Michaela

    University College Birmingham
    Health and Social Care
    Hi I'm Michaela Mooney I'm the unibuddy ambassador for health and social care I have autism and dyspraxia , I like to help others like me I do talks about my life experience and also advocacy for people with a disability, I like theatre, animals and helping others.

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    I have always been ambitious and striving for better and always wanted to start my own business. Which is the reason I have started reading business literature 15 years ago. However, I have realized that I would need something in addition to become a successful entrepreneur. And this is the reason I came to the tipping point of my life and decided to become a Business Enterprise student. After I have conducted quite a broad reasearch I choose UCB, and this happen to be the best decision I have ever made in my life. The support from the University and the teachers is outstanding.

  • Ann-Marie

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    Hello, hope you are well. I am studying PRIMARY EDUCATION STUDIES BA (Hons) (Accelerated), and enjoy spending time with my friends or reading. I really enjoy the course.

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    University College Birmingham
    Paramedic Science
    Hello, I’m Farman, and ✨ I’m passionate about becoming a Paramedic. With a strong background in Health and Social Care Level 3, I understand the needs of patients in emergencies 🩺. My motivation is to provide critical care and support to those in their most vulnerable moments. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and making a positive impact in this essential profession. 💪 Let's inspire each other to make the world a better place! 🌍 ✨

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    University College Birmingham
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Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 - 56 points

Level 3 qualifications are accepted at UCB for entrance, a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required. If you are unsure if your qualification is accepted call us on 0121 604 1040 or email admissions@ucb.ac.uk.

A level - CD - DD

UCB will accept A Level in General Studies for this course and will also take into consideration applicants who are studying an extended project.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP

This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

Access to HE Diploma

You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points

Scottish Higher

You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points

T Level - P

A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.

Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry please contact admissions@ucb.ac.uk to check your eligibility.

Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to UCB. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details please contact Admissions.

Students who are studying a mixture of qualifications will receive an offer that will be inclusive of all Level 3 qualifications.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Other
Students must also complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). UCB will co-ordinate and fund the completion of the DBS check.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
Cambridge English AdvancedLevel B2BA/BSc - Minimum 170 with no less than 160 in any skill FdA/FdSc - Minimum 160 with no less than 150 in any skill
IELTS (Academic)BA/BSc - Overall score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component FdA/FdSc - Overall score of 5.5 with no less than 5.0 in each component
Institution's Own TestBA/BSc - Overall score of B2 with no less than B2- in in each component FdA/FdSc - Overall score of B2- with no less than B1+ in in each component
To apply for all undergraduate degrees, if your first language is not English, you will need to sit an approved test in English.

UCB English Language Requirements http://www.ucb.ac.uk/our-courses/international/english-language-requirements/english-language-requirements-table.aspx

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

75 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9250Year 1
EU£13500Year 1
International£13500Year 1
England£9250Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250Year 1
Scotland£9250Year 1
Wales£9250Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

UK:
If you are a UK student enrolling on a Foundation Degree or a BA/BSc at University College Birmingham in 2021/22, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. A half year tuition fee is £4625.
This is a yearly fee, and will increase with inflation in subsequent years (in line with the government’s permitted rise).
If you are an English student studying your first higher education qualification, you can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company. You will not start repaying this loan until you leave the course and are earning over £25,000 a year.
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should apply to Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, or SAAS. The loans and grants available to you will differ from those available from Student Finance England.
UCB does not charge for 24 or 48 week placements.
More information about UK Fees please go to our website here -
https://www.ucb.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/undergraduate-fees/

EU and International:
More information about International Fees please go to our website here - https://www.ucb.ac.uk/our-courses/international/tuition-fees-and-scholarships.aspx

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