Teacher and student in a Sports Therapy demonstration.

Year of study

2025

Key details

Start date(s)
September 2025
Location
Main Campus (Horsforth)
School
Sport and Wellbeing
UCAS tariff points
48
Study Mode
Full-time (4 years)
Study abroad
Yes

Do you want a career in sports injury management and treatment? Are you excited by the opportunity to work with athletes and sports teams?

Our BSc in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation is a practically-focused degree pathway that enables you to develop the knowledge and professional skills to work within the area of sport and exercise injury assessment, management and rehabilitation.

This four-year course includes an initial full-time Foundation Year and offers an alternative route into university and gaining a degree.

This route is for you if you do not have the necessary qualifications or don’t yet feel ready to begin degree-level study, or are returning to education and would like some support to get up to speed with learning in a university setting.

The Foundation Year in Sport and Exercise will allow you to develop your academic skills and confidence as well as introduce you to key concepts, debates and skills that will support and inform your subsequent years of undergraduate study.

Following successful completion of your Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto Year 1 of our Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons) degree.

The Student Contract

About this course

During your Foundation Year, you will undertake modules to enable you to enhance your academic skills and equip you with the tools you’ll need to study with confidence. You’ll carry out a personal project so you can study an area of interest related to your chosen future subject specialisation.

You’ll be introduced to multi-disciplinary perspectives on sport, exercise, physical performance and rehabilitation therapies including physiological, psychological, biomechanical, tactical, pedagogical and rehabilitation concepts. You'll investigate the role exercise plays in health from a multi-disciplinary perspective, exploring theories including health and wellbeing, behaviour change and working with clients.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto the first year of our Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons) degree.

You’ll study human anatomy and physiology, looking at the mechanics of musculoskeletal injury. We’ll teach the therapeutic methods used to promote healing and a return to activity and sport, while helping you to develop a critical understanding of theoretical and practically relevant issues for sports therapy and rehabilitation.

As an applied and vocational degree, there’s a strong focus on giving you opportunities to apply your skills and knowledge to real-world situations and scenarios. You’ll complete professional work placements as part of your degree, which give you the chance to gain valuable professional experience in a sports therapy and rehabilitation setting.

All this means that by the time you graduate, you’ll have a critical understanding of the theoretical knowledge required by professionals working in sports therapy and rehabilitation.

Accreditation

.

This course is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists. Students who graduate from this course and fulfil the requirements of membership of the Society of Sports Therapists will be eligible for full membership of the Society.

Why study with us?

  • Build your self-confidence, academic skills and core subject knowledge in preparation for progression onto degree-level study.
  • Develop a wide range of skills in the assessment and treatment of sports injuries.
  • Apply what you’ve learnt in practical workshops and professional work placements.
  • Specialise in your favourite sports. We’ll give you the opportunity to align your assessments and projects to the sports that interest you.
Student giving sports therapy session..

Course modules

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Foundation Year

During your Foundation Year, you'll study four core modules.

Academic Skills and Studying with Confidence - Core

We'll help you develop core academic skills such as using electronic resources, planning and note-taking, communication skills related to essay and report writing and delivering presentations.

You'll learn to manage your time, prioritise tasks and manage stress, and become more confident in engaging with collaborative learning, debates, discussions and critical reflection.

Project - Core

Study areas of interest related to your chosen future academic specialisation in this highly personalised module.

You'll have 25 hours of workshop tuition to explore how you will be assessed and the form your project could take, which could be a written report, a presentation, a film or a series of blog posts.

You'll also explore topics your project could focus on, and get peer assessment of your ideas.

In the first semester, you'll get support through personal tutoring and learning hub liaison.

You'll also explore careers and employability pathways in sport and health with the Graduate Recruitment Team and the School of Health, Sport and Life Sciences.

In the second semester, you'll produce your negotiated assessment, focussing on existing academic literature and other secondary sources.

You won't undertake primary empirical research.

Scientific Principles within Sport - Core

You'll study multi-disciplinary perspectives on sport, exercise, physical performance and rehabilitation therapies including physiological, psychological, biochemical, tactical, pedagogical and rehabilitation.

You'll be introduced to the basic key theories to illustrate these perspectives, followed by practical-based activities for hands-on understanding.

A range of methods will be deployed for evaluating sport, exercise and physical performance, including interpretation, presentation and reflection upon data.

Promoting Exercise, Physical Activity and Health - Core

Study multi-disciplinary perspectives of the role of exercise and physical activity with the context of health. You'll gain knowledge on the basic key theories such as health and wellbeing, behaviour change, health and safety, intervention design and working with clients through a range of activities.

You'll build your knowledge through a combination of interactive lectures and workshops as well as in practical settings which may include lab sessions, field-based activities and practical workshops.

Year 1

During your first year, you'll study six core modules.

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology - Core

Get an introduction to anatomy and physiology.

We'll cover the musculoskeletal system, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the nervous and endocrine systems, and energy metabolism and use.

You'll make links between theory and practical work.

We'll also introduce core aspects of research and enquiry, such as how to read and use research articles, conduct basic literature searches and use the Learning Centre services.

Fundamentals of Human Movement - Core

Learn about musculoskeletal structure and function, including muscle mechanics, planes and axes of movement and anatomical reference points.

We'll cover linear kinematics and kinetics, work, power and energy concepts, kinematics measurement techniques, and the qualitative analysis of movement.

You'll explore training principles to enhance performance variables, such as acceleration, velocity, impulse, power and force application.

 

Introduction to Sport Psychology - Core

Get an understanding of the individual client or performer through fundamental aspects of sport and exercise psychology.

You'll examine theories of confidence, motivation, and mental resilience.

You'll explore approaches to encourage behaviour change using practical techniques such as goal setting.

You'll also get an introduction to core aspects of research and enquiry, such as how to read and use research articles, how to conduct basic literature searches, how to critique theoretical explanations, and how to make appropriate use of the Learning Centre services including the library.

Functional Anatomy for Sport and Exercise Therapy - Core

You'll delve deeper into musculoskeletal anatomy and look at sports injuries.

You'll cover micro and macro trauma and injuries to muscle, tendons, bones, cartilage and nerves.

You'll get an introduction to the stages of tissue healing and repair.

We'll use a joint-by-joint and region-by-region approach to cover the essential and detailed anatomy required by sports therapists.

Skills for Sports Therapy - Core

You'll learn important skills needed for effective sports therapy practice and study.

You'll get an introduction to basic assessment skills and soft tissue techniques.

Learn how to safely and effectively perform sports massage.

You'll study the contraindications, physiological effects and therapeutic effects of massage and soft tissue techniques.

You'll also develop research and study skills that will be vital to your study at Leeds Trinity University, including using library resources, referencing and essay writing skills.

Professional Skills in Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation - Core

You'll gain the experience and understanding of the requirements of working within the applied Sport Therapy, Rehabilitation Exercise and Health sector.

Gain an awareness of the sector, the typical clients, stakeholders and the roles and responsibilities within the sector as well as the employment opportunities available in the industry. 

You'll understand the challenges and benefits of working as part of an interdisciplinary team, working empathetically, ethically and with compassion, you'll also gain an appreciation of practice and reflection on undertaking the participant consultation process. 

You'll have opportunities to participate in employer challenges and work placement opportunities.

Year 2

During your second year, you'll study six core modules.

Physiology of Training - Core

Examine the physiological responses to different forms of exercise.

Find out how to measure and apply performance-based variables such as VO2 max, blood lactate thresholds, and running economy and health-related assessments such as HRmax.

You'll develop key practical skills such as VO2 max testing and capillary blood sampling, and learn how physiological variables associated with these tests can be used to monitor and enhance performance.

You'll also examine and appraise contemporary research methods that are relevant for the analysis of the data collected.

Assessment and Management of Peripheral Injuries - Core

Learn appropriate methods for the assessment and management of common peripheral injuries of the upper and lower limb.

We'll cover the risk factors and mechanisms for these common injuries and develop your understanding of the assessment process.

In practical sessions, you'll learn how to work with the injured individual to safely and effectively perform an assessment of an injury, develop reasonable hypotheses and arrive at a diagnosis.

You'll use subjective questioning, objective assessment and special tests.

We'll also cover the safe and effective application of mobilisations to the peripheral joints.

You'll learn to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures to create a safe and welcoming environment for patients and clients.

Applying Professional Skills in Sport Therapy and Rehabilitation - Core

You'll do a professional placement, which can be spread across the academic year or done in a block, depending on your preferred professional area and the demands of your degree programme.

We'll help you develop your professional skills, this could include developing reflective practice skills, enhancing communication skills, interdisciplinary working, career guidance placement searching and CV writing.

You'll also have practical workshops covering sports trauma to support the requirements of the Society of Sports Therapists.

Sports Injury Rehabilitation - Core

Get an introduction to the fundamentals of injury rehabilitation.

You'll review the healing process and link this to the various stages of rehabilitation, learning how to plan and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation and reconditioning programme.

You'll explore key components of rehabilitation including goal setting, how the body responds to exercises, and the effects of inactivity/immobility on the body and individual joints.

We'll introduce you to strategies for rehabilitation, with a focus on evidence-based and patient-centred care.

You'll learn about adjunct therapies including cryotherapy, thermotherapy and taping and bracing.

We'll also cover the lack of diversity in healthcare research and the challenges faced around inclusion.

You'll examine how these issues affect the generalisability of study findings in relation to injury rehabilitation.

Research Methods and Enquiry - Core

Learn how to build and interpret research evidence in sport, exercise and related areas.

You'll study the value of research processes, ethical requirements, synthesis of existing research evidence, project design, and the analysis and interpretation of data.

You'll also learn how to appraise existing research.

Year 3

During your final year, you'll study four core modules.

Independent Project - Core

Showcase your integrated learning with an independent project relevant to your course and interests.

You'll have tutorials to help you work out the format and focus of your project.

You'll have formative assessment points to act as stepping stones towards completion.

The module will culminate in an assessment event where you'll present work in a negotiated format.

Professional Learning Through Work - Core

You'll complete a work-based or alternative professional development project within your work setting.

This will involve negotiating a project that meets the needs of both your employer or placement provider and Leeds Trinity University.

You'll develop and negotiate learning outcomes and assessment modes that allow you to apply theoretical understanding and practical work-based development to a chosen context.

Sports Therapy in Practice - Core

Build your assessment and treatment skills, shifting focus to the trunk and spine.

You'll develop safe and effective practice for assessing and managing (Maitlands vertebral mobilisations) common injuries to the trunk and spine.

You'll take an investigative approach, applying critical thinking and clinical reasoning to determine the appropriate management of special populations commonly encountered in sports therapy practice.

Interventions and S&C in Rehabilitation - Core

Investigate how concepts of strength and conditioning influence rehabilitation and are used to safely return the athlete to their sport or activity.

You'll learn how to work with patients in an individual and group rehabilitation setting, developing the ideas of inclusive, evidence-based rehabilitation.

You'll also study and discuss the implantation of common nutritional strategies used to support and rehabilitate athletes.

Professional work placements

Experience matters. That's why we embed professional work placements within the majority of our standard undergraduate degrees.

How does it work?

Careers and Placements will work with you to find a placement or help you to arrange your own, whether that's in Leeds, another part of the UK or even abroad. You will be able to take part in a series of workshops, events and live ‘employer challenges’ to boost your confidence and prepare you for your placement.

During your placement, you could have an opportunity to gain degree-relevant work experience, build your knowledge of career sectors and secure valuable employer references and industry contacts. This experience will help you to shape your career decisions and find the right path for you.

As part of your studies, you will be asked to complete professional work placements, which will give you the chance to graduate with professional work experience. We will work with you to find placements that relate to a sports therapy and rehabilitation setting, as well as giving you plenty of preparation and support before you begin your placements. Previous students have been involved in a range of placement settings, including in gyms, physiotherapy clinics and performance sport teams including Batley Bulldogs RLFC and the Leeds United Development Squad.

To find out how we can help you make your career ambitions a reality, visit:

Professional Work Placements

Got a question about the course?

Our Sport and Wellbeing team are on hand to answer your questions, whether you want to know about the modules you'll be studying, where you can complete your professional placement or the types of assessments you'll do, they are here to help.

Learning and teaching

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used, matched to the learning outcomes for your programme, allowing you to apply and demonstrate the full range of knowledge and skills that you have developed.

For more details on specific assessment methods for this course contact hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Programme delivery

Your time on campus, learning through in-person teaching, is at the heart of your academic experience and the way we deliver our programmes. This is supported and further enhanced by additional engagement activities and opportunities provided online and through digital teaching materials. This blended approach seeks to ensure a positive learning and teaching student experience.

Your programme of study has been carefully designed around a three-phase model of delivery:

  1. Preparation: You will be given clear tasks to support you in preparing for live teaching. This could include watching a short-pre-recorded lecture, reading a paper or text chapter or preparing other material for use in class.
  2. Live: All your live teaching will be designed around active learning, providing you with valuable opportunities to build on preparation tasks, interact with staff and peers, and surface any misunderstandings.
  3. Post: Follow-up activities will include opportunities for you to check understanding, for staff to receive feedback from you and your peers to inform subsequent sessions, and for you to apply learning to new situations or context.

Preparation, Live and Post teaching and learning and the digital materials used will vary by course, but will be designed to help you structure your learning, take a full and active part in your course, and apply and test your developing knowledge and skills.

Learning and teaching

At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:

  • high quality teaching
  • an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
  • a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.

We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:

  • Student Involvement and Engagement
  • Inclusion
  • Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
  • Digital Literacy and Skills
  • Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

  • Personalised support
  • Expert lecturers
  • Strong connections with employers
  • An international outlook
  • Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development

Entry requirements

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

Information about the large range of qualifications we accept, including A-Levels, BTECs and T Levels, can be found on our entry requirements page. If you need additional advice or are taking qualifications that are not covered in the information supplied, please contact our Admissions Office.

Entry requirements for this course:
QualificationGrade
UCAS tariff48
GCSE requirementsGCSE in English Language at grade C or 4 (or higher)

Applications are welcome from mature students with few formal qualifications.

Any previous relevant work experience and learning will be assessed and, where appropriate, we may offer an alternative way to assess suitability to study.

This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.

Fees and finance

UK Home fees £9,535 per year
Full-time

Funding

UK Home Students:

Tuition fees cost £9,535 a year for this course in 2025/2026. Students who enrolled in 2024/2025 will also be charged £9,535 for academic year 2025/2026.

Tuition fees for part-time study are charged a pro-rata amount of the full-time equivalent.

Depending on government policy, tuition fees may change in future years.

Tuition fees for 2026/2027 entry will be set in summer 2025.

Living costs, e.g. accommodation, travel, food, will also need to be taken into consideration.

Leeds Trinity offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to help support students while you study.

Additional costs

We advise students that there may be additional course costs in addition to annual tuition fees. These include:

  • Books - recommended and required reading lists will be provided at the start of your course. All the books and e-books are available from our Library to borrow but you may choose to purchase your own.
  • Print costs - the University provides students with a £6 printing credit each academic year which can be topped up either on campus or online.

How to apply

For full-time undergraduate courses, you apply through UCAS. That's the University and Colleges Admissions Service.

On your application form, you'll need to know our institution code - it's L24 - and the course code. If you click through to the UCAS website using the button below, it'll take you to the right place with all the information you need.

You'll need to write a personal statement - we've prepared a guide to help you.

Applications are now open for courses starting in September 2025. The UCAS application deadline for courses starting in September 2025 is 29 January 2025.

There's lots more information about the application process on the UCAS website, or you can get in touch with our admissions team who will be happy to help:

This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.

Graduate opportunities

Providing you with the opportunity to develop the professional skills and experience you need to launch your career is at the heart of everything we do at Leeds Trinity University.

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and experience to become a professional sports therapist. You’ll also be prepared for a range of roles related to sports injury management and treatment.

After you graduate, Careers and Placements will help you as you pursue your chosen career through our mentoring scheme, support with CV and interview preparation and access to graduate employability events.

To find out how we can help you make your career ambitions a reality, visit:

Careers


Moving Forward: Working in Sport and Wellbeing Conference

Our Moving Forward: Working in Sport and Wellbeing Conference gave students the opportunity to explore career paths available to them, make connections and hear from keynote speakers Geva Mentor CBE and Dan Busfield about their personal career journey.

Sports Therapy Clinic

Our investment in the latest sports facilities, technology and services provide you with the best opportunities to learn key skills and gain hands-on experience in preparation for the workplace. 

You’ll use our dedicated Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic to develop your practical skills through directed teaching sessions and in your own time.

See our students using our Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic to develop their skills in musculoskeletal examination, assessment and rehabilitation.

Meet the team

Sport, Health and Physical Education Mathew Carter-Woodhead
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Sport, Health and Physical Education Vicky Hunter
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Sport, Health and Physical Education Abbie Cooper
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Sport, Health and Physical Education Danielle Davis
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