City

What you'll study

This programme combines applied clinical practice, exercise science and research methods to develop the knowledge and skills needed for sports injury management and rehabilitation. Teaching typically blends lectures, small-group seminars, laboratory practicals and extensive hands-on practice in clinical and sports settings.

• Core biomedical foundations: anatomy, physiology, musculoskeletal pathology and exercise physiology to understand injury mechanisms and systemic responses to training and rehabilitation.
• Clinical assessment and treatment: musculoskeletal assessment, manual therapy, soft tissue techniques (including sports massage), taping/strapping and therapeutic modalities.
• Rehabilitation and exercise prescription: progressive rehab planning, functional retraining, return-to-play decision-making and strength & conditioning principles tailored to injury recovery.
• Emergency care and first response: immediate on-field management, concussion recognition and safe transfer procedures.
• Biomechanics and performance analysis: movement analysis, injury risk assessment and the application of biomechanical principles to optimise performance and reduce injury.
• Professional practice and ethics: communication skills, record keeping, safeguarding, sport-specific practice and working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research methods, statistics and a final-year research project or dissertation to develop critical appraisal and enquiry skills.
• Placement and practical experience: supervised clinical placements in community clinics, sports clubs, gyms or a university sports injury clinic to build real-world competence.

Modules are usually staged to build from foundational science in early years to increasingly supervised clinical responsibilities and independent project work in the final year. Practical assessment and competency sign-offs form a substantial part of progression.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification such as A-levels or an equivalent vocational qualification (for example BTEC) with a background in biology, sports science or related subjects recommended. Typical applicants will also present GCSEs (or equivalents) including English and mathematics at standard secondary level.

The programme welcomes mature students and those with Access to Higher Education diplomas. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic qualifications and English language proficiency. All applicants should be prepared for a fitness to practise check and may need to provide evidence of immunisation and a satisfactory disclosure check depending on placement requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of clinical, performance and educational roles. Common career paths include:

• Sports therapist in professional or community sport teams
• Clinician in private sports injury or physiotherapy clinics
• Rehabilitation specialist or strength & conditioning assistant
• Team first aider, event medical staff or emergency care roles
• Roles in health promotion, fitness management or workplace wellbeing
• Progression to postgraduate study in sports medicine, physiotherapy, performance science or research degrees

Many graduates combine clinical practice with work in gyms, education, coaching or as self-employed practitioners. The degree provides the practical and theoretical foundation required for professional development and membership of relevant professional bodies where graduates meet the organisations' entry criteria.

Why study at City

City offers close links between applied health teaching and practical facilities located at the heart of a major city, providing easy access to sports clubs, community organisations and clinical placement opportunities. The programme emphasises hands-on learning, with practical laboratories, a university sports centre and supervised clinical environments that allow students to build real-world competence.

Teaching is delivered by staff with clinical and research experience in sports injury, rehabilitation and performance. Small-group practical sessions and strong industry links help students develop the professional skills employers seek, while research-informed teaching supports critical thinking and evidence-based practice.