For entry to the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy programme, students will be required to have a minimum of a 240 UCAS points from passes at A2 level in three subjects including grade B in Maths, Physical Education, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (AS Levels are not acceptable). Overseas qualifications must be assessed as equivalent to the above by NARIC. All students admitted to the University are required to have GCSE to a standard of at least Grade C in Maths and English (or equivalent).  For overseas students there is a requirement for demonstrated evidence of proficiency in written and spoken English. This requires an average IELTS score of 5.5 across all criteria.

Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.

Applicants whose qualifications do not fulfil these criteria may be admitted to the programme at the admission tutor’s discretion, and only if they are likely to be successful in gaining an award. This will normally involve an interview

Sports Therapy is concerned with the prevention of injury and the treatment and rehabilitation of sports people back to optimum levels of functional and sports specific fitness. It utilises the principles of Sport and Exercise Sciences, incorporating understanding of physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training and competition.

Studying Sports Therapy at the University of East London will enable you to develop both subject-specific knowledge and the ability to relate it to the clinical situation. We are in the process of gaining accreditation for our BSc (Hons) programme by the Society of Sports Therapists (SST). Students will learn the scientific basis from which the pathologies and management of sports injuries can be understood. On completion of the programme, you will have the ability to diagnose, form and implement a treatment/rehabilitative plan for sports injuries or dysfunction.

A 3-year (full-time) programme, with part-time options available. The programme offers common core content with Sport and Exercise Sciences and Physiotherapy programmes. Theory and practical-based learning form the basis of the programme.

The University has a purpose-built Clinical Education facility, as well as laboratories, strength and conditioning facilities, and treatment suites. The recently opened University of East London SportsDock gives athletes and students the perfect environment to develop subject-specific knowledge and the ability to relate it to the clinical situation. We utilise a range of learning approaches, including traditional lectures, laboratories and practical classes, and our staff actively research the complementary areas of Sports Science and Physiotherapy.

You will be assessed using theory and practical examinations, clinical portfolios, essays, critical analysis of papers, oral presentations, case studies and independent research.

Students will be able to utilise the University’s links with existing regional and national professional sporting organisations to establish work experience and placement opportunities during their study. They will also be encouraged to create links with organisations to develop their own vocational and academic skills. To gain accreditation with the Society of Sports Therapists upon graduation, students will be required to complete and log 200 hours of practical experience. Students will be encouraged to seek placements with professional, amateur and elite sport and physical activity organisations, as well as with established University sporting clubs and societies. In addition, students will gain the opportunity to develop their skills in a University-organised Sports Injury Clinic, with the support of academic and professional staff through the degree programme.

Final-year students will have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project relating to the applied field of Sports Therapy. The successful completion of this project makes a significant contribution to the overall award of BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy, and enables students to research and develop knowledge and practice in a sporting or practical discipline of their own choosing.

Upon successful completion of this programme, Graduates will be eligible to apply for accreditation and full membership of the Society of Sports Therapists. Students may also progress onto further study in Sports Rehabilitation and Exercise

Contributing directly to peak performance and injury reduction in professional and recreational athletes, and those participating in physical activity?

Do you have aspirations of a career working with Professional athletes or perhaps owning your own therapy business supporting individuals from a diversity of sports? 

Studying in a dynamic and supportive environment, where you will be encouraged to develop your skills and abilities and reach your full potential.

To gain a thorough grounding in the professional requirements to work as a sports therapist, and to study in a London-based University with a strong track record in graduate employment, this programme of study will suit you.

The University has a strong track record in graduate employability, and offers opportunities for further study and research. This course provides graduates with the competencies to work as a self-employed therapist or within the health and fitness industry, health promotion, professional sport or research

National Student Survey (NSS) results report that the University of East London offers high levels of support to students. Academic staff with applied experience and strong subject knowledge will encourage you to achieve your potential as a Sports Therapy graduate. Upon commencing your programme of study, you will be assigned a personal tutor for the duration of your degree. You will also be assigned a tutor to supervise your final year research project.

The 2012 London Olympic Games has created a critical mass of investment and activity in competitive and recreational sport in the London area. As the University of East London continues to develop proactive links with stakeholders and organisations involved in the Olympic games, our campus’ location provides exciting opportunities to develop professional and vocational links with a range of national and international sports organisations, and world class performance facilities.

Knowledge

• Sports Therapy and related disciplines
• The applied context of Sports Therapy that will be of personal value and also of value to employers
• The competencies required for Sports Therapy, that integrate theory and practice in an applied manner based within a challenging academic culture
• The role of the Sports Therapist in injury prevention and rehabilitation of the athlete
• Boundaries of professional competence, and the role of other exercise and health professionals

Thinking skills

• Application of skills and knowledge of Sports Therapy and its related disciplines to practice
• Critical evaluation of research and other evidence to make appropriate conclusions and recommendations
• Reflection on experience and practice, and taking responsibility for learning and professional development
• Conception, development and investigations of research questions using appropriate methods

Subject-based practical skills

• Identification of injury and illness risk factors
• Management, treatment and referral of patients
• Implementation of a comprehensive rehabilitation and reconditioning programme
• Provision of advice on Sports Therapy and basic healthcare
• Conduct of a research project in a relevant discipline

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Communication and literacy
• Application of numerical techniques
• Problem solving
• Independent learning and working
• Working with others
• Use of information and communications technology

The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 4-6 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20-credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at Level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at Level 3.

In order to gain anhonours degree in Sports Therapyyou will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at Level One or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at Level Two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at Level Three or higher

In order to gain anordinary degree in Sports Rehabilitation you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of  60 credits at Level Three or higher

In order to gain aDiploma of Higher Education in Sports Rehabilitationyou will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at Level One or higher and 120 credits at Level Two or higher.

In order to gain aCertificate of Higher Education in Sports Rehabilitationyou will need to obtain 120 credits at Level One or higher.

In order to gain anAssociate Certificate in Sports Rehabilitationyou will need to obtain a minimum of 20 credits at Level One or higher

In order to gain aFoundation Degree in Sports Rehabilitationyou will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at Level One or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at Level Two or higher

(A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures
• Seminars and workshops
• Clinical laboratory sessions
• Student centred learning – directed reading, assignment preparation

Thinking skills are developed through

• Tutorials
• Seminars and workshops
• Report writing and assignments
• Project work

Practical skills are developed through

• Laboratory practical sessions
• Individual research project
• Data analysis exercises
• Use of IT and library based resources
• Student presentations

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Student centred learning
• Seminar and workshop discussions
• Oral and written presentations
• Computer assignments
• Managing time
• Team work

Knowledge and thinking skills are assessed by

• Evidence of reading and comprehension of the topics covered in the module being assessed. This will be particularly apparent in essay work and examinations.
• Ability to describe, explain and discuss various aspects of the programme material in the context of class tutorials, group work, presentations and other pieces of assessed coursework for the module.
• The ability to take information presented in any module out of its original context and to utilise this information in the construction of arguments, comparisons, hypotheses etc as required to address the specific assessments in each module.
• Critical review of practical exercises
• Data Interpretation exercises
• The ability to use subject knowledge in setting a piece of practical research work in its scientific context, and to present the results obtained in a logical and coherent manner.

Practical skills are assessed by

• The ability to carry out laboratory practical work effectively, within the time frame allocated.
• The ability to interpret and report on work carried out in the laboratory as evidenced by laboratory notebook entries, practical reports and project dissertation.
• The ability to complete assignments using appropriate resources such as IT and library facilities.
• Evidence of logical planning and management of time in the preparation of materials for assessment.

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• The ability to work to strict deadlines
• The ability to select and utilise appropriate problem solving skills
• Demonstration of effective oral and written communication skills
• Evidence of interpersonal skills such as teamwork and /or team leadership
• Evidence of general numeracy skills

Before this programme started, the following was checked:

• There would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme
• Adequate resources would be in place
• The overall aims and objectives were appropriate
• The content of the programme met national benchmark requirements
• The programme met any professional/statutory body requirements
• The proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy, and student support mechanisms

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

• External examiner reports (considering quality and standards)
• Statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate)
• Student feedback

Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process, which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.

Once every 6 years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions.  The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

This programme has a Programme Committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technical staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

• To ensure the standard of the programme
• To ensure that justice is done to individual students

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

• Approving exam papers/assignments
• Attending assessment boards
• Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
• Ensuring that regulations are followed
• Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

• Module evaluations, conducted mid-module and end-of-module across whole programme
• Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times  year)

Students are notified of the action taken through:

• Circulating the minutes of the programme committee through programme representatives
• Through verbal feedback during module by module leader

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

• Annual student satisfaction questionnaires
• Regular dialogue with former students
• Reviews and the active support of the Society of Sports Therapists
• Support and feedback from sporting organisations and governing bodies interested in the recruitment, placement and employment of undergraduate and graduate Sports Therapy students.