Sports Therapy with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)
September 2021 — UCAS code C63F
Underpinned by the latest research, our Sports Therapy with a Foundation Year BSc course is a chance for you to develop specialist skills in the prevention, treatment, management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries....
72points required
Clearing 2021
There are places available on this course.
Two ways to apply now
Call us 0121 331 6777
Clearing hotline opens Tuesday 10 August
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Clearing 2021
Please note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.
Overview
Underpinned by the latest research, our Sports Therapy with a Foundation Year BSc course is a chance for you to develop specialist skills in the prevention, treatment, management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.
We offer the opportunity to undertake a sandwich year, where you'll take on a work placement, providing you with invaluable experience, networking and real-life hands-on learning. These placements could be national or international and could see you working with professional sports teams or private sports injury clinics. Even if you don't decide to opt for the sandwich year, work placements are an integral part of the course throughout all years. We have partnerships with Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Sports Birmingham, providing valuable placements, trips and case studies.
Please note: entry requirements for degree course
Upon completion of your Foundation Year, if your chosen course is regulated by a professional body such as the National College for Teaching and Leadership, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment.
Tailor your Sport and Physical Activity Degree
When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you will be able to progress onto a range of Undergraduate courses at the Birmingham City School of Health Sciences. These include:
- BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
Why choose a foundation year course?
By studying a foundation year in Sport and Physical Activity, your first year will be spent learning a wide range of broad subject areas which then open up opportunities for you to specialise further in your next year – which would be the first year of a full degree programme.
You will study very broad subjects in your foundation year, which is designed to prepare you for a range of courses and not just one particular BSc degree.
So although you are studying a BSc in a specific course – BSc Sports Therapy – the foundation year sets you up for a number of other possible degrees starting the following year. It may be that you don’t end up doing a degree in precisely the same subject as your foundation year.
This flexibility is one of the great things about the foundation year category - Sport and Physical Activity, allowing you to find out more about your interests and talents before focusing on a three year degree. The foundation year also helps us at BCU to make sure we help to match you to the degree that fits you best.
What's covered in this course?
Through the academic study of sports medicine and sport and exercise science, the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy programme will give you the knowledge and skills to be confident and effective in preventing, assessing and rehabilitating sports injuries.
In the first semester, you will have the opportunity to gain a pitch-side first aid qualification, enabling you to start working pitch-side with the university sports teams. Throughout the first year we will introduce you to the professional and initial practical skills required as a Sports Therapist. You will begin to develop knowledge and an understanding of the signs, symptoms, and mechanisms of musculoskeletal injuries, as well as the practical skills required to effectively assess and treat lower limb sporting injuries. You will also be taught sports massage and soft tissue techniques, which you will then be able to apply to patients within the internal sports injury clinic. You will also be introduced to the fundamentals of human anatomy and movement, physiology and principles of training, as well as research methods.
You will build on your first aid knowledge by acquiring advanced knowledge and practical skills in sports injury trauma management. You will also be introduced to the principles of sports injury rehabilitation and injury prevention, where you will apply your pathophysiology knowledge and stages of healing, to design and implement rehabilitation programmes for the acute stage of injury, through to return to elite sporting performance. You will be exposed to contemporary rehabilitation methods and some sessions will be delivered in a hydrotherapy pool. Your knowledge and practical skills required to effectively assess and treat sporting injuries will focus on the upper limb. You will also be introduced to peripheral joint mobilisations as a treatment option as well as electrotherapeutic modalities. Physiology teaching will become specific and focus on exercise physiology and nutrition. You will also develop your research skills as you prepare for the final year independent research project. Throughout the second year you will have scheduled time to work in the internal sports therapy injury clinic under the guidance of experienced teaching staff.
During the final year, you will acquire a theoretical and practical understanding of strength and conditioning in relation to optimising exercise and sports performance, as well as gaining an insight into musculoskeletal screening. Your knowledge and practical skills required to effectively assess, treat and rehabilitate sporting injuries will focus on the spine, incorporating vertebral mobilisations. You will have scheduled hours to work in the internal sports therapy injury clinic under the guidance of experienced teaching staff, enabling you to apply your knowledge and skills to real patients. You will also have to complete and document 200 supervised placement hours by the end of the final year. This will be comprised of the hours you have obtained from working within the internal sports injury clinic as well as hours gained from working in external sports clubs and private sports injury clinics. You will also complete an independent piece of research within the field of Sports Therapy.
Why Choose Us?
- Whilst studying here you will be eligible for student membership of the Society of Sports Therapists, giving you access to the Society website, student forums, sportEX, and the British Sports Medicine Journal. You will also have the opportunity to apply for the Society of Sports Therapists Student Travelling Scholarship. This is awarded each year to one outstanding student, and provides the winner with an unforgettable 6 week Sports Therapy experience working in Canada.
- You’ll have the opportunity to gain your pitch-side first aid qualification as part of your first semester, enabling you to start working with the university sports teams.
- You will have scheduled time in each year of the programme to work in the internal sports therapy injury clinic under the guidance of experienced teaching staff. You will be assessing and treating university staff and students in this clinic, which is replete with state-of-the-art technology.
- There will be compulsory work placements enabling you to gain first-hand experience in the assessment, treatment, management and rehabilitation of sports injuries. These will include both internal and external opportunities with sporting teams and sports injury clinics.
- Learn with a dynamic, expert and research-rich team from sports therapists, health professionals and sports science backgrounds.
- You’ll receive talks from guest lecturers who work within the sector and are experts in their field, providing you with the very latest best practice and advice.
- There will be the opportunity to engage in international exchanges, as well as trips and visits that will aid your study.
- There will be the opportunity to undertake optional assessments to obtain additional industry related qualifications.
- You’ll gain a holistic education in sports therapy, enabling you to treat professional athletes, youth athletes, and weekend warriors, all on their road to recovery.
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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88 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| Level 2 Qualifications | ||
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| GCSE |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. Upon completion of your Foundation Year, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment. |
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Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via Clearing
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
Please note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University. Through a range of class-based group and individual activities, discussions, debates, personal reflection and wider reading and research, you will have opportunities to consider academic conventions, which include: effective use of literature; sourcing and reviewing information; various forms of academic writing; developing reflective capacity. You will also receive guidance on study skills and strategies, which will enhance previously acquired skills.
These professional skills are transferable and will be valuable not only in the immediate context but throughout your continued education and employment. By engaging with this module, we have set out clearly what we expect of you at foundation and undergraduate level, and will equip you with the confidence, competence and capacity to utilise resources to be able to meet expectations in this environment.
An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own learning and the way in which you have applied your knowledge, skill and understanding to any academic context in which you have engaged to date. Communicating effectively through a variety of academic conventions is a key skill for any student and this will be a feature of this module.
20 credits
This module is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding of current challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and how this impacts upon the Health, Education and Social Sciences sector, preparing you for your future education and journey into practice.
Introducing the Equality Act 2010 as the overarching legislation that focuses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, the module is based on themes that are covered by this Act. The nine protected characteristics, upon which a person can be discriminated, as laid down in the Equality Act, will be discussed throughout and you will be introduced to case studies relevant to your chosen pathways.
The module will give you the opportunity to discuss debate and reflect upon how challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity may present themselves. Using problem and inquiry based learning you will have the opportunity to explore and discuss ways of working which can help to minimise discrimination in your own practice. The module will be made up of lead lectures, taught sessions, group work and individual study.
20 credits
This module will focus on enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the interpersonal skills and behaviours required to work in your chosen area. Through a range of class based and student focused activities you will explore the different concepts of effective interpersonal and professional behaviours essential to your own personal development and progression. By engaging in this module you will reflect on your own and others values, beliefs and behaviours identifying how this can impact on the way in which you will be viewed by others. You will also address the importance of effective communication and how this can lead you to have a more professional approach in your chose area of work.
20 credits
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University, allowing you the opportunity to negotiate learning of a bespoke subject. Under the guidance of tutors, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learning more about a specific field of study.
The subject area within this module is student-led, with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to review and evaluate, and which relates to your foundation year pathway and indicate programme.
A significant proportion of the module is based around negotiation with academic facilitators to identify extended areas of study and opportunities that are possible to enhance your towards completion of the study.
20 credits
An appreciation of the principles of Human Biology plays a central role in the understanding of the workings of the human body. This module is organised into three distinct phases from fundamental principles, to physiological processes, and then disruption of the interplay of such systems in human disorders. This understanding provides a solid foundation for the subsequent study in a range of disciplines from healthcare, allied healthcare, and other disciplines requiring an understanding of human biology. The topics covered will also be underpinned by practical activities. Pre- and post-session activities will help to develop your key transferable skills such as being able to reflect and ask probing questions as well as being able to think independently. Development of these skills will ensure a growth in maturity and boost your confidence which will lead to unlocking your learning potential.
20 credits
This module will consider the complex nature of sport, and how the disciplines associated with the scientific study of sport can interact to enhance knowledge and problem solving. Problems will be considered from across the range of sport, physical activity and exercise disciplines with demonstrations of how research can be enhanced through inter/multi-disciplinary investigation.
The initial stages of this module will include an introduction to the four BSc courses that are run by the department. These are, Sport and Exercise Nutrition; Physical Education and School Sport; Sports Therapy and Sport and Exercise Science.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to human anatomy, relating to structures, properties and functions of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscle, in relation to the mechanical principles that govern human movement. The axial and appendicular skeleton will be studied with regard to joint type and associated movements, whilst the skeletal muscle system will be investigated in terms of the proximal and distal attachments of selected muscles and the movements they produce.
20 credits
The primary purpose of this module is to introduce the mechanical principles that govern human movement and thus equip students not only with the ability to observe and measure human movement (i.e. to describe movement), but also to begin to understand the mechanisms by which human movement is controlled and effected (i.e. to explore why we move the way that we do).
40 credits
This module provides you with an introduction to the skills required to examine, assess and treat healthy and pathological tissue. You will develop an understanding of how to recognise key factors relating to lower limb injuries, including signs, symptoms and mechanisms of injury. You will also learn how to apply sports massage techniques to prevent and treat injuries; additionally, you will be able to justify this choice of treatment. This module aims to set the foundations of professionalism within the sports therapy industry, alongside providing you with a basic skill set in order to become a safe and effective practitioner.
20 credits
This module covers the process of research and enquiry in the discipline of sports and exercise science, nutrition, sports therapy, and PE and School Sport. It provides guidance on how to interpret scientific literature, so that you can find relevant sources of information for a study or an assessment, gain an understanding of different sources of information and consider how knowledge is generated.
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the underpinning knowledge of various physiological systems in the human body, and key training principles, which relate to sport and exercise. You will be introduced to the concept of the body working as multiple interrelated physiological ‘systems’. Whilst each system has its own independent function, the function of one will have a direct impact on the function of another and will subsequently impact upon sports performance or health.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
This module provides you with the principles of rehabilitation and exercise therapy in the early, intermediate, late and pre-discharge stages of recovery from injuries sustained in a sports and exercise environment. You will learn to plan, implement, progress and regress comprehensive rehabilitation programmes in order to return the athlete to full sporting participation.
20 credits
This module builds on your knowledge and application of examination and assessment protocols from Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment 1. You will learn how to examine upper limb injuries that could occur in a sport and exercise environment; whilst developing your skills to interpret the findings of an assessment. This module will also require the application of your upper limb anatomy knowledge from Level 4.
20 credits
This module explores the use of manual therapy techniques for the restoration of normal joint biomechanics at the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist. Building on your knowledge from Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment 1 and 2, you will further assess joint biomechanics, particularly focusing on the relationships between accessory and physiological movements. This module will allow you to explore normal and altered joint function and apply these to sport and exercise-related injury scenarios.
20 credits
In this module, you will learn how manipulation of both physiology and nutrition can impact aspects of health, exercise and sports performance. You will gain extensive knowledge on how the human body tolerates and adapts to a physiological stressor both acutely and chronically. This module will also cover how nutrition can support upregulation of physiology both acutely and chronically.
20 credits
This module is a key part of the BSc Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Therapy, Sport and Exercise Nutrition, and PE and School Sport Programmes in that it is studied in preparation for your Level 6 Final Year Project. Information and activities on more complex inferential statistics will be presented building on from your level 4 research module.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
The aim of this module is to allow you to acquire a theoretical and practical understanding of strength and conditioning in relation to optimising exercise and sports performance. You will gain an insight into musculoskeletal screening and you will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the process of programme design in terms of periodisation.
20 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce you to common injuries associated with the spine and to provide you with the theoretical underpinning for the use of joint mobilisations for the vertebral column. You will be introduced practically to the examination and assessment of spinal disorders, and the use of vertebral joint mobilisation as an assessment and treatment tool.
20 credits
The module aims to consolidate your clinical and practical skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of sport and exercise related injuries in a supervised sports therapy setting.
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to draw on assessment and treatment tools from previous years of study to address complex clinical case scenarios. It will integrate examination, assessment, pathophysiology, rehabilitation and manual therapeutic methods for the treatment and management of sports injuries. You will be encouraged to think about contemporary issues in Sports Therapy and will develop advanced clinical reasoning and assessment tools to assist your differential diagnosis skills.
40 credits
This module provides you with the opportunity to design and carry out a substantive piece of independent research which is focused on an area of interest related to your programme of study. This in-depth, self-managed study will encourage you to examine a critical issue from your sector or discipline.
You have the flexibility to transfer to a standard undergraduate programme from the School of Health Sciences upon successfully completing your Foundation Year including:
- BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
How you'll learn on the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
Right from the start you will 'learn by doing' as you work pitch-side as the appointed first aider with the university sports teams. This practice-led approach is evident throughout the whole course as you will have scheduled time working in the internal sports therapy injury clinic, under the guidance of experienced teaching staff.
The course will be a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical study, and you’ll be supported throughout by a personal tutor. As a Sports Therapy student, you will spend a large proportion of your time in the sports therapy suites as the theoretical content is delivered in a practical room, enabling you to immediately apply your knowledge to practice. You will learn exercise rehabilitation in the new sports centre, whilst sports and exercise science modules such as nutrition and physiology will be delivered in laboratories with the very latest sports science equipment. You’ll also work on live injury case studies linked to professional sports teams we have collaboration with, to ensure you can solve problems and develop new skills. As well as contact time with staff in sessions, you will be supported in each module by online activities (such as quizzes and multiple choice questions) to help you learn and gauge your knowledge and understanding.
As part of the Society of Sports Therapists requirements, you will have to complete a series of placements. We will provide internal placement hours within our internal sports injury clinic, but you will also be undertaking external placements. These may be with professional sports teams or private sports injury clinics. External placements are completed in your own time, allowing the flexibility to gain experience during usual working hours, at evenings or weekends, and during University vacations if preferred.
Employability
Placements
You’ll have placements built into all three years of your course. Starting with pitch-side first aid in year one, you will progress throughout your time studying with us until you are working in our on-site sports injury clinic, treating and managing complex sporting injuries. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take a sandwich placement year, which could either be within the UK or abroad, working with professional sports teams or in private sports injury clinics.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
The creation of our new suite of courses in Sport and Life Sciences is yet another exciting development at Birmingham City University. The 10,500sq metre building at City South Campus will enable us to offer a wide range of new health, nutrition, biomedical science and sports courses, as well as providing a new home for our education programmes.
Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to .
The courses will reflect the latest developments in our teaching and our focus on practice-led learning with work placements and live industry case studies incorporated into the curriculum. All courses have been co-designed with employers and are endorsed or accredited by professional bodies where appropriate.
By expanding our provision to these new areas, we will be helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society today, such as obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, by encouraging and supporting healthy eating and greater physical activity.
In addition, we will be producing graduates who can support elite performers in meeting the UK’s ambitions for sporting success at events such as the Olympics and other world sporting tournaments. We are constantly looking to enhance the range of courses we offer - please check all our courses for the latest additions to our portfolio.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Doug Ellis Sports Centre
Our £8.5 million Doug Ellis Sports Centre boasts an 80-station fitness suite, an eight-court sports hall, and workout and spinning studios. The centre offers state-of-the-art fitness training equipment and plenty of room for team sports including five-a-side football and cricket. An all-weather pitch adds the finishing touches to the centre, which is located close to our City North Campus.
Visitors to the gym can choose a personalised fitness programme, instructed by qualified fitness trainers, and take advantage of a selection of classes, such as yoga, salsa or body combat.
Our staff
Mark Hetherington
Course Leader HELS Foundation Year / Professional Navigator / Senior Lecturer
Mark joined the Professional Development Department (PDD) in 2018 as a Professional Navigator and as a Academic Skills tutor. During this time he has been involved in the development and running of the Faculty of Health Education and Life Sciences Foundation Year as both a course leader and module leader. At current there are two iterations of the Foundation Year catering for intakes in September and January. The Foundation Year allows students to progress onto a variety of HELS undergraduate courses.
More about Mark