BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: CB63
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

This course is up for periodic review
To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to be ready for the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by December 2024.

Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:
- module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
- expected contact hours
- assessment methods
- staff teaching on the course

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
112 - 120	BBC - BBB to include grade C in A Level Biology or other relevant life science (acceptable A levels: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Physical Education, Sports Studies, Sports Science or Psychology)	DMM - BTEC Sport and Exercise Science or Applied Science Extended Diploma at DMM. BTEC Sport Extended Diploma (RQF 2016) at DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Anatomy and Physiology and Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-Being) BTEC Sport Extended Diploma (QCF) at DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport, The Physiology of Fitness and Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise) Level 3 OCR CTEC (Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity) Extended Diploma DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Body Systems and the Effects, Nutrition and Diet for Sport and Exercise, Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation) Additional Science BTECs will be considered at tutor discretion

UCAS points

A Level

BTEC

112 - 120

BBC - BBB to include grade C in A Level Biology or other relevant life science (acceptable A levels: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Physical Education, Sports Studies, Sports Science or Psychology)

DMM - BTEC Sport and Exercise Science or Applied Science Extended Diploma at DMM.

BTEC Sport Extended Diploma (RQF 2016) at DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Anatomy and Physiology and Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-Being)

BTEC Sport Extended Diploma (QCF) at DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport, The Physiology of Fitness and Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise)

Level 3 OCR CTEC (Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity) Extended Diploma DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Body Systems and the Effects, Nutrition and Diet for Sport and Exercise, Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation)

Additional Science BTECs will be considered at tutor discretion

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language, Mathematics and Science.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
112 - 120	BBC - BBB to include grade C in A Level Biology or other relevant life science (acceptable A levels: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Physical Education, Sports Studies, Sports Science or Psychology)	DMM - DDM BTEC Sport and Exercise Science or Applied Science Extended Diploma at DMM. BTEC Sport Extended Diploma (RQF 2016) at DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Anatomy and Physiology and Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-Being) BTEC Sport Extended Diploma (QCF) at DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport, The Physiology of Fitness and Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise) Level 3 OCR CTEC (Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity) Extended Diploma DM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Body Systems and the Effects, Nutrition and Diet for Sport and Exercise, Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation). Additional Science BTECs will be considered at tutor discretion.	Applicants must be studying a science based access course. Access to health, health and care, health professions, beauty therapy for example are NOT acceptable.	112-120 points with a minimum of two Higher level subjects including a Science subject at Higher Level 4 or above.

UCAS points

A Level

BTEC

Access Course Tariff

IB requirement

112 - 120

DMM - DDM

BTEC Sport and Exercise Science or Applied Science Extended Diploma at DMM.

BTEC Sport Extended Diploma (RQF 2016) at DMM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Anatomy and Physiology and Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-Being)

Level 3 OCR CTEC (Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity) Extended Diploma DM (with merits achieved in the following modules: Body Systems and the Effects, Nutrition and Diet for Sport and Exercise, Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation).

Additional Science BTECs will be considered at tutor discretion.

Applicants must be studying a science based access course.

Access to health, health and care, health professions, beauty therapy for example are NOT acceptable.

112-120 points with a minimum of two Higher level subjects including a Science subject at Higher Level 4 or above.

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language, Mathematics and Science.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

The BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists.

Why choose this course?

2nd in the East of England for Sports Science (2023 Complete University Guide)
Get real life clinical practice in our sports injuries clinic
Gain a year’s clinical placement with a professional sports team

The degree in Sports Therapy is an ideal course for those who wish to train in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of sporting injuries.
We offer a sandwich year enabling you to go on a full year placement to gain invaluable clinical experience with professional sports teams, either within the UK or overseas.
Graduates are eligible for full membership with the Society of Sports Therapists.
We have specialist labs for: Physiology, Biomechanics and Sports Therapy. You can also make use of the University’s Hertfordshire Sports Village at the de Havilland campus.

Additional opportunities include:

Visits to observe human dissections
Massaging at events such as the London Marathon
Presenting research at national conferences
First aid cover at events
Sandwich Year and Work Placement opportunities
Use of The Clinical Simulation Centre within the Sports Trauma Management module, a state-of-the-art facility which provides a realistic environment where necessary skills can be practiced
Personal tutor scheme
First Aid at Work Certification
Level 2 Fitness Instructor Additional Course
Opportunities to support research

Find out more about our sports staff.

What's the course about?

This course gives you the latest skills needed to work in the cutting-edge field of sports therapy. You’ll learn how to assess injuries, apply treatments (such as sports massage, electrotherapy and joint mobilisation), learn pitch-side injury management and design injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes.

You’ll also study the underpinning theory of practice: anatomy, clinical biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports nutrition and psychology. Our students enjoy access to specialist labs and high-tech facilities, such as our dedicated sports injury clinic, and take valuable clinical placements in a diverse range of sport and exercise environments.

Your main campus is de Havilland

You’ll share this campus with students from business, law, sport, and education subjects. The student housing is close to our Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our on-campus restaurant or bar (in the newly built Enterprise Hub) on days you don’t feel like cooking. You can also use the common room to play pool, video games or just to hang out with friends.  Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.  

What will I study?

Due to the nature of Sports Therapy, each module has both theoretical and practical components. You will learn through a variety of lectures, practical classes, workshops, tutorials and clinical placements. Our lectures are interactive and encourage applying theories to relevant real life situations, and in the practical classes you will learn your clinical techniques. During workshops your skills are put into problem solving and sports specific scenarios, and individual tutorials enable you to discuss areas of your choice. Along with clinical placement, in your own time you will be directed towards the university's vast learning and research resources for independent study.

As everybody learns differently, methods of teaching and assessment are varied. Modules may require written coursework, practical assessments, and written exams at the end of each semester. Some modules also have oral presentations, group work, portfolios, and poster sessions to ensure that all key skills of the graduate Sports Therapist are evidenced.

On the full time programme, you will study four modules at a time. Each module typically consists of four hours contact time per week, with further reading, research and coursework completed independently. On the part time programme, the course structure is considered on an individual basis with the Programme Tutor, depending on your needs and other commitments.

Clinical placements are completed in your own time, allowing flexibility to gain experience during usual working hours, at evenings or weekends, and during University vacations if preferred. Extensive extra-curricular opportunities are encouraged to supplement your standard programme. Visits and excursions to develop your skills and experience are offered, along with short courses and qualifications including first aid and fitness instructor qualifications.

Part-time study

If you are studying part-time you have 6 years to complete your course. You will complete 60-90 credits per year. All modules are compulsory, there are no options. Your timetable will depend on which modules you pick. Certain modules must be passed at each level before progression onto higher level clinical modules.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Developing an Academic Approach	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is focused on introducing and developing skills required to develop a successful academic approach to be a successful student in Higher Education, while also considering the professional/transferable skills for a successful career. With regards to academic approach, this module primarily provides an introduction to the academic, IT and communication skills that students will require to become effective autonomous learners in Higher Education.
Human Physiology and Nutrition	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide students with an introduction to human physiology and nutrition applied to sport and exercise. In particular, focus will be on learning fundamentals of structure, function and biochemistry from cellular, to tissue, organ, and organism levels, including a basic understanding of muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems. There is also an introduction to essential themes underlying dietary macro" and micronutrients, and exploration of basic applications of nutrition pertinent to dietary assessment and problem- based learning scenarios. Practical work will be used to provide additional insight into specific physiological systems, this may include instruction in the use of physiological interfaces, and recording and analytical software, including basic studies on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and dietary analysis.
Exercise Prescription and Fitness Testing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will develop the key theoretical and practical skills essential to assess fitness and design training programmes. Specifically, the module aims to introduce a number of fitness tests to assess different components of fitness, with particular attention to tests that measure or estimate cardiorespiratory fitness and strength. Furthermore, this module will introduce basic data analyses and will provide tools to contextualise the data obtained from fitness testing. In addition, the module will introduce the principles of training as a basic theoretical framework underpinning a training programme, with a specific focus on improving cardiorespiratory fitness and strength in the general population.
Musculoskeletal Anatomy	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to human anatomy, relating to the structure and function of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. The axial and appendicular skeleton will be studied in regard to joint type and the associated movements available. Movements of selected joints will be identified and classified based on planes and axes of movement. The musculoskeletal system will be investigated in terms of origins and insertions of selected muscles and the movements they produce.
Therapeutic Modalities	30 Credits	Compulsory
Semester A will focus on the indications, physiological effects, and contraindications of remedial soft tissue massage techniques. Practical sessions will focus on the safe, effective, and appropriate application of remedial soft tissue massage techniques. Thermal treatments will also be addressed as another method of treating sports injuries. The lecture programme will address the inflammatory response, healing processes and pain mechanisms that occur because of sports and exercise injury. Semester B practicals will focus on the indications, physiological effects and contraindications of electrotherapeutic modalities, and the safe, effective and appropriate application of ultrasound, interferential and TENS. Other electrotherapeutic modalities will be introduced. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies, and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.
Examination and Management of Lower Limb Sports Injuries	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce common sporting injuries of the lower limb with a case study approach. Lectures will consider the functional anatomy, epidemiology, aetiology, mechanisms of injury, pathophysiology, and typical signs and symptoms. The application of relevant clinical tests will be discussed, and appropriate treatment options identified. Considerations for the sports therapist in the psychology of sporting injury will be addressed. Practical classes will develop skills in appropriate, safe and effective examination and assessment techniques for the ankle, knee and hip joints. Protocols will include observation, touch, active, passive and resisted movements, muscle and ligament tests, palpation, functional tests, and special tests. Consideration will be given to the lumbar spine, referred pain and taping techniques for the lower limb. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies, and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Exercise and Environmental Physiology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore the physiological responses to exercise, including the cardiovascular, neuromuscular and respiratory systems. The module will also address how these responses to acute exercise can be used to determine physiological thresholds in sport and exercise and the effect of extreme environments (such as altitude and extreme temperatures) on physiological systems and exercise performance and chronic adaptations. Practical laboratory skills will be developed for interpretation of physiological data in response to exercise.
Research Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students will explore the principles and methods that underpin scientific research in sport and exercise science and sports therapy. The module will enable students to comprehend, critique, and effectively utilise existing scientific research in their studies and professional practice, either as sport and exercise scientists or sport therapists. The knowledge gained will also provide a foundation upon which to design and develop an appropriate research proposal in order to successfully complete the final year project.
Functional Anatomy and Clinical Biomechanics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the anatomy taught at level 4 and introduces students to the inter"relationship between structure and function of the joints of the human body. Lectures will consider joint structure and function in relation to common injuries that occur within the sport and exercise environment. Students will also be introduced to the neurovascular anatomy of the upper and lower limbs, as well as biomechanical theory. Practical classes will develop biomechanical analysis skills during sport and exercise movements using techniques combining both kinematic and kinetic data. Human gait will be studied, and abnormal biomechanics will be discussed in relation to predisposition to injury.
Peripheral Manual Therapy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will further develop the understanding of peripheral joint biomechanics, in particular the relationship between accessory and physiological movements between normal/altered function and in the presence of sport and exercise related injuries. The ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints will be given particular attention as the module explores the role of manual therapy in the restoration of normal biomechanics of these joints. This includes the indications, benefits, precautions, and the practical implementation of manual therapy techniques. Clinical reasoning skills will be developed and integrated within the practical sessions to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate assessment and implementation of peripheral joint manual therapy techniques. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies, and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.
Examination and Management of Upper Limb Sports Injuries	15 Credits	Compulsory
Sporting injuries to the upper limb, their epidemiology, aetiology, pathologies, typical symptoms and common clinical signs will be introduced during lectures and this information will contribute to practical classes. Appropriate treatment options for upper limb sporting injuries will be discussed. Functional anatomy of the upper limb will be embedded within all lectures and practical classes. Skills in appropriate, safe and effective examination and assessment techniques for the upper limb (including observation, touch, active, passive and resisted movements, muscle and ligament tests, palpation, function and special tests), which focus on the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints, will be taught in practical classes. During workshops, knowledge and skills will be applied to sports specific clinical scenarios. Taping and strapping for the upper limb and diagnostic imaging will be addressed. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies, and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.
Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will cover the principles of sport and exercise rehabilitation in the early, intermediate, late and pre"discharge stages of recovery from injuries sustained in a sports and exercise environment. Students will be taught how to increase and maintain muscular strength and endurance, joint range of motion, proprioception and cardiovascular fitness in the lower and upper limbs, trunk and neck. Sport and exercise rehabilitation techniques such as core stability, functional and sports specific programmes, hydrotherapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitated stretching will be taught, as will crutch walking, gait re"education, return to running and circuit training. There will also be coverage of psychology and biomechanics within the rehabilitation process. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies, and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.
Sports Trauma Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will develop and implement Emergency Action Plans for water and land"based sport and exercise activities. Individual roles and responsibilities will be explored, along with relevant legislation and documentation. The pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and management of injuries, illness and trauma associated with sport and exercise participation will be discussed. The assessment and documenting of vital signs will be addressed, along with the clinical evaluation of injuries, illness, and trauma. Clinical reasoning for referral and return to play decisions will be considered. The guidelines, reasoning and practical application associated with basic and advanced life support, airway, breathing and circulation management will be addressed. Students will discuss and rehearse the appropriate monitoring and management of head and cervical spine injury, and the safe removal of participants from water and land"based environments. Students will develop awareness and skills in professional standards, communication, and scope of practice. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies, and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Advanced Management of Sports Injuries	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module uses an incorporation of problem"based learning techniques and practical workshop teaching sessions. The focus will be on common injury conditions encountered in a sporting environment. Assessment of these conditions will highlight subtle clinical signs and symptoms by introducing advanced clinical techniques. The underlying pathophysiology of presenting problems will be considered together with the implications for treatment and rehabilitation. The aim is to further develop practical sports therapy skills alongside clinical reasoning and decision"making processes. This is so that successful students will be able to devise and implement appropriate, safe and effective advanced treatment and rehabilitation protocols in the light of up"to"date evidence"based practice. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies, and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.
Applied Independent Sports Research Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Applied Independent Sports Research Project module builds on the Research Design module at Level 5. With the support of an allocated supervisor, students will design and undertake an individual research project relevant to their programme of study. This may be in the form of an investigation or a literature review. Students will review current literature in order to develop research aims and objectives or research questions, and to inform and justify their research methodology. Students will assess the ethical considerations for their research, and apply for appropriate ethical approval, if appropriate. Once granted, students will recruit subjects if applicable, and organise and manage data collection or undertake an appropriate review of current literature accessing all current data bases. Appropriate methods of analysis will then be selected and applied. Students will critically evaluate the research findings in relation to current literature, and will address the limitations and make proposals for future research. The independent research will be communicated and defended in the form of a poster presentation and journal"style report.
Strength and Conditioning	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to work with a variety of athletes/ populations within the field of strength and conditioning. The module is centred around guidelines issued by the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a selection of advanced training topics will be explored in depth. This module will incorporate a high practical element, with students developing competence in practical strength and conditioning disciplines as well as theoretical understanding of the practical competencies.
Examination and Management of the Vertebral Column	15 Credits	Compulsory
The appropriate, safe and effective, examination and assessment of vertebral conditions, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar areas of the spine, and the sacro"iliac joint will be addressed. The current evidence-based management of specific spinal conditions will be reviewed to support an appropriate management plan for spinal conditions. The indications, benefits, precautions and contraindications associated with the use of manual therapy techniques for the vertebral column and its associated structures will be discussed. Clinical reasoning and decision"making skills will be developed alongside, and integrated with, teaching of the practical aspects of manual therapy. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies, and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.
Special Populations	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students will explore the role of physical exercise as both a prophylactic and causative factor in a range of diseases, disorders and conditions. Relevant pathophysiology will be examined, and risk factors will be addressed. Physical exercise will also be considered in the treatment and management of a range of diseases, disorders and conditions. Students will consider the influence of these diseases, disorders and conditions on the role of a sports therapist in the assessment, treatment and management of sports injuries.
Sports Therapy Clinical Placement	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will complete a minimum of 200 hours of supervised clinical placement in a sport and/or exercise related clinical environment. Hours as directed to a maximum of seventy must be undertaken within the university undergraduate Sports Injury Clinic. The student is supported in obtaining and completing further supervised placement outside the university. Taught sessions will identify the associated Society of Sports Therapists competencies and will refer to the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. Previous year placements have included Melbourne Storm NRL, Brumbies RFC, Townsville Crocodiles Basketball, Subiaco Sports Injury Clinic, Belmore Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy Clinic, Wasps RFU, Worcester RFU, Ospreys RFC, Watford FC, Colchester FC and numerous Sports Injury Clinics.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Sports Therapy student Kate Walker did her placement at Melbourne Storm NRL:

"During my placement year I was not only exposed to elite athletes but also elite coaches and performance staff. I had the opportunity to learn from the staff and to broaden my understanding not only within the rehabilitation setting but throughout the whole training programme. I was able to get hands on experience from the start, whether that was inside the gym, by the pool with an injured player, outside on the field or pitch-side on game nights. I was able to see the backbone to a premiership winning team, this placement went far beyond any expectation I had and was an experience like none other."

During my placement year I was not only exposed to elite athletes but also elite coaches and performance staff. I had the opportunity to learn from the staff and to broaden my understanding not only within the rehabilitation setting but throughout the whole training programme. I was able to get hands on experience from the start, whether that was inside the gym, by the pool with an injured player, outside on the field or pitch-side on game nights. I was able to see the backbone to a premiership winning team, this placement went far beyond any expectation I had and was an experience like none other.

Kate Walker, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

Placement at Melbourne Storm NRL

Alumni Stories

Gavin Beard

Meet Gavin Beard who has taken his love for sports into industry. Since graduating he has worked his way up the career ladder and is now the Head of Marketing for Norwich Football Club.

Current job role	Head of Marketing
Year of graduation	2013
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Sports Studies

More than a degree

Gavin graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with more than a degree; his university experience helped him to gain valuable insight to several disciplines and allowed him to narrow down his career choices.

He says, 'My degree allowed me to study various disciplines, including coaching, science and business. Having exposure to these different areas helped me understand what I favoured, and it was clear that business (and in particular, marketing) was an area I felt I could forge a career in.'

After successfully completing his degree Gavin began moving up the career ladder, working at many well respected companies such as Coral, BT Sport and currently Norwich City Football Club. Gavin puts a lot of his success down to the degree he studied and the support provided by the university.

He comments, 'The variety of modules and the exposure to different disciplines within my course were extremely useful. This was crucial in helping me determine my path. After year one, I knew I liked marketing, so I worked with the ERASMUS team to find a pathway to help me study this abroad. I then studied business in Valencia for a year and it was an experience I’ll never forget.'

Aspirations for the future

Gavin is still really enjoying his career in leading the Marketing team at Norwich City Football Club. He says, 'It’s an incredibly varied role; one day I could be leading the campaign to promote the new kit, the next it’ll be marketing the Take That gig at Carrow Road!'

Gavin is hopeful for the future and says 'Given my experience, my future roles will continue to be in marketing, hopefully I will help Norwich to become an established Premier League team. Then who knows!'

Alumni Stories

Annabelle Bullock

Meet Annabelle Bullock, a BUCS gold medallist, who studied Sports Studies alongside her athletic pursuits. As an athlete she competed in target shooting and as a member of the women's Lacrosse team.

Read more stories BSc (Hons) Sports Studies MA Education

Current job role	Education Liaison Coordinator
Year of graduation	2018 / 2019
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Sports Studies
Course of study	MA Education

University experience and support

The University supported Annabelle by making her one of its sponsored athletes providing her with greater flexibility and access to sporting facilities and opportunities. This helped her develop a broad and transferable set of skills and experience.

Annabelle says, 'Being an athlete and studying was challenging, but the University and my lecturers were so supportive. Being made a sponsored athlete also came with a bunch of perks. All this support and the opportunities that the University provided helped me to build the skills and confidence I needed to be truly successful in my job today.'

Annabelle currently works as one of the Education Liaison Coordinators at Herts. Having established fantastic contacts within the University, her student activities meant she could seamlessly progress into a professional role that complimented many of her skills and interests.

'I always assumed that I would do something within sport, but when it came to my final year in BSc Sport Studies, I had found my passion for Coach Education. During my MA in Education at the University, I discovered another passion for helping others and working with student athletes.'

Opportunities to explore

The University is committed to recognising talent in its students and offering any exciting opportunities that can enrich their studies and further their careers. Annabelle's lecturers' encouraged her to explore her passion for research which inspired her to continue with postgraduate study. Most impressively, the University helped her win its first BUCS gold medal in target shooting, which she says 'felt amazing as I was the only one in the team!'

Annabelle's advice for new and current students is to 'Do things that are out of your comfort zone because the skills and experiences you develop may just be the thing that your employer is looking for. Take all of the opportunities you can. I thought I was going to be an athlete forever, then I discovered coaching. I am very lucky that my first "proper" job is something that I absolutely love but I am still able to continue coaching. This summer I am helping coach a target shooting national team in the biggest junior, under 21, competition in the country.'

What's next for my career?

The Sports Therapy degree has led graduates to a wide variety of employments. Opportunities may be found working with professional sports teams, in independent sports injury clinics, in health centres and gyms, or on a self-employed basis. In addition, graduates have gone on to study for a MSc or PhD, complete a PGCE to become a teacher, or found opportunities with athletes with disabilities or in schools and youth sport. The skills that are developed throughout the course give the graduate many choices as to where to take their career, with the strong vocational element of the degree and the extensive clinical experience giving a head start in the jobs market.

Our graduates have gone on to work for professional sports teams, in sports injury clinics, in health centres and gyms, or on a self-employed basis.
View our Alumni profiles

Gavin Beard Annabelle Bullock

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 5 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2025	20/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2025	20/05/2026	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2025	20/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2025	20/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
You will be expected to purchase navy tracksuit bottoms, a white polo shirt and navy shorts before starting the course. These can be University of Hertfordshire branded, bought from us before induction, but do not have to be.

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Scholarships
- University of Hertfordshire Sports Scholarships
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BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: CB63

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is de Havilland

What will I study?

Part-time study

Alumni Stories

Meet Gavin Beard who has taken his love for sports into industry. Since graduating he has worked his way up the career ladder and is now the Head of Marketing for Norwich Football Club.

More than a degree

Aspirations for the future

Alumni Stories

Meet Annabelle Bullock, a BUCS gold medallist, who studied Sports Studies alongside her athletic pursuits. As an athlete she competed in target shooting and as a member of the women's Lacrosse team.

University experience and support

Opportunities to explore

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Scholarships

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation