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The module explores the theoretical and practical elements of fundamental musculoskeletal anatomy. Students will develop and demonstrate the practical skills to apply their anatomical knowledge in a clinical setting.
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This module aims to develop knowledge of anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system during movement and apply them to exercise performance and injury. Students will also be introduced to biomechanical principles underpinning the practical analysis of human movement, considering the role of analysis in sport and in movement. It will serve to widen the students' knowledge base and will provide a firm basis for working at a higher level in the discipline of sport and exercise biomechanics. Relevant risk assessment and health and safety protocols will be adhered to within the human performance laboratory.
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Be able to understand and apply a variety of soft tissue therapy techniques and remedial methods to various muscles in the body underpinned by anatomical understanding. Be able to perform a basic subjective and objective assessment with the understanding of treatment indications, contraindications and precautions. Be able to maintain health and safety within a clinical environment. Understand hot and cold therapy and how to effectively apply them safely.
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This module aims to develop knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, systems and their responses to exercise both acute and chronic from a physiological perspective. You will learn about human anatomy, function, systems in relation to both performance and health. This will include applied work in a laboratory environment to develop proficiency in measurements methods related to exercise physiology.
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The module looks to develop students understanding and knowledge of key training principles that underpin physical preparation for training and injury prevention. Students will develop the theory and practical skills to apply training principles to healthy individuals.
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This module is focuses on exploring sport, exercise, physical activity and coaching. Introducing and developing the skills you need to be successful in Higher Education. The module will allow you the opportunity to reflect on your skills and development needs, as well as enhancing your knowledge and skills in this area.
BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Therapy
Undergraduate, Honours Degree, September 2025
Key Details
- C630 Course Code
- 3 Years
- TBC Typical UCAS Tariff
At Birmingham Newman University, our BSc Sports and Exercise Therapy programme offers a holistic and integrated approach. The programme emphasises the integration of clinical skills with sports science and strength and conditioning. Birmingham Newman University has strong links with local sports teams, clinics, and healthcare providers. These connections facilitate placements, guest lectures, and networking opportunities, enriching the student experience, and enhancing employability prospects.
In our BSc Sports and Exercise Therapy programme students learn an extensive range of therapeutic techniques and modalities, including rehabilitation exercises, manual therapy, taping, and injury assessment. Students engage in hands-on, practical learning experiences from the outset. Clinical placements in both sporting contexts and private clinical settings offer invaluable real-world exposure. These placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings under the guidance of experienced professionals.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the demands of the profession. Students develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, vital for success in the field. The programme prioritises the holistic development of students; alongside academic studies, students receive guidance and support to develop their professional identity, ethical practice, and lifelong learning skills.
- Expert Guidance: Immerse yourself in learning from experience among applied academic practitioners who are actively engaged in research. Their wealth of experience ensures that you receive excellent education and practical insights.
- Professional Networks: Gain access to an extensive network of industry connections through academic staff. These valuable relationships provide opportunities for mentorship, placements, internships, and career advancement.
- Cutting-Edge Facilities: Explore state-of-the-art equipment that enhances your learning experience. From the Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill to the precision of Hawkin Dynamics force plates, and the performance tracking capabilities of our GPS units, our facilities empower you with the tools needed to excel in Sports and Exercise Therapy.
Prepare to embark on a rewarding career in Sports and Exercise Therapy, equipped with hands-on experience and technological proficiency.
Discover the dynamic world of sports and exercise therapy at Birmingham Newman University! Our degree programme offers an exciting blend of clinical and exercise-focused learning, providing you with the essential skills to thrive in this rewarding field. Throughout your studies, you’ll delve into two key areas: clinical practice and exercise science. These themes are interwoven into every aspect of the course, ensuring a cohesive and enriching learning journey.
With each passing year, you’ll build upon your knowledge, gaining a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts that underpin the role of a sports and exercise therapist. In our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll explore musculoskeletal anatomy, laying the foundations for effective clinical assessment and injury diagnosis. Dive into the fascinating world of strength and conditioning, where you’ll learn how to develop tailored exercise prescriptions to aid athletes on their journey back to performance. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of conservative and advanced treatment methods and cutting-edge technologies.
We understand that every sports environment is unique, which is why we’re committed to equipping you with the skills to excel in any setting post-graduation. Furthermore, our highly experienced academic staff have extensive links in the industry offering exciting placement opportunities for your final year of study where you begin to apply your skills in real-world settings.
Join us at Birmingham Newman University and embark on a journey that will prepare you to make a real difference in the world of sports and exercise therapy. Unlock your potential and become a leader in this exciting and ever-evolving field!
Year 1: Approx 12-13 hours per week contact
Year 2: Approx 13-14 hours per week contact
Year 3: Approx 11-12 hours per week contact with additional placement hours
At Birmingham Newman University, where we take pride in our innovative approach to assessing your skills and knowledge as a future sports and exercise therapists. We believe in using a range of engaging methods to evaluate your progress. From interactive quizzes to thought-provoking essays, and dynamic presentations, you’ll have the chance to showcase your talents in various ways. Our practical assessments are where the magic happens. Here, you’ll step into real-world scenarios, immersing yourself in hands-on experiences that mirror the challenges you’ll face as a sports and exercise therapist after graduation. These opportunities are designed to instil confidence in your abilities and ensure you’re ready to embrace the next stage in your career.
At Birmingham Newman University, we’re committed to nurturing your potential and preparing you for success in the dynamic field of sports and exercise therapy. Join us and unlock your future as a confident and capable professional!
After completing your degree, there is an array of thrilling career paths in the UK and internationally. For those eager to further their academic journey, postgraduate studies beckon with enticing opportunities. Options include delving into Secondary Teaching, where graduates can impart their knowledge and passion for sports therapy to the next generation. Alternatively, Higher Education Teaching offers a platform to inspire future sports therapists while advancing their expertise. Furthermore, graduates may choose to specialise in areas such as Strength and Conditioning, Physiotherapy, or Sports Medicine, delving deeper into their chosen field and further developing their skills.
This path opens doors to a multitude of roles within professional, semi-professional, and elite sports teams and individuals, where they can contribute to the health and performance of high-level athletes in football and rugby, to name a few.
The National Health Service (NHS) presents another avenue for employment, with a growing demand for sports therapists in musculoskeletal departments, particularly through organisations like Connect Health. Here, graduates can apply their expertise to help patients recover from injuries and improve their overall physical well-being.
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, the realm of private practice is an exciting career path. Whether working in established clinics or venturing out to establish their own, graduates can build thriving practices, offering specialised care to clients seeking relief from sports-related injuries and performance enhancement.
In summary, the world of sports and exercise therapy in the UK is filled with possibilities. From academia to elite sports, healthcare to entrepreneurship, graduates have the chance to have fulfilling careers in diverse and dynamic fields, making a tangible impact on the lives of athletes and individuals alike.
To graduate with a BSc Hons Sports and Exercise Therapy degree recognised by the Society of Sport Therapists, students must attend 80% of all practical lectures, complete 250 hours of clinical placement, and complete and pass a research project.
The Sport and Health team at Birmingham Newman University pride themselves on their ongoing involvement in sport, health and physical education research. Staff are actively contributing in the following four areas of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) —Physical Activity and Health, Sport Performance, Mental Skills Training and Sport in Society. The team regularly publishes their research in industry journals, and present at international sport, health and physical education conferences. Our ‘Meet The Sport Team’ page details the specific areas of research that the team have been, or currently are involved in.
As a student at Newman, you will be taught by research-active staff, who are actively contributing to the latest developments across a wide-range of disciplines within the sport and health industry and the physical education sector. Staff bring the latest knowledge and expertise to the classroom, laboratory and sports field, enhancing your learning experience. At Newman you get the benefit of our staff’s cutting-edge knowledge combined with a focus on your needs, in a student-centred University where you are our priority. Our staff expertise, and their links with external agencies will maximise your University experience and hopefully provide you with opportunities as you consider your career paths for the future.
We encourage our students to proactively explore research during their studies. As a science-based discipline, you will be conducting research throughout a range of modules under the supervision of expert staff.
Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Course Fees
The full-time course fee for September 2025 is £9,250 per year.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Additional Costs
Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.
Modules
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The module explores the theoretical and practical application of clinical assessment of peripheral and spinal joints. You will be able to assess joints and offer differential diagnoses using clinical tests to establish the mostly likely pathology as well an appreciation for non-musculoskeletal pathologies. The module develops your anatomical knowledge in relation to pathology and allows you to develop patient handling skills in a clinical setting.
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The module explores the theoretical and practical application of manual therapy to peripheral and spinal joints underpinned by your anatomical knowledge. Students will develop the skills to apply manual therapy safely and effectively to spinal and peripheral joints.
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The module aims to expose you work and skill related based learning opportunities and experiences within the university sport and exercise therapy clinic. You will be interacting with real patients seeking treatment that will challenge your ability to offer a professional service and reflect on your performance as an aspiring sport and exercise therapist.
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The module explores the theoretical and practical application of early to intermediate management of musculoskeletal injuries. This is underpinned anatomy; physiology and you are expected to critically analyse a variety of strategies in the management of early to intermediate musculoskeletal injuries which is inclusive of the application of therapeutic exercise.
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The module explores the theoretical and practical application of late stage to return to play management of musculoskeletal injuries. This is underpinned by anatomy; advanced physiology and you are expected to critically analyse a variety of strategies in the development of physical performance and the management of late stage to return to play of musculoskeletal injuries.
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This module provides students with theoretical underpinning and practical experience of quantitative and qualitative research methods. It offers the opportunity for students to acquire the necessary skills to conduct independent research in sport, exercise, physical activity and coaching related topics at level 6.
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The module aims to consolidate theoretical and practical skills by exposing you to real patients with injuries within a clinical setting and on placement, while provoking continuous reflective practice. The module aims to expose you to a professional clinical environments and sporting environments whereby patients are examined and treated appropriately depending on their clinical presentation. 96 hours of placement will be provided by the university clinic, and students are expected to complete a minimum of 104 additional hours of placement.
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The module explores the role and responsibility of a sport and exercise therapist working pitch side. The module explores the theoretical and practical application of advanced trauma life support, advanced assessment and management of life-threatening airway, breathing, circulation, chest and spinal trauma. Recognition and management of potentially life threatening and limb threatening injures and medical emergencies and non-life-threatening conditions in a pre-hospital setting. This module looks to ensure you have the understanding and ability to formulate and enact emergency action plan (EAP) specific to a of sporting environment.
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The module explores the theoretical and practical application of injury screening for sport and the implementation of injury prevention strategies on and off-field. You are expected to critically analyse a variety of screening methods and injury prevention strategies in the role of reducing injury risk withing sport.
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The module explores a diverse range of topics in sport. The module explores the theoretical and practical implication and application of working with special populations, and contemporary issues. The purpose of the module is to equip students with thorough knowledge of issues relating to sport and exercise therapy, sport & exercise science, and coaching that are particularly relevant and high profile in society or science at the time of delivery. Students will develop their ability to make informed decisions based on the evidence and to communicate findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. Relevant risk assessment and health and safety protocols will be adhered to within the human performance laboratory.
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This module builds on prior learning and offers students the opportunity for further development of their skills, knowledge and understanding through conducting an independent research project. The project is regarded as an important exercise for developing students’ abilities to formulate appropriate research design and procedures, to collect and present in an appropriate and meaningful way, to conduct a critical analysis of relevant literature, and to demonstrate their understanding and application of theoretical principles. The research focus must be specific to their chosen degree.
Additional Information
The Society of Sports Therapists (SST)
As part of this accreditation, to graduate with a BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Therapy degree recognised by the Society of Sport Therapists, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all practical lectures, complete 200 hours of clinical placement, and complete and pass a research project. If students leave without completing the full requirements of the SST, students are NOT permitted use any of the clinical skills taught at any level of study.
General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses