Sports and Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons)

In year two you will have the opportunity to utilise your skills in the on-site massage clinic, open to the public, and will be taught joint manipulation techniques. You will be taught how to assess and manage injury, and how to employ rehabilitation programmes. In addition, exercise physiology is taught, which is focused on sporting performance and how Sports and Exercise Therapists can support and enhance athletic function. Preparation for the final year project begins with a focus on designing and analysing research investigations.

Modules

• Applied Vertebral Manual Therapy - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is to help enable you to assess and plan treatment for clients who present with mechanical problems associated with the spine. The module will involve undertaking assessments and applying clinical reasoning to select the appropriate manual skills to improve or solve the problem(s). You will be taught and asked to evaluate various skills and techniques that can be applied to the torso of the body. Underpinning these techniques will require understanding of the pathology of common central neuromusculoskeletal complaints and dysfunctions. You will be encouraged to engage in wide-ranging debates and problem-solving exercises using examples from real-life issues.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Test

• Applied Peripheral Manual Therapy - 20 credits

  Successful completion of this module will enable you to assess and plan treatment for clients who present with mechanical problems associated with the periphery. The module will involve undertaking client assessments and applying clinical reasoning and the appropriate manual skills to improve or solve these problem(s). You will be taught how to use and evaluate various skills and techniques that can be applied to the periphery of the body. Underpinning these techniques will require you to develop an understanding of the pathology of common peripheral neuromusculoskeletal complaints and dysfunctions. You will also be encouraged to explore methods and protocols for initiating and implementing referrals to an appropriate professional, as required, whilst using the relevant terminology for the problem and /or treatment/management to date.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Test

• Science of Performance - 20 credits

  This module aims to develop your understanding of the interdisciplinary applications of the science behind performance and you will explore links between physiology, biomechanics, psychology, sociology and nutrition. You will be taught how these sciences interact and will be encouraged to develop an understanding of how to adopt a periodised approach to training, in order to optimize performance.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Presentation

• Rehabilitation - 20 credits

  Successful completion of this module will enable you to develop and deliver appropriate and comprehensive rehabilitation programmes to a variety of client groups; with consideration of various factors such as age, gender and general health. The module will involve integrating therapeutic exercise interventions for clients with dysfunctional movement patterns using examples from real life situations.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework

• Trauma Management - 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to enable you to recognise and develop the skills needed to be able deal with traumatic situations whether in sport or other situations. Theoretical components will be taught alongside practical application to allow the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding within a case study environment. All skills will be underpinned by the development of awareness of the pathophysiological processes, and signs and symptoms of common conditions associated with sport and exercise. On successful completion of this module, you should be able to create and conduct a thorough risk assessment with an emergency action plan (EAP) in a variety of uncontrolled settings.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Test and viva

• Data Collection and Analysis in Sport and Exercise - 10 credits

  This module aims to develop the skills and knowledge required by professionals working within an applied exercise and sport setting. The importance of understanding research in relation to informing an evidence-based approach to practice for therapists and scientists will be explored. In lecture sessions you will consider study design and data analysis and also be taught how to conduct such analyses using standard software packages.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Portfolio

• Project Proposal - 10 credits

  The initial stages of the scientific research process should be applied to enable you the chance to identify and develop a research question within a chosen topic area. You will then be asked to design an independent research study which will need to be communicated in the form of a research proposal. This assessment will aim to showcase, amongst other things, your ability to seek and identify relevant information, develop research question(s) and make evidence based informed judgments. These are all thought to be key graduate level skills desired by employers as they can demonstrate your ability to perform work-based tasks such as write reports, develop business cases and conduct audits. In addition, this module provides the opportunity for you to evaluate and practice specific practical skills and methods relevant to your proposed research. You will also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in exploring ethical and health and safety issues, including completing appropriate documentation.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework

• Add+vantage module - 10 credits

  You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and exam

On successful completion of year two, you may opt to take an enhancement year by enrolling on an optional module Work Experience Placement or Study Abroad Year*. These modules offer highly valued opportunities which aim to enhance learning and may provide a competitive advantage in the workplace after graduation. Although you are responsible for securing the placement, the university offers support in identifying and applying for placement opportunities.

Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our placement/study abroad offering here, it is often tailored for each course every year and depending on the length of placement or study abroad opportunities that are secured. Therefore, the placement and study abroad arrangements vary per course and per student. Please contact the Talent Team for more information about going on a placement or study abroad year.

Modules

• Professional Experience Year

  Optional

• Enhancement Year

  Optional

In the final year, you will have the chance to work within the university’s Sports and Exercise Therapy clinic and/or in an external clinic or sporting situations, whereby you should build a portfolio of evidence of clinical competency to fulfil post-graduation requirements for potential registration with the SST*. You are encouraged to develop your understanding of the roles of a Sports and Exercise Therapist and will have the chance to design and undertake a research project.

*Please see the Accreditation and Professional recognition section and the SST website for further information on requirements.

Modules

• Clinical Experience - 30 credits

  The aim of this module is to introduce you to working within a clinical environment where you should be able to manage your time and organise the clinic effectively. Through taking the role of clinic manager you should experience how to use and develop managerial and leadership skills. You will be guided through the process of clinical reasoning and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders independently but with support from tutors.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Portfolio and viva

• Clinical Practice - 30 credits

  In this module you should continue your clinical experience and begin to take more of a leading role in the treatment and rehabilitation programs of varied clients. Through successful completion of these activities, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of related physical, physiological, psychosocial and therapeutic concepts to explore their application to training, fitness, rehabilitation and management within sport. You will be encouraged to actively work with supervision in the clinic environment and during a clinical placement*. Seminar sessions will provide the opportunity to gain the knowledge required to identify causes, risk reduction, diagnosis, investigation and management of the common injuries and dysfunctions that arise as a result of sport and exercise. Successful completion of this module will allow you to assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders independently but with support from tutors and placement supervisors and will mean that you will also be able to apply a range of intervention techniques to minimise the risk of, and promote recovery from, injury.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Portfolio and viva

• Performance Management - 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to enable you to evaluate the screening of athletes in a range of performance levels and age categories. This screening is promoted as part of either an injury risk management strategy or as a performance enhancement strategy. The screening would then drive the design of interventions/training programmes in light of the findings either to reduce the risk of sustaining injuries or to provide remedial-prehab exercises to prevent these deficiencies being exposed and leading to injury during high performance training. Aspects of performance enhancement from a nutritional and psychology perspective will also be considered.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Test and presentation

• Project Proposal and Performance Review - 10 credits

  This module introduces you to conventional appraisal and performance review panels which you are likely to encounter within your potential future work environments upon graduation. The module is designed to allow you to take ownership of your final year project and career options upon successful completion of the course. You are encouraged to take control of not only your project planning and execution but reflection on your studies so far and career options following graduation. In addition, this module provides the opportunity for you to evaluate and practice specific practical skills and methods relevant to your proposed research.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Cpursework

• Research Project - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is for you to carry out and present an individual research project. You will be asked to conduct, analyse, interpret and communicate a piece of research in the form of a journal article and may use either primary or secondary data.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and presentation

• Injury Recovery - 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to allow you to evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that may be encountered when working to return an individual back to full capacity. It is designed to develop your understanding of the requirements of the individual returning and the demands and pressures placed upon them through rehabilitation. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to engage in wide-ranging debates and problem-solving exercises) using examples from real-life issues.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework

• Add+vantage module - 10 credits

  You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and exam