Sports and Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
Student putting plasters on another students thigh

On our Society of Sports Therapists accredited course, we aim to create independent practitioners grounded in musculoskeletal, exercise physiology, treatment, and rehabilitation knowledge with an emphasis on performance underpinned by sports science principles.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

BCDF

Start date

November 2024


Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. In addition, you will also explore key skills such as research methods, scientific fundamentals and promotion techniques.

Degree

The design of our accredited degree develops you into an independent practitioner set for the healthcare, sporting, and practice-based environments.

You will learn how to manage a range of clients from the young to the elderly, from the sedentary, to the elite independent and team-based sporting populations.

  • You will be guided and supported in your studies by expert academic practitioners who continue to work clinically within the discipline, alongside active research involvement. This ensures you will have access to a wide range of professional networks and links throughout the industry.
  • You will benefit from outstanding facilities and the opportunities to work at local, national and international events with elite and community-based sports people (subject to availability).
  • On graduation, you will be 'practice ready' and able to start your career as a Sports and Exercise Therapist working in sporting, healthcare or community settings.
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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of biosciences.

Degree

  • You will get the opportunity to study in the multi-million-pound Alison Gingell building with specialist sports therapy suite, physiology and biomechanics laboratories and industry-standard equipment4.
  • You will explore the structure and function of the human body and how to employ a variety of therapy techniques including massage, soft tissue manipulation and exercise programmes. This will be expanded to include joint mobilisation techniques and management of acute emergency situations. In addition, you will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in the application of scientific disciplines such as psychology and nutrition to your clients.
  • Your dedicated lecturers continue to work with international, national and local athletes as well as within successful private practices, and look to support and develop you into the next generation of Sports and Exercise Therapists (staff subject to change).
  • Our students have provided support at the World and British Transplant Games and have worked with a variety of elite sports teams including Wasps RFC, Coventry City Football Club, and Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey Team.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

The Society of Sports Therapists

The Society of Sports Therapists

On successful completion, you should be eligible for full membership of The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) (additional costs and SST requirements apply) allowing you to be able to practice as a Sports Therapist in a wide variety of settings.


Coventry University welcomes Birmingham City Women FC

The squad of 24 players visited the university’s Alison Gingell building for midseason strength testing.

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Someone sat in a chair to test their strenght with a staff member helping beside the equipment

The practical elements of the course are really helpful – how hands-on the course is. The amount of contact hours and support here is really good.

Matt Searles, Sport and Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons) graduate, 2021
A student treating a student on a hospital bed with another student looking on.

What you'll study

Modules studied in year one aim to provide the scientific knowledge underpinning therapeutic techniques. This includes understanding human anatomy and the involvement of complex structures in understanding the body’s movement. You will cover the science of exercise through our bespoke biomechanics and strength and conditioning modules as we develop your understanding of their applications within the rehabilitation pathway. You will also have the opportunity to gain skills in soft tissue techniques in preparation for running our onsite massage clinic.

Modules

In year two you will have the opportunity (under supervision) 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

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

In the final year, you will lead the university’s Sports and Exercise Therapy student clinic and/or in an external clinic or sporting placement2, whereby you should build a portfolio of evidence of clinical competency to fulfil post-graduation requirements for registration with the SST*. You will learn the importance of screening and profiling in order to enhance your rehabilitation strategy with consideration for nutritional and psychological aspects of their needs. You 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

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

We have lots of practical sessions, a lovely sports injury clinic and my lecturers not only help in the teaching setting but also with my own injuries.

Urszula Dabrowska, Sports and Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons) current student, 2021
Female student strapping another students ankle

How you'll learn

To guide you through your learning journey your lecturers will utilise a range of teaching and learning techniques to enhance your path to becoming an independent practitioner.

The foundation year programme is focused on applied learning geared to high-intensity teaching and study throughout the programme, requiring full commitment from students. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework which is more reflective of a working environment.


Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.


Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as provide an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments.

In the first year where you ground yourself in subject theory, interactive lead lectures enable you to participate in the learning journey supported by asynchronous tasks enabling you to undertake further learning in your own time. As our course is practical in nature, we introduce practical sessions from day one combining demonstration techniques and content focused tasks. Through these practical sessions, you develop your soft skills that enhance your information gathering ability, and apply your treatment techniques working individually through working in pairs and as part of a group of students.

Through the massage clinic and sports therapy clinic your educators adopt a more learner-centred approach to your teaching that encourages participative methods including discussions and case studies where peer to peer learning and problem solving is undertaken.

Sports therapists need to be able to see and assess the patient's body in order to provide effective treatment. Therefore, in order to study sports therapy, you may need to remove some clothing in some cases (i.e., when acting as the client). However, it is important to note that modesty and privacy are prioritised throughout using towels as screens and covers.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 15 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Our sandwich degree option allows a full-year work placement, which can be taken abroad, or you can undertake a study-year abroad2. Past students in our School have been successful in securing places in Spain, France, Canada and the US. The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) also runs a travelling scholarship scheme for student members, which enables successful applicants to work abroad in various clinics or educational establishments. (Subject to additional costs. For further requirements and eligibility please visit the SST website.)

We also try to ensure there is an international perspective to course content and have previously visited the World Transplant Games in Argentina and participated in collaborative online international learning (COIL) projects with places such as Hong Kong.

You can go straight from uni and be successful in work. It is a competitive environment but if you work hard, are dedicated and passionate, it can be done.

Matt Searles, Sport and Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons) graduate, 2021
student smiling holding a skeleton

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

72 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C/4-9 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

A student working in a booth in The Hub.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

 

The degree is delivered at Coventry University main campus, primarily in the Alison Gingell building4.

You will benefit from the outstanding facilities for sport and exercise sciences in the purpose-built Alison Gingell building, including sports and exercise therapy clinic, extensive sport and exercise science laboratories, gait analysis track and 3D motion capture software.

Two male students checking a female students arm

Sports Therapy Clinic

The Sports Therapy Clinic is run by final year Sports Therapy students under the supervision of qualified staff with second year students providing a supervised massage clinic twice a week.

female running on a treadmill with a mask wired up to a machine

Strength and Conditioning Suite

Our multi-purpose suite is equipped with multiple Olympic lifting platforms, a 20m gait analysis track, an anti-gravity treadmill and a 3D motion capture system.

 


Careers and opportunities

Accreditation from the Society of Sports Therapists means that on graduation you will be qualified to work as a sports therapist with professional teams, clubs or private clinics. Alternatively, you can access appropriate additional training to support professional football and rugby (additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting any applicable visa requirements may apply).

The course includes a substantial amount of sport science, which can allow you the opportunity to move into other career options upon graduation, such as management or service delivery in sport and leisure centres. If you are more interested in the medical and health applications of exercise science, you could go on to work within cardiac and other rehabilitation teams within the NHS, or with local councils within sports development or exercise for health schemes.

Past graduates from this course have gone on to work at high levels of professional and semi-professional sports such as football, rugby and transplant sport. Other graduates have gone on to lead successful careers within private practice, both owning and working within a range of therapy clinics nationwide and internationally.

A proportion of past graduates have also utilised their skills within the NHS in rehabilitation departments.

Graduates have also continued with postgraduate study on courses, including our:

Where our graduates work

Graduates have also gone to work as clinicians with practices such as Swan Physio Ltd, Body Logic Health, and as sports therapists for teams such as Wasps, Watford FC and Aston Villa FC, Nottingham Forest FC, Kidderminster FC, Peterborough United FC, Coventry United Ladies FC, QPR FC.

Further study

We have a range of postgraduate courses that graduates would be well prepared to progress onto, enabling them to gain specialist skills relating to development of teaching, sporting potential or lifelong physical activity. Our PGCE courses allow entry to teaching careers and our more specialist MSc programmes in sport provide opportunities for graduates to develop skills in a more specific area of study.

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

The opportunities which were offered to us throughout the course were amazing. We had the opportunity to work in two onsite clinics throughout the second and third year, to cover pitch side first aid at different sporting events, the chance to volunteer at the Coventry Marathon, international trips and a choice to do a placement year in which I managed to get a year-long internship at WASPS RFC. Having these opportunities at Coventry University gave me the chance to develop further and gave me the confidence to become the best Sports Therapist I could be.

Poppy Headland, Sports and Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons) graduate, 2021
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