Triangle

This course is no longer accepting applications for 2023 entry.

Course overview

We develop students to become confident sport rehabilitators, equipped with the knowledge, skills and flexibility to work independently across a range of sporting, health, rehabilitation and exercise environments.

Accredited by the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT), our BSc Sport Rehabilitation develops your practical skills to work with patients and athletes of all ages to rehabilitate them following injury.

We are committed to developing sport rehabilitators within a supportive, nurturing environment. You will work across key areas of injury prevention, health, wellbeing and sporting performances, designing and implementing exercise and rehabilitation programmes for your clients.

Renowned for our sporting success, you'll have access to the excellent facilities in our David Ross Sports Village to enhance your learning. You can also gain additional practical experience by undertaking practice placements in sporting environments including the opportunity to work in the University Sports Injury Clinic.

Please note: this course will be going through re-accreditation in January 2023. This means that elements of the course structure and modules may be different for 2023 entry. Please keep checking this page for the latest details before you apply.

Why choose this course?

Close-knit community

Be part of the close-knit and high-achieving community of student sport rehabilitators and physiotherapists with a strong support network.

Practical experience

Gain practical experience within sports teams and clinics across a wide range of sport and exercise environments in the East Midlands

Specialist modules

A choice of specialist modules in year three to individualise your learning experience

Sports Uni of the Year

Join the best university in the UK for sports in 2021

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021


Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level ABB

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

Required subjects

A levels must include a biological science or PE.

A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately. However, we will make allowances where Covid-19 has been the reason for practical test results being unavailable. General studies is not accepted.

Plus a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, taken in one sitting, which include maths, English language and biology/double science.

Please note: you must have achieved the GCSEs at the point of application and not at the point of entry.

IB score 32 (5 in biology at Higher Level). Minimum of three subjects at Higher Level (including biology)

 

Work experience

It is desirable to gain work experience prior to applying, to demonstrate that you understand the role of a sport rehabilitator and the demands and challenges of working in a sport or exercise environment.

Please note, we are not expecting any work experience to have taken place or be ongoing after March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Your application for 2023 entry will not be negatively affected if you’ve been unable to complete work experience you had planned.

Health and Criminal Records screening

All applicants are subject to a health screening by Occupational Health, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before they can commence the course. 

Minimum age requirement

We do not consider your application if you will be under 17 years and 9 months on the 1 September of the year you start your course.

Elite Athletes

We can make a contextual offer if you're an athlete competing at a high level and are offered a Sports Scholarship. We recommend that you complete the expression of interest form as soon as possible so that your elite athlete status can be confirmed prior to an offer being made. More information and how to apply can be found on the UoN Sport pages.

Part-time working alongside University studies

As a student on a full-time professional training course, it is expected that your primary focus would be your full-time university studies. If you're considering part-time paid employment alongside your university studies it is advised that you discuss your position with your personal tutor before committing.

Foundation progression options

If you don't meet the requirements for this course and you're a UK or EU student, you might want to consider our one-year Health Sciences with Foundation course.

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

Teaching methods

  • Anatomy sessions
  • Case-based learning
  • Clinical relevance sessions
  • Clinical skills sessions
  • eLearning
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Placements
  • Practical classes
  • Problem-based learning
  • Prosection
  • Self-study
  • Seminars
  • Small group learning
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

  • Case studies
  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Formative assessments
  • Lab reports
  • Logbooks
  • Portfolio (written/digital)
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical exams
  • Presentation
  • Verbal exam
  • Workplace-based assessment

Contact time and study hours

During the course, you can expect approximately 12 to 24 hours of contact time per week. Along with approximately 12 to 24 hours of independent self-guided study each week.

In order to comply with the requirements of the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators (BASRaT), you're required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical practice during the course. At Nottingham, you'll gain these hours by undertaking 10 weeks of clinical placements plus participation in the massage clinic in year two. 

Some placements may be in one 'block' where you should expect to undertake a normal full-time working week. However, you may also be required to undertake a part-time placement that will take place over the course of a full academic year. Please note you may be required to work unsociable hours, including some weekends and evenings, depending upon the placement.

Placements

Placements will be in environments where a sport rehabilitator would be expected to find employment, for example in private clinics and sports clubs.

Placements will be arranged for you and these will predominantly be within the East Midlands. You may be required to undertake these either in one block of full-time work (four or six weeks) or part-time over the full academic year. It may be necessary to live out or travel daily. However, we do our best to ensure that no student does more than their fair share of travelling or living out. Some placement locations may be further afield as we have contacts with a number of professional sports clubs in other regions.

For the duration of each placement, you are allocated an experienced sport rehabilitator/ exercise professional who will supervise, guide and support you, aiming to provide the best learning environment possible. You will also receive dedicated support from a university tutor during the placement period.

Placement locations currently include:

  • Notts County FC
  • Nottingham Forest FC
  • Mansfield Town FC
  • Leicester Tigers Rugby Club
  • Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club
  • Private Sports Injury Clinics (including the Sports Injury Clinic on University Park Campus)

Please note that these locations may change.

You may also be allocated to a ‘pod’ working alongside other healthcare students. ‘Pods’ support university sports teams by undertaking pre-season and concussion screening with players and providing pitch-side emergency care, and management of injuries throughout the season.

Modules

Please note this course is going through reaccreditation in January 2023. This will result in module changes meaning the modules below may change. 

Year one introduces you to the basis of the academic concepts and practical skills required for professional practice, including;

  • anatomy
  • physiology
  • common musculoskeletal conditions
  • basic research skills
  • an introduction to professional development.

During year one, you will be taught alongside the BSc Physiotherapy students, encouraging collaborative learning.

Developing Evidence-Based Practice (research)

This module includes:

  • introduction to the process of evidence based practice in a logical sequence and over the course of the year
  • basic principles underpinning evidence-based practice
  • development of skills and ability to use evidence to inform clinical decision making
  • development of basic search strategies including; literature search, literature critique and application of literature to clinical practice

Teaching and learning delivery includes lectures, tutorials, library sessions, directed activities and a mini conference.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Disease

This module includes:

  • mechanism of injuries to the musculoskeletal system
  • pathology of disease e.g. developmental conditions, tumours, bone diseases
  • healing and management of fractures
  • healing and management of soft tissue injuries e.g. ligament, tendon and muscle injury
  • pathology and management of rheumatological conditions e.g. osteoarthritis

This module teaching includes direct teacher contact, lectures and tutorials, directed study, clinical skills sessions and independent learning.  

Neuromusculoskeletal Studies 1 and 2

This module will develop:

  • a solid foundation of knowledge that relates to human structure, function and movement
  • basic physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills
  • promote an awareness of core physiotherapeutic concepts
  • the focus is on the cervical spine and upper limb in semester one
  • the focus is on the lumbar spine, hip, knee, foot and ankle in semester two

Teaching includes a variety of lecture and practical-based sessions, anatomy dissection and gym-based practical work. 

Pathophysiology 1 and 2

The module aims to prepare you with the underpinning knowledge of:

  • basic tissue structures, specifically nerve and muscle tissue
  • physiology of muscle contraction
  • control of movement
  • mechanisms of sensation (including pain)

Teaching includes lectures, tutorials, and laboratory-based sessions. 

Continuing Professional Development 1

This module will develop:

  • effective study skills and management of your own learning
  • the ability to integrate knowledge gained in different subject areas to assist future learning
  • learning styles, reflection and development of strategies to facilitate independent learning
  • topics include the physiological effects of illness or injury on an individual and the family, including quality of life

Teaching includes a variety of lecture and seminar-based sessions, interprofessional learning and independent study. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 06 February 2023.

Please note this course is going through reaccreditation in January 2023. This will result in module changes meaning the modules below may change.

Year two is divided between teaching and a clinical placement in a sport rehabilitation or exercise-related setting.

You will further develop your knowledge and skills in the management of sports injuries, including key concepts in injury prevention, exercise prescription for rehabilitation, nutrition and exercise physiology for performance management.

Injury Management and Rehabilitation

This module continues the development of assessment and treatment skills, manual therapy skills, and exercise prescription in the management and rehabilitation of the individual. These are core skills required in your future career so we ensure you have adequate training and practice.

Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

This module includes learning about the energy systems for exercise and the enhancement of health and performance through manipulation of dietary intake. Methods for measuring body composition, energy expenditure and performance markers, will also be examined and introduced.

Personal and Professional Development 2

Continuing from the skills introduced in year one, this module will cover: 

  • management skills
  • teamwork
  • leadership
  • stress management
  • counselling 

The aim of this module is to equip you with transferable and practical skills that you will need in your future career. 

Prehabilitation and Screening

In this module you will undertake assessment of injury risk and pre-participation screening for sport, including biomechanical analysis of human movement. The application of strategies to reduce risk of injury (prehabilitation) is also introduced in this module.

Research Methods and Planning

This module aims to:

  • Promote interest and ability to identify potential areas and topics for research
  • Supports students in developing a particular research question
  • Considers how to select appropriate design and analysis in relation to research questions
  • Develops skills around the concept of statistical significance and hypothesis testing
  • Builds upon the data analysis and interpretation skills introduced in year one 

Teaching is delivered through a variety of lectures, seminars and computer-based sessions. 

Soft Tissue Therapy

This module builds on soft tissue treatment skills gained in the first year, and introduces new skills including instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques. Successful completion of this module makes students eligible to apply for insurance to work as a massage therapist whilst still a student. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Please note this course is going through reaccreditation in January 2023. This will result in module changes meaning the modules below may change.

We offer a flexible approach in year three, allowing you to tailor your learning by selecting four optional modules.

You will have greater opportunity to develop as an independent learner, completing a dissertation project and an exciting community-based module to promote sport, exercise, health or wellbeing.

Compulsory

Community Project

This is a year-long project of your own choice promoting sport, exercise and health in a community setting. This may be a charity, school or other community project. The application and development of a broad range of skills will be encouraged which may include information technology, communication, and coaching to encourage a healthier lifestyle or improved sport performance in individuals. 

Psychology in Sport

This module aims to:

  • provide the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the role of psychology in sport
  • to consider assessment and treatment techniques
  • develop knowledge of current strategies in the management of injured or high-level performers
Personal and Professional Development 3

This module aims to:

  • continue to develop self-management which is established throughout the previous two years
  • focus on independent learning and reflection to enable effective self-evaluation on academic and clinical performance
  • consider and discuss historical and contemporary professional issues and how these might impact the role and responsibility of sport rehabilitators
  • the construction of curriculum vitae, personal statements, application forms and interview skills are covered in detail
  • promote goal planning for a career in sport and exercise to assist
Dissertation

For this module you will carry out a major individual research project based on issues and concepts investigated on the course so far as well as your own research interests. Your work will demonstrate your skill for primary research, critical argumentation and understanding of scholarly research. You will also be supported by individual supervision, resources such as film databases, and workshops on research methods throughout the semester.

The below are examples of recent dissertation topics, chosen by students across Film and Television Studies and International Media and Communications Studies:

  • The BBC and its evolving position within a changing British society
  • Coraline: The issue of fidelity in adaptation
  • Barbie and girl power: Commodified feminism and its discourses of traditional femininity
  • Social media and the fitness culture: A case study of social dynamics on Instagram
  • Farewell Mr Colonizer: Depiction of former European colonial nations in cinema
  • Women’s fashion as an expression of essentialist values in the UK

This module is worth 40 credits.

Optional modules

Students choose two optional modules undertaking one in each semester. As these modules are currently being redesigned and improved, we are unable to confirm exact details of titles and content. However, content will reflect staff expertise which includes population health, pre-hospital care, sport and exercise science, manual therapy, neurology and motor control, spinal rehabilitation and leadership. We will update this prospectus once these exciting new modules are confirmed.

Typical optional modules include:

Business and Management Skills

This module aims to:

  • introduce the broad concepts of business management skills
  • facilitate students to develop relevant skills to identify future business opportunities e.g. private practice, bidding for commissioned and public services
Developing Strength and Conditioning

The aim of the module is to prepare you for your work placements by further developing your skills in exercise prescription for an athlete. The ability to design and implement an evidence-based strength and conditioning training programme will be developed. You will be introduced to a variety of advanced training techniques, including but not limited to, power, Olympic lifting, Speed Agility and Quickness (SAQ) and plyometric training.

Disability in Sport

The focus of this module is:

  • to acquire the knowledge and skills in the management of individuals with a disability including key aspects of rehabilitation and performance enhancement
  • topic areas currently include; wheelchair basketball, disability classification in swimming, sailability, CP sport, inclusivity in the community and screening and rehabilitation of the disabled athlete
Exercise and Sport in Specific Populations

The focus of this module is:

  • to acquire the knowledge and skills in the management of individuals from specific populations e.g. paediatrics, adolescents, exercising older adult, female athlete, chronic health conditions
  • to consider key aspects of rehabilitation and performance enhancement in these groups
Rehabilitation of Spinal Disorders

The focus of this module is the management and rehabilitation of pain and dysfunction and pathology in the spine and pelvis. The module will build on your existing knowledge of normal spinal and pelvic treatment and will develop skills in the application and reasoning of anatomical, biomechanical, psychological and practical clinical approaches to the assessment and management of spinal disorders. The module explores the rationale, theory and practical management approaches.

The Management of Pain

This module extends your understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of pain and develops the skills required for pain management. You will consider methods of assessing and recording pain levels, and the management of the chronic pain sufferer.

Learning outcomes:

  • Be able to demonstrate an understanding of alternative theories of pain perception
  • Be able to describe the physiological processes and anatomical structures involved in the experience of pain
  • Be able to justify the selection of appropriate treatment plans for pain management with reference to current clinical practice and literature supporting evidence based practice
  • Demonstrate enhanced clinical reasoning skills in the management of pain
  • Be able to utilise specific assessment techniques to assess patients with pain
  • Be able to apply knowledge of the relevant neuroantomy and neurophysiology to the practice and application of therapeutic techniques

 

Analysis of Human Movement

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of human movement analysis. The module also aims to provide practical experience in measuring and analysing human movement using data collection equipment, while building on existing skills to evaluate critically the output of these tools and methods. The module aims to demonstrate the relevance of movement analysis to current clinical practice and explore it's use in a clinical or research setting.

The module will:

  • provide an understanding of human movement analysis
  • develop practical experience in measuring and analysing human movement
  • utilise data collection equipment (force plates, muscle strength) and develop skills to critically evaluate these tools and methods
  • consider the relevance of movement analysis to current physiotherapy practice
  • explore the use of movement analysis in both the clinical and research settings 

Teaching delivery is through a variety of lectures, external speakers, group-based seminars and practical sessions.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Fees and funding

UK students

£9,250
Per year

International students

£27,200*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. This includes around £30 for optional skeleton hire and the costs of purchasing suitable sport clothing for practical sessions, such as trainers and swimwear. You may wish to purchase football boots if you are providing pitch side care.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

You will need to pay £38 for an enhanced DBS check, and you may wish to subscribe to the DBS update service for £13 per year.

Travel to your placements is self-funded and costs will vary depending on location. You are also required to fund any accommodation and/or equipment expenses.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Scholarships and bursaries

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international applicants who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Sports Scholarships

Full details of these can be found here.

Careers

Graduate sport rehabilitators (GSR's) have a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of sport rehabilitation and exercise science, experience of relating theory to practice and utilising skills in a practical setting on placements. The ‘Community Project’ module will also demonstrate a commitment and responsibility to promoting health and wellbeing in society. You will have developed skills in research, and spent considerable time on personal development.

GSR's are employed in a range of sport, health and occupational settings. Many work in private practice, with professional teams, clubs and the leisure industry, and in the Ministry of Defence. There are also opportunities in research and/or teaching.

Average starting salary and career progression

97.9% of undergraduates from the School of Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £24,033.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers

The course is accredited by the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT).

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" This course provided me with the best start to my professional career as a graduate sport rehabilitator. It gave me excellent placement opportunities with premier league football clubs and private specialist musculoskeletal clinics that allowed me to make professional contacts throughout my time studying. My first clinical role after graduating included working with premier league football club, Nottingham Forest FC (who I still work with now after two years). I have also had the opportunity to work in private clinical practice treating a range of athletes and conditions... This is a great yet challenging course, that readily prepares you for the clinical working world. "
Hannah Dent, BSc Sport Rehabilitation, 2020 graduate

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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.