BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy (with Foundation Year)

Graduate as a qualified sports therapist using our dedicated clinic, working with our performance athletes and professional practising staff. The course is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists, so you can be confident you’ll graduate ready for your career.

This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into a degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc Sports Therapy qualification.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 or 5 years full time

UC UCAS Code: CF12

Part or Full Time: Full Time

Level of Study: Foundation Year Degrees

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 32 - 48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

You’ll undertake a minimum of 200 placement hours during the course, giving you the skills and experience that employers are looking for. You’ll benefit from contextualised teaching and learning, so you understand the realities of day-to-day practice. Focus on practical and professional skills, as well as the wider academic knowledge and theory underpinning the practice.

Learn from a team who are also practising industry professionals, as you gain the skills and knowledge you need. You’ll also work closely with sports therapists, strength and conditioning experts, sports scientists, and physiotherapists, learning how to work in a multidisciplinary team.

The knowledge you gain in sports medicine and sports science, will mean you can accurately provide examination, assessment, injury management and rehabilitation in sporting and non-sporting settings.

Our performance sport campus is the perfect place to learn. Put your skills into practice delivering pitch-side first aid or working as part of our sports injury clinic.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists (SST). This means that, on graduation you’ll be eligible to join the SST as a graduate to apply for membership and professional liability insurance.

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

We also ask that you successfully complete our Fitness to Practise process.

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

In year one and two, you’ll have the chance to complete a number of on-campus opportunities, ranging from pitchside acute management, to student-led clinics and other event opportunities.

Your final year will consist of hours both on campus and through external, pre-approved, work placement opportunities. These hours will be logged as part of assessment elements for specific modules.

Students have previously been able to source opportunities with Cheltenham Football Club, Gloucester Football Club, Gloucester Rugby, Bath RFC, and in the Hartpury Medical Hub. Please note, all placements and opportunities are unpaid, and have to be approved prior to commencing.

You could also choose to do an optional integrated placement year to gain further industry experience.

Guest lecturers and continued professional development

As part of the programme, and to assist your professional development you’ll undertake an emergency first aid certificate. This is in order to allow you to carry out the applied opportunities in your first year, including pitchside first aid hours. The one day course provides students with standardised training for the environment of basic life support.

Industry professionals and guest lecturers may form part of your learning, enabling you to gain different experiences and context of sports therapy.

Continued professional development is a key part of sports therapy. Although not compulsory, Hartpury University may host various extra-curricular activities and courses. Prices will vary depending on the nature and duration of the course, as well as the external provider.

Graduate destinations

As a graduate sports therapist you may progress into a variety of industries and sports therapy roles. You could go on to work as a sports therapist in many settings, including for clubs or teams, in private practices, or the fitness and health industry. Roles within the NHS and Ministry of Defence are also a possibility, as is further postgraduate study.

You’ll also gain the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare you for employment.

Recent graduate destinations have included:

Sports Therapist, Hartpury Academy
Sports Therapist, Tamworth Football Club
Sports Therapy Internship, Dragons Rugby
Self-employed Sports Therapist
Roles in the NHS and Ministry of Defence

Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Attendance requirements

You are expected to actively engage and attend all scheduled sessions and modules. As a pre-requisite to meet the professional body requirements, a minimum attendance requirement is stipulated. Attendance will be monitored in all sessions across modules. Failure to meet the attendance requirements may result in a student being unable to sit the assessment for a module at the first attempt due to the health and safety associated with the content of the module.

Prior to re-assessment, you'll be expected to attend scheduled support sessions to fulfil the practical health and safety elements for eligibility for the re-sit opportunity. You must be available on the dates scheduled.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

The knowledge you gain in sports medicine and sports science, will mean you can accurately provide examination, assessment, injury management and rehabilitation in sporting and non-sporting settings.

Our performance sport campus is the perfect place to learn. Put your skills into practice delivering pitch-side first aid or working as part of our sports injury clinic.

Accreditation

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

We also ask that you successfully complete our Fitness to Practise process.

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

In year one and two, you’ll have the chance to complete a number of on-campus opportunities, ranging from pitchside acute management, to student-led clinics and other event opportunities.

Your final year will consist of hours both on campus and through external, pre-approved, work placement opportunities. These hours will be logged as part of assessment elements for specific modules.

You could also choose to do an optional integrated placement year to gain further industry experience.

Guest lecturers and continued professional development

Industry professionals and guest lecturers may form part of your learning, enabling you to gain different experiences and context of sports therapy.

Graduate destinations

You’ll also gain the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare you for employment.

Recent graduate destinations have included:

Sports Therapist, Hartpury Academy
Sports Therapist, Tamworth Football Club
Sports Therapy Internship, Dragons Rugby
Self-employed Sports Therapist
Roles in the NHS and Ministry of Defence

How you'll study

Your support network

Attendance requirements

Academic support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

This course covers a broad range of sports medicine and science topics through core modules, from anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology to sports therapy, rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and final years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Your foundation year will focus on developing academic skills, reviewing literature and more widely foundations in biological principles and sports science.

Compulsory Modules

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Principles of Sports Science

An introduction to central human biology, anatomy and physiology and its adaption to sport training. The module will explore the psychological and physiological factors that impact the performance of athletes.

Business Enterprise and Management

This module covers the learning and understanding of the balance of theory and practice in contemporary business practice; an appreciation of the complexity of modern organisational environments and the critical role of enterprise and innovation.

This year will focus on fundamental topics and help you gain the foundation skills and knowledge you need to study at a higher level. You’ll cover topics including anatomy, sports therapy skills, the principles of strength and conditioning, as well as wider sports science topics. Alongside your studies, you’ll also complete a minimum number of hours of applied practical opportunities.

Compulsory Modules

Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics for Sports Therapists

Cover the foundations of anatomy and biomechanical principles required by sports therapists.

Fundamental Skills for Sports Therapists

Learn the basic skills required by a sports therapist including first aid and immediate injury management, soft tissue skills and examination and assessment of injury. Undertake a minimum number of applied opportunity hours.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Study the structure and function of the different biological systems, and how they are used during exercise.

Principles of Strength and Conditioning for Sports Therapy

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to basic principles of athletic development and how to further athletic performance through the utilisation of strength and conditioning.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Work with students from other sports science courses to gain research skills. Determine professional needs in preparation for a career in sport and exercise.

Build on what you learnt in the previous year and explore more advanced applied skills and knowledge at this level. In addition to undertaking a minimum number of hours of applied practical opportunities, you’ll cover topics in greater detail, giving you more complex skills and understanding. Modules include further examination and assessment, rehabilitation, sports science and manual therapy topics.

Compulsory Modules

Applied Skills for Sports Therapists

Develop more advanced assessment techniques, and a better understanding of different injuries and treatment modalities. Includes a minimum number of applied opportunity hours.

Joint Mobilisations

Cover key treatment modality of manual therapy, and joint mobilisations, as well as subsequent treatment options.

Sports Rehabilitation

Learn how to use exercise prescription in the rehabilitation of sporting injuries.

Sports Nutrition

Understand the key nutritional requirements for exercise, including athlete metabolism.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

In your final year, you’ll consolidate your knowledge and practical skills ready to graduate as a qualified sports therapist. You’ll complete a dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic.

Gain further practical skills with wider clinical and practical sports therapy experience, as well as studying sports conditioning and return to play topics. You’ll also be required to complete a minimum number of external work placement hours.

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Professional Practice in Sports Therapy

Gain the skills required by the Society of Sports Therapists through professional placement learning.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Sports Conditioning and Return-to-Play

Understand the return-to-play considerations through studying the relationships between doctors, sports therapists, and strength and conditioning coaches.

Complete Injury Management

Study the different components related to the complete injury management of an athlete.

Screening and Prevention

This module covers physical screening protocols and injury-prevention methods.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Your foundation year will focus on developing academic skills, reviewing literature and more widely foundations in biological principles and sports science.

Compulsory Modules

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Principles of Sports Science

Business Enterprise and Management

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics for Sports Therapists

Cover the foundations of anatomy and biomechanical principles required by sports therapists.

Fundamental Skills for Sports Therapists

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Study the structure and function of the different biological systems, and how they are used during exercise.

Principles of Strength and Conditioning for Sports Therapy

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to basic principles of athletic development and how to further athletic performance through the utilisation of strength and conditioning.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Work with students from other sports science courses to gain research skills. Determine professional needs in preparation for a career in sport and exercise.

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Applied Skills for Sports Therapists

Develop more advanced assessment techniques, and a better understanding of different injuries and treatment modalities. Includes a minimum number of applied opportunity hours.

Joint Mobilisations

Cover key treatment modality of manual therapy, and joint mobilisations, as well as subsequent treatment options.

Sports Rehabilitation

Learn how to use exercise prescription in the rehabilitation of sporting injuries.

Sports Nutrition

Understand the key nutritional requirements for exercise, including athlete metabolism.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Professional Practice in Sports Therapy

Gain the skills required by the Society of Sports Therapists through professional placement learning.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Sports Conditioning and Return-to-Play

Understand the return-to-play considerations through studying the relationships between doctors, sports therapists, and strength and conditioning coaches.

Complete Injury Management

Study the different components related to the complete injury management of an athlete.

Screening and Prevention

This module covers physical screening protocols and injury-prevention methods.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

The foundation year includes an internship using Hartpury’s on-site facilities and industry links.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level three (year one)	24%	0%	76%
Level four (year two)	26%	2%	72%
Level five (year three)	24%	3%	73%
Placement year (optional)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	15%	11%	74%

You'll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given via a mixture of written bullet point-style feedback and/or oral feedback.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level three (year one)	15%	35%	50%
Level four (year two)	16%	74%	10%
Level five (year three)	5%	50%	45%
Placement year (optional)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	13%	26%	61%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Scheduled teaching takes place between 8.30am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £150)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide.

Additional costs

In the final year of the degree, students are expected to source an external placement that meets the accredited criteria. This may have additional travel costs.

Hartpury University may host various extra-curricular activities and courses, prices may vary dependent on the nature and duration of the course and external provider, but these are not compulsory.

Work placements can require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, paid for by the student or placement provider.

The programme offers an optional study abroad programme that will incur additional costs for the student.

Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Guardian University Guide 2025

Hartpury University has received outstanding recognition in The Guardian University Guide 2025, in which Hartpury University now sits 4th out of 86 universities for Sports Science. This marks an impressive 65-place jump in just four years.

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024).

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Sport facilities

Success stories

Hannah's story

Success Stories

Hannah's story

“When I visited, I could see that it had everything I needed to be the best both on and off the pitch and that has definitely been the case. I also realised that you’re not just a number at Hartpury University– the lecturers know you by person and that was a big plus for me.”

Hannah Jones

BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

Dan Holloway Bsc Sports Coaching Graduate

"Being immersed in a high performance environment at Hartpury, both academically and practically, you develop a mindset that allows you to push yourself to perform at a higher level. That ethos and culture has helped me to take the path that I'm on now."

Dan Holloway, Nike Football UK Head Coach

Sport matters

When you have passion, you're far more likely to achieve your goals – especially when you study that passion in a place that shares it.

We're home to top-level coaches, sport and exercise scientists, nutritionists, conditioners, medics and athletes, across our Sports Academy programmes and student-led teams. Our students graduate with valuable skills to succeed in a range of different careers.

Watch via YouTube

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

Related courses

Explore our sport degrees

Course

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition (with Foundation Year)

Examine the science behind the effect of nutrition on athletic performance. Use our dedicated sport performance kitchen and human performance laboratories, working with a range of athletes, including from our Championship rugby team, sports academies, and recreational sports men and women.

University

4 or 5 years full-time; part-time available

Full Time / Part Time

Foundation Year Degrees

Course

BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning (with Foundation Year)

Immerse yourself in a performance sports environment, using dedicated gyms and human performance laboratories to perfect your coaching style. Work alongside our student athletes as you develop the knowledge to improve the physical preparation of sports men and women.

University

4 or 5 years full time; part-time available

Full Time / Part Time

Foundation Year Degrees

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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences (with Foundation Year)

Work with the next generation of student athletes, improving their performance through sports science and exercise. Learn in our new, dedicated Human Performance and Biomechanics Laboratories, which are kitted out with technology used by Premier League and NFL teams.

University

4 or 5 years full-time; part-time available

Full Time / Part Time

Foundation Year Degrees

Sports Therapy (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons)

Key Information

Course information

Accreditation

Your career

Work placements and experience

Guest lecturers and continued professional development

Graduate destinations

Your support network

Attendance requirements

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Course information

Overview

Accreditation

Entry requirements

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Guest lecturers and continued professional development

Graduate destinations

How you'll study

Your support network

Attendance requirements

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

Module credits

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Teaching modes

Assessment and Feedback

Timetables

Fees and funding

Further course details

Guardian University Guide 2025

Academies

Accommodation

Finance

TEF Gold

Teaching quality

Graduate employability

Academic support

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Success stories

Hannah's story

Sport matters

Meet our academic team

Important information

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences (with Foundation Year)

Our partners & accreditations