Sports Physiotherapy FAQs

This is a part-time programme taught by distance and online learning. There are no full-time options for this course, as it is designed to fit around the working lives of qualified physiotherapists.

We recommend that you spend on average 8-10 hours per-week studying.

Most units take either three months (six credit unit) or six months (12 credit unit) to complete. The 'Sports Physiotherapy in Practice' units are studied concurrently with the other units in phases one and two.

On average, we recommend one year to complete the Certificate, two years to complete the Diploma and a further 18 months to complete the MSc (three and a half years for the MSc in total).

There are 30 credits in the Postgraduate Diploma.

There are 60 credits in the Postgraduate Diploma.

There are 90 credits in the MSc.

Yes, up to a total of 18 credits may be accrued through CPD towards the Diploma/MSc. Fees paid for the CPD units will be taken into account and will be deducted from the Diploma/MSc fee.

There is a variety of assessment tasks across the programme. For example, Sports Physiotherapy in Practice 1 and 2 involve assessment of a portfolio of evidence relating to practice and other units involve a mixture of written assignments, case studies and reflective discussion reports.

The MSc requires successful completion of a research project and dissertation, including dissemination of findings to a target audience.

Yes, to complete the programme in Sports Physiotherapy, it is highly recommended and expected that you will complete each unit in order to progress to the next. There may be exceptions to this, for example if credit has been awarded for a previously studied CPD Unit.

All students follow the same path on the Diploma, and on successful application can progress to the MSc phase. This phase contains a research focus, including the conduct of a significant research project.

Yes, the Research Phase focuses on developing you research skills and producing a novel piece of research to add to the evidence base in Sports Physiotherapy.

MSc students will not have a Viva Voce. The research project is marked by two separate markers one of them usually being your supervisor. The marks then get ratified at an exam board in April/May or September/October, depending on when you submit your dissertation.

Those completing the Certificate qualification will be able to use PGCert after their name, those completing the Diploma qualification will be able to use PGDip after their name, whilst those completing the Masters will be able to use MSc.

We suggest you have a look at the following journals:

• British Journal of Sports Medicine
• Journal of Physical Therapy in Sport, IFSP

There are two text books that will be highly recommended in Units throughout the programme. These are:

Kolt S and Snyder S (Eds) Physical Therapy in Sports and Exercise. Elsevier Health Sciences. The latest edition is 2006.

McArdle W, Katch F and Katch V (2007) Exercise Physiology. Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance. Baltimore, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

There are residential components of the course during Phases one and two (Certificate and Diploma stages). The Phase two residential has a compulsory examination component and takes place in the sping.

Yes, all students must attend the residential clinical teaching held at the University of Bath. The annual residential teaching week is designed to enable UK and overseas students to attend the residentials at the University with the minimum disruption to their working lives.

An Induction Day will be held in the Autumn, along with an online induction programme for all students. It is highly recommended that you attend this day.

You will be required to obtain practice experience in sports physiotherapy, and it is strongly advised that this is arranged prior to your application.

Regular involvement in a sports physiotherapy environment will be required to fulfill experiential, reflective and applied components of the programme from early in Phase One (first year). Phase Two (second year) will involve the further accumulation of approximately 100 hours of field experience and Phase 3 (third year) will require 40 hours of experience in clinical sports physiotherapy.

It is recognised that applicants may have varied sports physiotherapy experience, and a significant component of the programme aims to expand the experience and exposure to athletes of all ages and abilities in different sporting contexts.

Applicants must have a minimum of two years post licensure work experience in a physiotherapy role.

Yes, qualified physiotherapists from around the world can apply to join the programme. Please send in your certification documents with your application form so that the application panel can review them.

Applicants with a Degree in Sports Rehabilitation (or related qualifications) are not eligible to take the programme. Only applications from those licenced to practice as a Sports Physiotherapist will be considered.

Completed references, set out in a letter format, should include the following:

• The length of time your referee has known you
• The capacity they have known you ( e.g. academic, personal, professional)
• How suitable they think you are to undertake the course.

In this instance, a further professional reference will be sufficient.

Yes, you will need a current IELTS qualification certificate as this is central University policy on admissions.

No, please do not send payment until we have informed you that you have a place (this will be done by email and letter).

Tuition fees are available on the Study site.

The MSc transfer fee is a one off payment, only available to those possessing a PG Diploma in the same subject.

Please note there is also a charge for the resit of a unit. You will be informed of this exact cost should this situation arise (over £700).

Students can pay in 6 monthly installments.

Yes, payments can be made by credit card, complete your payment details when confirming your place on the programme.

Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that this programme is designed to facilitate students in meeting the IFSP Competencies and Standards to become a recognised Sports Physiotherapist, and attaining academic credit for different qualifications may affect the ability to demonstrate these specific requirements.

No, you may present evidence of previous qualifications but you may only be awarded up to 30 credits towards the programme award.