MSc Sports Medicine - January start
Course Overview
The University of Bolton's Master's in Sports Medicine supports physiotherapists, sport rehabilitators, sport therapists, medical doctors, and allied healthcare professionals in developing the core expertise, knowledge, and skills to deliver safe and effective care to those engaging in sport. While studying at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus, you can develop high-level proficiency in this discipline, a firm focus on evidence-based practice, and explore exciting areas such as disability sport and physical activity in the care of chronic medical conditions.Our multidisciplinary teaching team will blend face-to-face and online theory sessions with case scenarios and practical skills development sessions using the University’s extensive range of facilities, including our Anatomage table, biomechanics lab and physiology lab. You’ll study musculoskeletal anatomy and the prevention, rehabilitation and epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries. You’ll also explore the management of injuries in diverse sporting populations, such as youth, women’s, elite and disability sports, including prosthetics. We’ll guide you in developing knowledge and understanding of the benefits of physical activity for health and in preventing and managing medical conditions.
We’ll also support you in developing essential research and writing skills through an independent research project. This will build your skills in analysis, critical thinking and applying theoretical frameworks and literature, supporting your development of evidence-based practice and preparing you for doctoral-level study should you choose to pursue it. Depending on your prior qualifications, you’ll also study biomechanics and physiology, unless you are a registered health professional in a relevant specialism, in which case you’ll be able to choose two options from biomechanics, physiology and injection therapy.
Our professionals have years of experience working in the field, so we'll use realistic scenarios and case studies to develop and test your skills and understanding. During the course, you'll build core skills in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, and in promoting physical activity for health and chronic medical conditions. Interpersonal and transferable skills are also vital, so we'll challenge you to develop sought-after report writing, presentation, problem-solving, analytical, time management, and decision-making skills. We’ll focus on building your ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and communicate constructively with colleagues and service users. Our dedicated team will focus on helping you gain the skills employers value and a detailed understanding of the technologies and methods underpinning AI. We also aim to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.
By studying our MSc in Sports Medicine, you'll gain essential knowledge and experience and develop the attitudes, abilities and competencies that are vital for a career in areas such as professional sports, disability sport, exercise medicine, private practice, health promotion, and the NHS.
Highlights
- Specialist facilities in Bolton One include laboratory spaces focusing on strength and conditioning, biomechanics, physiology, sport rehabilitation and physiotherapy, fully equipped teaching clinics, a rehabilitation and exercise suite, a multi-use sports hall and climbing wall, and our Sport and Physical Activity Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC). We take pride in offering elite-level facilities and services that are accessible to all.
- The programme is taught by experienced professionals and academics currently working in the field of sports medicine. This means that during all lectures there will be discussions on current topics in sports medicine and how research informs and is informed by practice.
- Our MSc curriculum is informed by employers and recognises current developments in sports medicine.
- All our teaching has an applied focus and we take a blended learning approach.
Key Features
- Most students will have the opportunity to choose two from three optional modules, allowing you to create your own pathway through the MSc.
- Throughout the course, specialists in sports medicine and related fields, along with people with lived experience, provide valuable insights. Their perspectives enrich your understanding of sports medicine practice and its impact on individuals and communities.
- We’ll support you in developing essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and professional communication throughout the programme. We prioritise lifelong learning, ensuring your knowledge and skills remain current as you progress in your career.
- When you successfully complete the MSc, the University of Bolton will award you the MSc Sports Medicine positioning you for success in the field.
- Situated in Bolton, you'll enjoy access to a vibrant urban centre with diverse amenities. Nearby Manchester offers a multicultural environment, while the Northwest of England boasts beautiful countryside, coastline, and rich heritage, enhancing your overall experience.
Entry Requirements
- You should hold at least an upper second class (2.1) honours degree in a relevant subject; for instance, sport or exercise sciences, exercise physiology, medicine, sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, physiotherapy or physical therapy. Applications from other related professions will be considered on an individual basis. Relevant work experience will confer an advantage.
- We’ll be happy to consider your application if you hold a lower second class (2.2) honours degree in one of the above subjects, particularly if you have good relevant professional experience. Additional evidence of your suitability, such as a portfolio of academic work, may be required.
- Qualifications gained outside England and Wales will be assessed on an individual basis according to guidance from the University of Bolton’s International Office and the relevant professional body.
- If your application is successfully shortlisted, you’ll be required to attend an online interview.
- Please note you must have current professional registration (or suitable insurance to practice if your first degree does not attract professional registration).
- We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
- We take a positive view of what candidates with disabilities can achieve as future healthcare professionals and take seriously our obligation to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all students with disabilities can successfully complete their studies. All applicants will be assessed up to and including the interview on the basis of the criteria outlined here regardless of any disability. If you declare a disability, we’ll invite you to work with us, the University of Bolton’s Disability team, clinical colleagues and relevant specialist services (for example, RNIB) to explore how best we can support your studies.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the University of Bolton’s MSc Sports Medicine, you’ll possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key areas of musculoskeletal medicine coupled with sport and exercise science and performance. This postgraduate degree will provide valuable insight and knowledge for prescribing exercise for diverse populations, musculoskeletal injury prevention, management and rehabilitation, medical conditions and chronic diseases, and physiology and/or biomechanics for performance.
After successfully completing this course, you’ll have advanced knowledge and skills in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, and promoting physical activity for health and chronic medical conditions. You’ll also be able to demonstrate a wide range of sought-after interpersonal and transferable skills such as multidisciplinary teamwork, communication, problem-solving, research and analysis, and lifelong learning.
What can I do with this qualification?
If you wish to expand your professional scope, you may undertake short professional development courses in areas such as injection therapy, acupuncture or pre-hospital immediate care (at additional cost). Alternatively, you may further your studies by pursuing a PhD in sports medicine, enabling you to enter the research and academic sectors.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use this qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. The knowledge and skills you'll develop on this programme will underpin a number of alternative career opportunities, including:
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Management/leadership
- Teaching and education
- Clinical research
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
International Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Partner Organisation Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Teaching & Assessment
Modern healthcare professionals require a range of skills and values. Our practice-based learning partners and tutors will help you gain experience in a range of sports medicine scenarios designed to develop your skills in a safe and supportive environment. We use a blended-learning approach, combining face-to-face sessions with online and practical work. You can expect discussion-based lectures, presentations by guest speakers, simulations delivered by tutors, seminar discussions, small group workshops, small group and one-to-one tutorials, and practical skill learning sessions. You'll also need to undertake a significant amount of personal study, including general background reading, preparing for seminar activities, working on assignments and revising for examinations.
To help support your learning, the University offers additional study skills sessions, such as essay writing, library skills and electronic searching, and numeracy. You can also find support through our social learning community which includes a peer-support programme and enhanced personal tutoring. Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is used to share study resources.
In addition to the five core modules, you’ll choose two out of the three option modules. Please note that the Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapy option module is only available to registered health professionals from relevant specialisms.
Assessment tasks are designed to ensure you achieve the learning outcomes for each module and develop the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours required in the field of sports medicine. While assessment serves to evaluate your achievement, it also helps you organise and develop your learning by revealing your strengths and weaknesses. A variety of assessment methods will be used, including written coursework, poster and oral presentations, workshops and practical case scenarios. We'll provide feedback on your assessments to help you improve in the future.
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
