Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This sport rehabilitation degree is built upon the core competencies required and set by BASRaT which includes modules that develop your knowledge and skill in musculoskeletal injuries, athlete screening and injury prevention, manual therapies and strength and conditioning, as well as the underpinning sports-science disciplines modules such as physiology, anatomy, nutrition, psychological management of athletes and a research dissertation. In addition to developing your own business and entrepreneurialism skills, you will complete a minimum of 400 hours of work-based learning to enable you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and gain the valuable experiences needed for future employment.

  In Year 1 (Stage 1) you will develop skills across all core areas that underpin a graduate sport rehabilitator. You will develop the skills to conduct a range of injury screening tests; understand how to deliver exercise prescription to help reduce injury risk; develop knowledge of a breadth of musculoskeletal injuries and learn the skills to assess injured clients; learn a range of manual therapies that enable you to treat a range of musculoskeletal symptoms and conditions. Underpinned with extensive anatomy, physiology, academic and professional skills, by the end of this year you will be equipped and ready to embark on the work based learning modules outlined in Stage 2.  You will also have the opportunity to gain an industry recognised pitch side trauma qualification.

  In Year 2 (Stage 2) you will begin to build on the grounding of knowledge from Stage 1 and expand your understanding of exercise prescription, exploring the fundamental concepts of conditioning an athlete for physical and performance development and also in the context of rehabilitation in sports where athletes experience injury; you will expand your treatment toolkit developing competencies in the delivery of electro-physical modalities; compression, thermal and cryotherapies; you will develop the ability to assess and treat common injuries associated with the spine; you will gain understanding of the psychological stresses associated with injury, how these can influence successful rehab, and intervention to overcome these issues.  You will experience your first work-based learning experiences with opportunities to undertake activities both externally and on campus, in addition to developing your own entrepreneurial skills to help you begin to develop a professional network and readiness for self-employment.

  In Year 3 (Stage 3) you will focus on readying yourself for your postgraduate life and early career development. You will continue with work-based learning experiences and develop a body of evidence from these experiences to support you in future postgraduate or job applications; you will expand your knowledge of sport trauma and undergo teaching in readiness to complete a Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh approved pitch side trauma qualification. You will broaden your understanding of, and abilities to adapt exercise and rehabilitation strategies to wider population needs inclusive of para athletes, female athletes, elderly and paediatric clients. Finally you will develop and undertake your research dissertation with supervision from one of our supportive staff helping you to develop the academic skills to critically analyse and form a strong evidence-informed base to your practice.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Neuromusculoskeletal Injury, Illness, Disease and Assessment (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1034

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide a strong understanding of the epidemiology, aetiology and presentation of a range of musculoskeletal conditions common to athletic and non-athletic populations. This module will develop a sound theoretical understanding of common injuries, illnesses and diseases to the musculoskeletal system, inclusive of the psychological impacts of these conditions, which will form the foundations to support the development of the practical skills necessary to assess a range of musculoskeletal injuries, illness, and disease.
    • Manual Therapy for Neuromusculosketal Conditions (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1036

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is provide students with a range of psychomotor (hands-on practical) skills that can be used by a sports rehabilitator in addressing and preventing neuromusculoskeletal conditions and dysfunctions. Student will also acquire a theoretical understanding of the mechanism, indicators for use and contra-indications of each form of manual therapy to ensure they can justify their inclusion in an individual?s management and understand their application within the scope of practice of a sports rehabilitator
    • Professional and Academic Skills for Sport Rehabilitators (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1070

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give students the basis of sound academic and employability skills is addition to understanding the core principles that underpin the practice of a sport rehabilitator aligned to the industry requirements of a graduate sport rehabilitator (GSR) and the industry profession statutory body BASRaT.
    • Exercise Prescription for Injury Prevention (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1071

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give students the grounding of skill, knowledge and competence in planning and delivering exercise-based activities to help reduce injury risk and support athletic development.
    • Functional Anatomy and Physiology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1072

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is provide a comprehensive level of the structures and functions associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) performance including anatomy of the musculoskeletal, neurological and arthrological systems of the human body in addition to developing the underpinning knoweldge of physiological systems in the human body and their responses to exercise.
    • Screening and Testing for Injury Prevention (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO1073

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students understanding of how to conduct athlete screening and testing processes, and record, interpret and analyse their outcomes for the purpose of minimising sports injuries. Students will also develop an evidenced-based understanding of the strengths and limitations of the procedures used.
  • Stage 2
    • Sport Research Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of research designs, methods and research skills within a subject-based context. It equips the student with a framework in which to conceptualise quantitative and qualitative traditions and applications. The emphasis will be upon understanding and experiencing the research process and developing critical skills necessary to collect, analyse and present data.
    • Mobilisation and Exercise for Spinal Conditions (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2040

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is provide an understanding of the aetiology and presentation of a range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions effecting or originating from the spine and trunk. This module will develop the students ability to assess the spinal region, perform manual therapy and exercise techniques, manage spinal conditions and understand the theoretical concepts and principles of pain.
    • Professional Practice and Entrepreneurialism (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2041

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will enable students to gain experience working within a programme relevant environment and to make an effective contribution to the operation of the host organisation. This module will also help prepare students for small business start up by developing entrepreneurship, business development and management skills through the application of vocationally relevant knowledge
    • Athlete Injury, Health and Wellbeing Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2042

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is provide students with a skills set for managing a range of client conditions. The module will provide students with evidence based knowledge of how to apply methods for different forms of conditions and different phases of injury; when to apply methods; contraindications for use and make informed decision around their scope of practice. This module will also develop student?s ability to develop and monitor the effectiveness of individualised rehabilitation plans and will allow students to be able to plan, adapt and monitor physical activity programmes to improve health and well-being.
    • Rehabilitative Exercise and Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2055

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with the technical and digital skills to develop short and long term injury and rehabilitation programmes. The module will also develop students practical skills in exercise prescription, strength and conditioning, and functional training for athletes.
    • Screening and Conditioning for Sport Performance (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO2070

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is provide an opportunity for students to apply and extend their learning from SPO1035, develop further knowledge on the principles of periodisation and the development of athletic training programmes for sport performance. Students will develop the skills to implement a battery of field and laboratory based screening assessments to aid the performance development of an athlete or client. Students will be introduced to the coaching, instruction and progression of a range of Olympic lifting techniques required within strength and conditioning professionals.
  • Stage 3
    • Sports Trauma and Immediate Pitchside Care (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3040

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will provide students with theoretical and practical training and knowledge in the immediate management of an injured athlete. The module will also provide an insight into specific issues associated with a range of sports.Students will acquire a knowledge of the anatomy and mechanisms that result in sports injuries, an appreciation of which injuries the student can safely assess within their scope of practice and a competency to justify and arrange appropriate measures to ensure the extrication and transfer of an injured athlete to hospital or appropriate further care where necessary.
    • Exercise and Conditioning for Specific Populations (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3041

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is broaden students understanding of core principles and practices of exercise conditioning and injury rehabilitation to a range of specific population groups. The module will develop the skills to adapt these practices and the reasoning for this.
    • Applied Practice in Sport (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3042

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to build on knowledge and understanding from the experiences gained at level 5. Students will put into practice the skills and knowledge they have acquired in real life work based environments and reflect upon their development and readiness to meet the demands of their specific areas of sport and exercise employment.
    • Contemporary Issues in Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPO3050

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an understanding of current issues pertinent to a professions working within the sport injury and rehabilitation sector. This module will cover topical matters including nutrition and its impact on associated health related conditions and it?s role in the recovery from injury; the use of ergogenic aids and drugs in sport including the role of sport injury professionals in anti-doping processes; understanding professional practice, the role of the professional body, scope of practice and the referral processes relevant to a sport rehabilitator / scientist. The module will also discuss emerging technologies and their impact on the profession of a sport rehabilitator / scientist
    • Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: SPO4001

      Status: Compulsory
      The dissertation provides an opportunity for sport students to apply knowledge, concepts, and research techniques to a question or problem in sport, exercise, or physical activity. The dissertation builds and expands on students' prior knowledge of research acquired at levels four and five. It aims to foster the development of expertise in methodology and skills in the planning, conducting, and writing up of research reports. This form of independent, experiential learning will require students to ask logical questions to diagnose and define problems, generate and implement solutions and evaluate the effectiveness of their action-outcomes. It therefore develops in the students the ability to work independently, and to reflect on the subject-specific research process.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time sport rehabilitation degree at the University of Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your sports rehab course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a sports rehabilitation degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for the sports rehab degree we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  The University of Northampton’s four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on the Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning BSc degree?

  The teaching strategy adopted for this course is designed to prepare you most effectively for the skills you will require in each module. All practice and clinical skill based modules are taught in specialist practical lab sessions, with practical classes of approximately 18 students per class.  Theory based content is delivered through a mixture of face to face, student centred workshops (approx. 25-30 per class), with some additional pre / post lesson activities and online learning to support your knowledge development.

  How will I be assessed on the Sport Rehabilitation degree?

  All our assessments have been developed with a few key points of focus:

  1. does this assessment help the student to showcase the skills they have learnt on the module and
  2. does the assessment help prepare students for the working world.

  Assessments include practicals, presentations, written essays, infographics, group tasks, reflective accounts, in class time constrained tests.  The assessment structure is designed to give students from all preferences an opportunity to shine and achieve.

  What jobs can you get with a Sports and Rehabilitation degree?

  The job market for BASRaT accredited Sport Rehabilitators is a growing market. Our graduates have gone on to attain roles in the NHS; local authority community trusts; private healthcare; professional / semi-professional sports teams; stroke rehabilitation units; gyms; and continuation of their postgraduate education.

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