'Providing clinicians with the requisite skills to excel in sports medicine'
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.
In addition it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant.
This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.
People are increasingly encouraged to undertake sport and exercise as part of a healthier lifestyle. Although this has a number of global health benefits, a related caveat is an increased risk of injury. Currently, sporting injuries commonly present to the health professional; these injuries present a unique challenge in terms of their aetiology, management and potential for recurrence.
Sport and Exercise medicine is now recognised as a specialist area and there are growing numbers of physicians and allied health professionals seeking to work in this diverse and exciting area. The teaching faculty comprises a balance of respected academics and clinical specialists in relevant fields of Sports Medicine, Physical Activity and Sports Biomechanics.
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible. The University calls this process 'academic revalidation’. This course is currently being ‘refreshed’, with changes being put in place for students entering from September 2018 onwards. For the most up-to-date course/ module information, please contact the Course Director.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This Masters programme has been developed in collaboration with various professional bodies. In particular, consultation with members of: the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists, the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine has informed our learning outcomes, module content and delivery. We have ensured that these are mapped directly to masters’ competencies as defined by the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists.
The course is tailored towards clinical professionals working as medical doctors, or other health professionals including physiotherapists and podiatrists. It will provide the knowledge, critical awareness and transferable skills for physicians and allied health professionals aspiring to engage in the field of Sports Medicine. The primary focus will be to develop practitioners who understand the importance of evidence based and specialist reflective practice, who will enhance the health care of people who are involved in sport and exercise within the UK and Ireland and beyond.
Many members of the teaching staff hold a PGCE, PGCHEP, PGCHET, PGCUT or other teaching qualification and are members of the Higher Education Academy. Several of the staff are engaged with the Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute (SESRI; CB, GD, CMcC, MM). Teaching staff have considerable research and practical experience that informs their teaching. In addition, many staff are qualified members of health-related professional bodies such as the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
The teaching faculty includes a range of academics and professionals across the following specialist areas: orthopaedic surgery, sports podiatry, sports physiotherapy, consultant sports physicians, exercise and health, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, biochemistry and sports medicine research.
Full time or part time options are available. Students can enrol on the programme on a Full time (over 1 year; 3 semesters), or Part time basis (over 3 years; 6 semesters).
Teaching and Learning Methods include: lectures, case studies, tutorials, seminars, on line material; videos; access to graphical and anatomical models; problem based cases and scenarios, workshops, on line and face to face discussion groups, analysis of clinical data; practical exercises, demonstrations, literature searching and observation.
The learning outcomes of the course will be assessed through a combination of essay, examination, case studies, reflective practice, group and individual presentations and extended research project. These assessment methods will measure students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject as well as their intellectual and transferable skills.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
In order to provide an optimal outcome for the sports person, it is essential to understand the physiological and psychological response to injury. Assessment skills, clinical reasoning and a range of treatment strategies are also essential for successful sports injury management and outcome. This module draws upon the student's previous knowledge and skills to ensure a holistic approach to the management of the injured athlete.
Year: 1
Status: C
In order to provide optimal care to the injured athlete it is essential that health professionals working in the area of sport and exercise medicine are proficient in a wide range of assessment and monitoring skills, enabling successful rehabilitation planning and outcome. During this module the student will develop an advanced knowledge of the physiology of injury and repair at key points in the rehabilitation process allowing for tailored rehabilitation programmes to be developed across a range of sporting injuries.
Year: 2
Status: C
In order to optimise the performance of an athlete, it is essential to understand the key scientific and practical concepts of biomechanics, athlete monitoring and load considerations to prevent injuries, or optimise rehabilitation of an athlete's return to play. This module will advance the students' ability to observe and collect athlete data, analyse, interpret, act upon and communicate with the athlete and within, or across, multidisciplinary settings. This module draws upon the student's previous knowledge and skills to ensure a multifaceted approach to the development of professional practice in sports and exercise medicine.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to enhance the knowledge and competencies of students to prepare them to undertake research in Physical Activity and Public Health; Psychology and Sports Nutrition. It focuses on the application of advanced elements in experimental design, conducting quantitative analysis, research synthesis and the presentation of data and findings. It equips students to review, conduct and commission research.
Year: 3
Status: C
Carrying out an original, independent piece of research from the formulation of a research question through to reporting findings in accordance with the conventions of the academic area is an important part of the research training provided by Masters level study. This module provides students with an opportunity for students to carry out an original independent piece of research within the area of their own profession, or special interest in sports and performance, and present findings in the form of a journal manuscript and a conference presentation.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
Applicants must have gained
(1) An Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; OR an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; AND
(2) Provide evidence of competence in written English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); AND
(3) Be registered as a health professional with the relevant regulatory body or equivalent (ie UK - Health and Care Professions Council, IRL - CORU, or equivalent)
In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
In this section
All students enrolling on this course will already possess a relevant professional qualification (eg. medical doctor, physiotherapist, podiatry). It is anticipated that most students on this programme will be employed or will be seeking employment within the National Health Service, Social, voluntary sectors, or in independent practice. The programme therefore has significant clinical and vocational relevance. The specialist knowledge and postgraduate level skills gained will enhance students’ opportunities to progress in their careers.
We have also ensured that the content of the programme meets the postgraduate education requirements and levels of competencies for accreditation, set out by key professional bodies: 1). Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Physios in Sport UK) and 2). International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists.
Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) statistics provided by the University Careers Service for the last three years show that a significant cohort of students graduating from Ulster with sport and exercise related undergraduate awards go on to full-time employment (statistics are available on request). It is anticipated that this programme will allow the Faculty and the USA to continue its excellent track record of producing multi-skilled graduates who are attractive to a range of employers. This will be achieved in conjunction with the Career Service at the University, with all students encouraged to avail of the relevant employability training and support.
The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:
| Credit Points | NI/ROI/GB Cost | International Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | £186.65 | £440 |
| 10 | £373.30 | £880 |
| 15 | £559.95 | £1,320 |
| 20 | £746.60 | £1,760 |
| 30 | £1,119.90 | £2,640 |
| 60 | £2,239.80 | £5,280 |
| 120 | £4,479.60 | £10,560 |
| 180 | £6,719.40 | £15,840 |
NB: A standard full-time PGCert is equivalent to 60 credit points per year. A standard full-time PGDip is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
Where the postgraduate course selected offers multiple awards (e.g. PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters), please note that the price displayed is for the complete Masters programme.
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas are charged at a pro-rata basis.
Find out more about postgraduate fees
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
