Athletic & Rehabilitation Therapy – BSc (Hons)

The BSc (Hons) in Athletic & Rehabilitation Therapy at Technological University of the Shannon is a four-year honours undergraduate degree that trains students in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries related to physical activity and sport. It suits students who want to become Certified Athletic Therapists and work in sports clinics, performance teams, healthcare settings, or as independent practitioners, with the programme incorporating scientific theory, clinical skills and professional practice.

Curriculum structure

First Year:

In the first year, students learn the fundamentals of human structure and function through Human Physiology 1 & 2, Anatomy 1 & 2, and Science for Sport and Health, complemented by applied introductory modules such as Screening and Injury Prevention, Introduction to Biomechanics, Fundamental Rehabilitation Skills, and Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology. These modules develop foundational knowledge in physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention strategies, and the psychological aspects of sport, while beginning to build practical clinical skills.

Second Year:

In the second year, students deepen their clinical understanding with modules such as Musculoskeletal Injuries 1 & 2, Emergency First Response, Athletic Taping and Strapping, Performance Testing for Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Nutrition, Applied Exercise Physiology, and Research Methods and Statistics 1. These courses focus on assessing and diagnosing injuries, first response skills, performance assessment, and applied physiology, alongside gaining accreditation such as Cardiac First Responder (CFR) and Emergency First Response (EFR).

Third Year:

The third year emphasizes clinical application and advanced therapeutic techniques with modules like Student-Led Clinics 2, Clinical Biomechanics, Musculoskeletal Injuries 3 & 4, Therapeutic Modalities, Rehabilitation 2, Diagnostic Imaging, Advanced Rehabilitation, Psychology of Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation, Medical Conditions in Sport, and Research Methods and Statistics 2. These subjects help students advance practical treatment skills, understand complex injury mechanisms, and apply evidence-based practice in real or simulated clinical environments.

Fourth Year:

In the final year, students complete a substantial Research Project, gain Professional Work Experience, and refine clinical skills through Student-Led Clinics 3 and Clinical Reasoning Capstone. This year integrates all previous learning, strengthens clinical reasoning and professional competencies, and prepares learners for certification and independent practice as athletic rehabilitation therapists.

Focus areas (in a string):
Musculoskeletal injury prevention, anatomy & physiology, clinical assessment, biomechanics, therapeutic modalities, applied exercise physiology, sports nutrition, research methods, advanced rehabilitation and clinical reasoning.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Demonstrate clinical competence in injury assessment and rehabilitation; design evidence-based therapeutic programmes; integrate biomechanical and physiological principles in practice; apply research skills; deliver ethical and professional care.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI); graduates are eligible to practise professionally as Certified Athletic Therapists.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Technological University of the Shannon offers strong industry-linked sport and health science programmes with modern facilities enhancing real-world training; its graduates are recognised for clinical capabilities and employability across sports, health and rehabilitation sectors in Ireland and beyond.