Sports Physiotherapy Studies MSc

The MSc Sports Physiotherapy Studies at Teesside University gives students a strong practical learning experience alongside their academic studies. Through practical workshops, laboratory sessions, case-based activities and a substantial workplace internship, students can apply sports physiotherapy knowledge in realistic settings. The programme also provides access to specialist sports, biomechanics, rehabilitation and exercise facilities, helping students develop skills that are directly relevant to working with athletes and sports teams.

Students can build practical experience through:

• Sports physiotherapy laboratories: Students use specialist laboratory spaces for practical workshops focused on sports injury assessment, management and rehabilitation.

• Biomechanics facilities: A dedicated biomechanics suite allows students to explore movement, biomechanics, injury prevention and performance enhancement.

• Sports injury clinic: The university provides a specialist sports injury clinic where students can develop knowledge related to assessment, injury management and rehabilitation.

• Hydrotherapy pool: The specialist pool includes underwater treadmills, a swimming treadmill, resistance jets, adjustable water temperature and video analysis facilities, supporting rehabilitation and exercise-based learning.

• Strength and conditioning facilities: Dedicated facilities support practical learning in exercise prescription, rehabilitation and athletic performance.

• Environmental chamber and physiology laboratories: These facilities allow students to explore exercise physiology and factors affecting athletic performance.

• 12-week internship: Students complete an internship of up to 12 weeks at a sports physiotherapy host site. A workplace mentor supports students as they apply their skills in a professional sports environment.

• Professional sports experience: Teaching includes input from clinicians with experience working with professional athletes across different sports, giving students insight into real-world sports physiotherapy practice.

• Group case-based learning: Students work through realistic clinical cases during seminars, helping them strengthen clinical reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Research experience: Through Developing Research Projects and the final dissertation, students gain experience in research planning, evidence evaluation, audit and independent investigation.

• Virtual Learning Environment: Online learning resources support students with independent study, coursework and preparation alongside campus-based teaching.

• Library and study resources: Students have access to Teesside University’s library and digital academic resources to support research, assignments and independent learning.

The MSc Sports Physiotherapy Studies helps qualified physiotherapists take the next step in their careers by developing specialist knowledge in sports injury management, rehabilitation, exercise and performance. The course also includes a workplace internship of up to 12 weeks, giving students valuable experience that can help them move into sports-focused professional roles.

Typical career options include Sports Physiotherapist, Sports Rehabilitation Specialist, Sports Injury Specialist and Physiotherapy Researcher. With further experience, graduates can also progress into private practice, public healthcare, sports performance, research and leadership roles:

• Student Futures: Teesside’s careers team supports students with CV preparation, job-search advice, interview preparation and access to graduate vacancies.

• Graduate Talent Pool: Graduates can continue to receive one-to-one careers guidance, tailored job opportunities and support with applications and interviews after completing their studies.

• Graduate internships: The university offers graduate internship opportunities with different organisations, helping students gain additional professional experience.

• Sports industry connections: Teesside has links with Middlesbrough Football Club and other sporting clubs in the region. The programme also involves clinicians with experience working with professional athletes across different sports.

• Professional development: The programme has been developed around the competencies of the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT), supporting the development of specialist sports physiotherapy knowledge and skills.

• Employment outcomes: Teesside reports that 98% of its health students gain employment within six months of qualification, demonstrating strong employment outcomes within health-related subjects.

• Salary information: Teesside reports a median salary of £47,000 for working-age postgraduates in 2024, compared with £42,000 for working-age graduates. This is a general postgraduate figure and is not specific to Sports Physiotherapy graduates.

• Real-world career progression: Teesside highlights graduates who have progressed into senior sports and physiotherapy positions, including roles with professional football clubs, the university and the NHS.

• Long-term career development: The combination of sports physiotherapy knowledge, clinical reasoning, research skills and workplace experience can support progression into advanced sports physiotherapy, rehabilitation, research, performance and leadership roles.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue careers within professional sports environments or apply their specialist injury-management and rehabilitation skills in public healthcare and private practice.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MSc, graduates can continue their professional development through specialist postgraduate study, further clinical training or research. The dissertation and research experience gained during the programme can also provide a strong foundation for those considering research or academic careers.