Sport and Exercise Therapy with Foundation Year

Sport and exercise therapy is a healthcare profession focused on the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries in the context of sport and physical activity. Sports therapists work with athletes at all levels, from recreational participants to elite professionals, using a range of manual therapy, rehabilitation and exercise prescription techniques to reduce the risk of injury, treat acute and chronic injuries, and support the return to full function and performance. It is a practical, hands-on profession that combines knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and clinical assessment.

At York St John University, the four-year full-time degree includes a foundation year, which provides additional preparation before beginning the full professional programme. You will study anatomy and physiology, assessment and diagnostic skills, manual therapy techniques, sports massage, rehabilitation exercise, taping and strapping, and the professional and legal frameworks that govern practice. Clinical placements and practical experience are central to the programme, and you will develop your skills through supervised work with athletes and patients in a range of settings.

The degree includes a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you further professional experience before graduation.

York St John's campus and its links with local sports clubs, fitness facilities and healthcare providers support the practical dimensions of the degree.

Sports therapy graduates work in professional sports clubs, sports medicine clinics, private practice, health and fitness facilities, rehabilitation centres and community sport settings. Many pursue membership of the Society of Sports Therapists, which is the professional association for the field. Postgraduate study in physiotherapy, sports science, sports medicine or a related clinical field is a natural next step for those who want to develop additional clinical expertise.