Sport and Exercise Therapy with Foundation Year
Sport and exercise therapy is a clinical discipline concerned with the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries in physically active populations. Sports therapists work at the intersection of sports science and healthcare, drawing on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and manual therapy techniques to support athletes and active individuals in recovering from injury and returning to performance. The field requires both detailed scientific knowledge and the practical hands-on skills to apply it, and practitioners work in professional sport, fitness and leisure facilities, private clinical practice, and community health settings.
At York St John University, this part-time programme with a foundation year develops those capabilities in a structured and practical way.
You will study musculoskeletal anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and the principles of assessment and diagnosis, alongside practical training in soft tissue therapy, sports massage, taping and strapping, electrotherapy, and rehabilitation exercise prescription. The foundation year provides the scientific and academic foundations needed to thrive on the main clinical programme, making this an accessible route for students whose prior qualifications are in different areas. A sandwich year is built into the programme, giving you extended professional experience in clinical settings, and work placement opportunities are woven through the broader curriculum, so you accumulate substantial practical hours before you graduate.
The part-time mode allows you to balance your studies with other commitments.
Graduates pursue careers as sports therapists in professional sport clubs, elite performance academies, physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinics, gyms and leisure centres, and schools and universities. Many work towards professional membership of the Society of Sports Therapists or other relevant bodies. The combination of clinical assessment skills, manual therapy techniques, and rehabilitation expertise also provides a strong foundation for those who wish to continue to postgraduate study in physiotherapy, sports medicine, or related clinical fields.