MSc Sports Medicine - January start
The University of Greater Manchester's MSc Sports Medicine will provide you with the broad knowledge and skills required for a successful career in sports medicine. Through a vibrant mix of university learning and ongoing professional skills development, this exciting postgraduate course focuses on musculoskeletal injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation, as well as promoting the benefits of physical activity for health and the management of chronic medical conditions.
MSc Sports Medicine - January start
Award
MSc
Start Date
26/01/2026
Duration
1 year
Mode
Full-time
Location
University of Bolton
The University of Greater Manchester's MSc Sports Medicine will provide you with the broad knowledge and skills required for a successful career in sports medicine. Through a vibrant mix of university learning and ongoing professional skills development, this exciting postgraduate course focuses on musculoskeletal injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation, as well as promoting the benefits of physical activity for health and the management of chronic medical conditions.
Course Overview
The University of Greater Manchester's Master's in Sports Medicine supports physiotherapists, sport rehabilitators, sports therapists, medical doctors, and physical therapists in developing the core expertise, knowledge, and skills to deliver safe and effective care to those engaging in sport. While studying at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus, you can develop high-level proficiency in this discipline, a firm focus on evidence-based practice, and explore exciting areas such as disability sport and physical activity in the management of chronic medical conditions.Our multidisciplinary teaching team will blend face-to-face and online theory sessions with case scenarios and practical skills development sessions using the University’s extensive range of facilities, including our anatomage table, biomechanics lab and physiology lab. You’ll study musculoskeletal anatomy and epidemiology of common musculoskeletal injuries. You'll gain knowledge on the prevention, rehabilitation and management of common musculoskeletal injuries, including limb loss. You’ll also explore the management of diverse sporting populations, such as youth, women’s, disability sports, including prosthetics. We’ll guide you in developing knowledge and understanding of the benefits of physical activity for health and in preventing and managing medical conditions.
We’ll also support you in developing essential research and writing skills through an independent research project. This will build your skills in analysis, critical thinking and applying theoretical frameworks and literature, supporting your development of evidence-based practice and preparing you for doctoral-level study should you choose to pursue it. Depending on your prior qualifications, you’ll also study biomechanics and physiology, unless you are a registered health professional in a relevant specialism, in which case you’ll be able to choose two options from biomechanics, physiology and injection therapy.
Our professionals have years of experience working in the field, so we'll use realistic scenarios and case studies to develop and test your skills and understanding. Interpersonal and transferable skills are also vital, so we'll challenge you to develop sought-after report writing, presentation, problem-solving, analytical, time management, and decision-making skills. We’ll focus on building your ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and communicate constructively with colleagues and service users. Our dedicated team will focus on helping you gain the skills employers value and a detailed understanding of the technologies and methods underpinning sports medicine. We also aim to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.
By studying our MSc in Sports Medicine, you'll gain essential knowledge and experience and develop the attitudes, abilities and competencies that are vital for a career in areas such as professional sports, disability sport, exercise medicine, private practice, health promotion, and the NHS.
Highlights
- Specialist facilities in Bolton One include laboratory spaces focusing on strength and conditioning, biomechanics, physiology, sport rehabilitation and physiotherapy, fully equipped teaching clinics, a rehabilitation and exercise suite, a multi-use sports hall and climbing wall, and our Sport and Physical Activity Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC). We take pride in offering elite-level facilities and services that are accessible to all.
- The programme is taught by experienced professionals and academics currently working in the field of sports medicine. This means that during all lectures there will be discussions on current topics in sports medicine and how research informs and is informed by practice.
- Our MSc curriculum is informed by employers and recognises current developments in sports medicine.
- All our teaching has an applied focus and we take a blended learning approach.
Key Features
- Most students will have the opportunity to choose two from three optional modules, allowing you to create your own pathway through the MSc.
- Throughout the course, specialists in sports medicine and related fields, along with people with lived experience, provide valuable insights. Their perspectives enrich your understanding of sports medicine practice and its impact on individuals and communities.
- We’ll support you in developing essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and professional communication throughout the programme. We prioritise lifelong learning, ensuring your knowledge and skills remain current as you progress in your career.
- When you successfully complete the MSc, the University of Greater Manchester will award you the MSc in Sports Medicine, positioning you for success in the field.
- Situated in Bolton, you'll enjoy access to a vibrant urban centre with diverse amenities. Nearby Manchester offers a multicultural environment, while the Northwest of England boasts beautiful countryside, coastline, and rich heritage, enhancing your overall experience.
Entry Requirements
- You should hold at least an upper second class (2.1) honours degree in a relevant subject; for instance, sport or exercise sciences, exercise physiology, medicine, sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, physiotherapy or physical therapy. Applications from other related professions will be considered on an individual basis. Relevant work experience will confer an advantage.
- We’ll be happy to consider your application if you hold a lower second class (2.2) honours degree in one of the above subjects, particularly if you have good relevant professional experience. Additional evidence of your suitability, such as a portfolio of academic work, may be required.
- Qualifications gained outside England and Wales will be assessed on an individual basis according to guidance from the University of Greater Manchester’s International Office and the relevant professional body.
- If your application is successfully shortlisted, you’ll be required to attend an online interview.
- Please note you must have current professional registration (or suitable insurance to practice if your first degree does not attract professional registration).
- We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
- We take a positive view of what candidates with disabilities can achieve as future healthcare professionals and take seriously our obligation to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all students with disabilities can successfully complete their studies. All applicants will be assessed up to and including the interview on the basis of the criteria outlined here regardless of any disability. If you declare a disability, we’ll invite you to work with us, the University’s Disability team, clinical colleagues and relevant specialist services (for example, RNIB) to explore how best we can support your studies.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University's Fitness to Practice declaration.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the University of Greater Manchester’s MSc Sports Medicine, you’ll possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key areas of musculoskeletal medicine coupled with sport and exercise science and performance. This postgraduate degree will provide valuable insight and knowledge for prescribing exercise for diverse populations, musculoskeletal injury prevention, management and rehabilitation, medical conditions and chronic diseases, and physiology and/or biomechanics for performance.
After successfully completing this course, you’ll have advanced knowledge and skills in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, and promoting physical activity for health and chronic medical conditions. You’ll also be able to demonstrate a wide range of sought-after interpersonal and transferable skills, such as multidisciplinary teamwork, communication, problem-solving, research and analysis, and lifelong learning.
What can I do with this qualification?
If you wish to expand your professional scope, you may undertake short professional development courses in areas such as injection therapy, acupuncture or pre-hospital immediate care in sport (PHICIS) level 2 (at additional cost). Alternatively, you may further your studies by pursuing a PhD in sports medicine, enabling you to enter the research and academic sectors.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use this qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. The knowledge and skills you'll develop on this programme will underpin a number of alternative career opportunities, including:
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Management/leadership
- Teaching and education
- Clinical research
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
Year of study | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|
Entry Year | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | |
2025-26 | £8,496 | - | £8,496 |
2026-27 | - |
International Fees
Year of study | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|
Entry Year | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | |
2025-26 | £17,500 | - | £17,500 |
2026-27 | - |
Bursaries
Click here for more information on our Master's Bursaries.
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
You may apply directly to the University using the University's online application form. Please select your chosen start date from the list below:
You should have to hand:
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Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
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Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
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Details of any employment history including name, address, dates and role
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Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
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Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already input.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Greater Manchester MSc Sports Medicine - 26 January 2026
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
English Language Qualifications
Have you completed an English Language qualification prior to application or have a valid exemption as per the list below? (The qualification/exemption must be uploaded with this application) E.g. Applicants from Nigeria/Africa must upload their WAEC or NECO certificate before the application is submitted for a prompt response and offer.
Acceptable English Language Tests – Undergraduate and Postgraduate
These tests must have been taken within 2 years of the start of the course
Test | Entry Requirements |
---|---|
IELTS Academic (taken within 2 years) |
Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements |
PTE Academic |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 No less than 59 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 No less than 59 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 No less than 76 in each component |
TOEFL iBT |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 18 Writing – 17 Listening – 17 Speaking - 20 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 20 Writing – 19 Listening – 19 Speaking 21 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 24 Writing – 24 Listening – 22 Speaking 25 |
Other qualifications we currently accept (which do not require an additional SELT) | |
GCSE in English Language (from a UK awarding body) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C/C3 (20 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B/B3 (37 points) |
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade D/D2 (46 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade C/C2 (66 points) |
IGCSE English as a First language (for syllabus 0500 Listening and Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
IGCSE English as a Second language (for syllabus 0510 Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
Cambridge Advanced English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 170 points with no component below 160 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 180 points with no component below 170 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 185 points with no component below 180 |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus A) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus B) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 5 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 6 |
European Baccalaureate English Language |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 70% Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 80% |
European qualifications
English component - obtained within the last 4 years
Country | Qualification |
---|---|
Austria | Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis at 2.0 |
Belgium | Diplome d'acces a l'enseignment superieur/Diplome van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs at 75% |
Bulgaria | Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie at Grade 3 |
Croatia | Svjedodzba o Maturi at grade 4.0 |
Cyprus | Apolyterion at 15 |
Czech Republic | Maturitni Zkou'ce/Maturita at grade 2.0 |
Denmark | Studentereksamen/HF/HHX/HTX/IBB /Diplomingenior at grade 9 |
Estonia | Riigieksamitunnistus or Gümnaasiumilõputunnistus at 70% |
Finland | Ylioppilastutkintotodistus or Studentexamensbetyg at grade 5 |
France | Baccalauréat (le bac) or the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat at grade 12.5 |
Germany | Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife or Abitur or a Fachgebundene Hochschulreife at grade 2 / gut |
Greece | Apolyterion at grade 15 |
Hungary | Erettsegi at grade 4 |
Italy | Diploma di Esame di Stato at grade 8/80% |
Latvia | Atestats Par Visparejo Videjo Izglitib at grade 8 |
Lithuania | Brandos Atestatas at grade 8 |
Malta | Matriculation Certificate at grade C |
Moldova | Diploma de Bacalaureat or Atestat de Studii Medii de Cultura Generala at grade 9 |
Netherlands | Diploma Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) or Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) at grade 8 |
Norway | Vitnemal-Videregaende Opplaering at grade 4 |
Poland | Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci / Matura at grade 70% |
Portugal | Diploma de Ensino Secundario at grade 14 |
Romania | Diploma de Bacalaureat (English with all components at B2) |
Slovakia | Vysvedcenie O Maturitnej at grade 2 |
Slovenia | Maturitetno Spricevalo at grade 4 |
Spain | Titulo de Bachillerato at grade 8 |
Sweden | Fullstandigt Slutbetyg Fran Gymnasiesk at grade C |
Switzerland | Maturitatszeugnis or Maturite Federal at grade 5 |
Ukraine | Aтестат про повну загальну середню освіту at grade 10 |
Acceptable International Regional qualifications
Must be obtained no more than 4 years before the proposed start date of the course
Country | Qualification | Grade |
---|---|---|
Bahamas | General Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
Botswana | General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level | Grade C/4 in English |
Brunei | Cambridge O Level | Grade C6 in English |
Cameroon | GCE O level | Grade C in English |
Hong Kong | HKCEE | Grade C in English (Syllabus B) |
Hong Kong | HKDSE | Grade 4 in English |
Kenya | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
Malaysia | Malaysian 1119 | Grade 6C in English - IELTS 6.0 |
Singapore | Singapore Cambridge O Level | Grade C6 in English |
South Africa | South Africa National Senior Certificate | Grade 5 in English |
Tanzania | Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
Uganda | Certificate of Education | Grade 6 |
Zambia | Zambia School Certificate | Grade 6 in English |
Zimbabwe | General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level | Grade C in English |
Caribbean Examination Council | General proficiency Grade III in English | |
Nigeria/Ghana | WAEC/NECO | Grade C6 in English |
I understand the English Language Qualifications/Exemptions. I will upload the evidence with this application or when I obtain the certificate or exemption.
Thank you for your interest
Please secure an approved English language qualification and then apply for the next intake.
backQuestion
Have you ever received a visa refusal for entry into the UK or any other country?
Thank you for your interest
Unfortunately we would be unable to sponsor under the Student Route Visa. If you do not require a visa to study in the UK please email us for further advice: intadmissions@greatermanchester.ac.uk
backYour Funding
Do you have full funding in place to cover your full tuition fees and living costs as required by UKVI? Please click here for more information.
Question
Have you read and understood the course entry requirements and confirm that you fully meet the requirements? (Please click on Entry Requirements tab above to ensure you comply with all the requirements for this course)
You may also refer to the following pages for information about International Qualifications equivalency: https://www.greatermanchester.ac.uk/international/your-country-entry-requirements/
For further assistance with international qualifications equivalency (paid service) – please refer to the ECCTIS website (previously known as NARIC): https://ecctis.com/Qualifications/FindTheServiceForYou.aspx
Thank you for your interest
Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application as all entry requirements must be met.
backFinal Terms & Conditions
Please read the following:
- I understand that the university reserves the right to withdraw their offer at any stage once the quota for the course has been filled.
- I understand that I will be required to pay specific fees before CAS issuance is considered by the university.
- I must declare any agent or consultant at the start of my application and they must be on the list of approved agents. (We also have Branch Offices in Africa, South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia who fully manage applications in their respective regions.)
- I am able to complete the course in the normal duration.
- I am able to arrive on time for the published start date.
- I confirm that I will be 18 years old or more on the start date of the course.
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I understand that the following documents will be uploaded as part my application:
(a) Passport with at least 6 months validity before start of course.
(b) Personal statement (written by myself).
(c) CV if applicable.
(d) Previous qualifications.
(e) English language certificate or proof of exemption.
(f) Professional references if applicable.
(g) Bank Statements and TB Certificate if applicable at the CAS issuance stage. - I have read and understood all questions and answered them correctly and truthfully to the best of my ability and knowledge.
Congratulations
Based on the information supplied, we would like to invite you to apply for this course.
Apply Online
The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.
How you apply is determined by your current location and what you are choosing to study:
- Apply direct to the University. Links for the next available intakes of this course are shown below. Please click the link which will direct you to the online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this.
- Apply via one of our approved in-country referral partners. A list of our partners may be found on the International pages of this website.
- Apply via UCAS for courses starting in September only – visit www.ucas.com.
Should you have any queries please contact the International Team on +44 (0) 1204 903110 or email international@greatermanchester.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Greater Manchester MSc Sports Medicine - 26 January 2026
Teaching & Assessment
Modern healthcare professionals require a range of skills and values. Our practice-based learning partners and tutors will help you gain experience in a range of sports medicine scenarios designed to develop your skills in a safe and supportive environment. We use a blended-learning approach, combining face-to-face sessions with online and practical work. You can expect discussion-based lectures, presentations by guest speakers, simulations delivered by tutors, seminar discussions, small group workshops, small group and one-to-one tutorials, and practical skill learning sessions. You'll also need to undertake a significant amount of personal study, including general background reading, preparing for seminar activities, working on assignments and revising for examinations.
To help support your learning, the University offers additional study skills sessions, such as essay writing, library skills and electronic searching, and numeracy. You can also find support through our social learning community which includes a peer-support programme and enhanced personal tutoring. Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is used to share study resources.
In addition to the six core modules, you’ll choose two out of the three option modules. Please note that the Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapy option module is only available to registered health professionals from relevant specialisms.
Assessment tasks are designed to ensure you achieve the learning outcomes for each module and develop the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours required in the field of sports medicine. While assessment serves to evaluate your achievement, it also helps you organise and develop your learning by revealing your strengths and weaknesses. A variety of assessment methods will be used, including written coursework, poster and oral presentations, discussions, workshops and practical case scenarios. We'll provide feedback on your assessments to help you improve in the future.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Physical Activity for Health and Disease
- Anatomy, Aetiology and Epidemiology of MSK Injury
- MSK Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
- Management of Diverse Sporting Populations
- Research Methods Informing Applied Practice
- Major Research Project
- Biomechanics for Human Motion and Performance
- Physiology of Adaptation for Human Performance
- Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapy
Assessment methods
Level | Assessment method |
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Level 1 | Coursework 44% Practical exams 56% |
Learning Activities
Level | Activity |
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Level 1 | Guided independent study 81% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 19% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.