Sport & Exercise Medicine

People are increasingly encouraged to undertake sport and exercise as part of a healthier lifestyle. Although this has a number of global health benefits, a related caveat is an increased risk of injury. Currently, sporting injuries commonly present to the health professional; these injuries present a unique challenge in terms of their aetiology, management and potential for recurrence. Sport and Exercise medicine is now recognised as a specialist area and there are growing numbers of physicians and allied health professionals seeking to work in this diverse and exciting area. The teaching faculty comprises a balance of respected academics and clinical specialists in relevant fields of Sports Medicine, Physical Activity and Sports Biomechanics.

The course is aimed at clinical professionals working as medical doctors, physiotherapists, and other registered health professionals. The overarching aim of this course is to develop practitioners who understand the importance of evidence-based and specialist reflective practice, and who will enhance the healthcare of people involved in sport and exercise within the UK, Ireland and beyond. The knowledge and skills gained will enhance your opportunities to progress in your career.

You will acquire the knowledge, critical awareness and transferable skills required for clinicians aspiring to engage in the field of sport and exercise medicine. The teaching faculty is multidisciplinary and comprises clinical specialists from physiotherapy, sports medicine, exercise physiology, orthopaedics, podiatry, radiology, and clinical biomechanics. Modules focus on critical thinking and clinical reasoning around sports injury management, sports rehabilitation, optimising exercise and load, and research skills. Core modules comprise both theoretical and practical components and have significant clinical and vocational relevance. You will be required to undertake an independent research project in your final semester.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page" .

Year one
Optimising Exercise and Load: Effective monitoring and management
Research Methods for Sports and Performance
Research Project in Sports and Performance
Sports Injury Management: Maximising Clinical Effectiveness
Sports Rehabilitation: Critical Thinking and Dynamic Practice

Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Applicants must have gained
(1) An Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; OR an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; AND

(2) Provide evidence of competence in written English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); AND

(3) Be registered as a health professional with the relevant regulatory body or equivalent (i.e. Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or equivalent)

In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").

Full time or part time options are available. Students can enrol on the programme on a Full time (over 1 year; 3 semesters), or Part time basis (over 3 years; 6 semesters).

Start Date: September 2024

Career options
All students enrolling on this course will already possess a relevant professional qualification (eg. medical doctor, physiotherapist, podiatry). It is anticipated that most students on this programme will be employed or will be seeking employment within the National Health Service, Social, voluntary sectors, or in independent practice. The programme therefore has significant clinical and vocational relevance. The specialist knowledge and postgraduate level skills gained will enhance students’ opportunities to progress in their careers.

We have also ensured that the content of the programme meets the postgraduate education requirements and levels of competencies for accreditation, set out by key professional bodies: 1). Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Physios in Sport UK) and 2). International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists.

Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) statistics provided by the University Careers Service for the last three years show that a significant cohort of students graduating from Ulster with sport and exercise related undergraduate awards go on to full-time employment (statistics are available on request). It is anticipated that this programme will allow the Faculty and the USA to continue its excellent track record of producing multi-skilled graduates who are attractive to a range of employers. This will be achieved in conjunction with the Career Development Centre at the University, with all students encouraged to avail of the relevant employability training and support.