Sport & Exercise Medicine

About

This Masters programme has been developed in collaboration with various professional bodies. In particular, consultation with members of: the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists, the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine has informed our learning outcomes, module content and delivery. We have ensured that these are mapped directly to masters’ competencies as defined by the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists.



The course is tailored towards clinical professionals working as medical doctors, or other health professionals including physiotherapists and podiatrists. It will provide the knowledge, critical awareness and transferable skills for physicians and allied health professionals aspiring to engage in the field of Sports Medicine. The primary focus will be to develop practitioners who understand the importance of evidence based and specialist reflective practice, who will enhance the health care of people who are involved in sport and exercise within the UK and Ireland and beyond.



Many members of the teaching staff hold a PGCE, PGCHEP, PGCHET, PGCUT or other teaching qualifications and are members of the Higher Education Academy. Several of the staff are engaged with the Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute (SESRI; CB, GD, CMcC, MM). Teaching staff have considerable research and practical experience that informs their teaching. In addition, many staff are qualified members of health-related professional bodies such as the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).



The teaching faculty includes a range of academics and professionals across the following specialist areas: orthopaedic surgery, sports podiatry, sports physiotherapy, consultant sports physicians, exercise and health, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, biochemistry and sports medicine research.

Full-Time Programme

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



Part-Time Programme

Year One

Sports Injury Management: Maximising Clinical Effectiveness

Sports Rehabilitation: Critical Thinking and Dynamic Practice



Year Two

Optimising Exercise and Load: Effective monitoring and management

Research Methods for Sports and Performance



Year Three

Research Project in Sports and Performance

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 (ie UK - Health and Care Professions Council, IRL - CORU, 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.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

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 2025.

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.