Details
This innovative programme has been developed through a partnership between The Football Association and the University of Birmingham. The programme is aimed at physiotherapists and doctors either working within football medicine or interested in moving into football medicine.
The overall aim of the programme is to enable exploration of the theoretical basis of exercise and sports medicine in general and football in particular, and its application to the development of a physiotherapist's and doctor's clinical reasoning. Using the process of clinical reasoning as its framework, the programme will integrate the key issues central to practice in this specialist area, including: clinical assessment, communication skills, accurate diagnosis, differential diagnosis, diagnostics and prognostics, treatment interventions, management approaches, best evidence, evaluation of outcome, strategies to reduce injury time etc. The programme will facilitate the evaluation of existing evidence through the exploration of the assessment and management of athletes. It will provide students with the opportunity to tailor their learning experience to meet their personal and professional needs, developing their their capacity for leadership within a multidisciplinary team providing clinical management in football. The programme will promote enquiry based learning through a range of strategies including case analysis and problem based learning.
The programme is written in line with the international competencies and standards established by the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists and the Specialty Training Curriculum for Sports and Exercise Medicine from the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board, and in collaboration with The Football Association and physiotherapists and doctors working within football and other sporting contexts.
Why study this course
The specific aims of the programme are:
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To critically evaluate approaches and methodologies for researching theoretical and practical issues relating to exercise and sports medicine with a focus on clinical practice within football.
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To critically evaluate previous professional development and plan future development within the framework of contemporary exercise and sports medicine within football.
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To critically analyse the theoretical and conceptual issues underpinning assessment, evaluation, management and rehabilitative approaches within football.
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To use advanced clinical reasoning and clinical skills to enable optimal clinical effectiveness and holistic management of complex clinical presentations in athletes.
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To develop a high level of clinical and reserach skills to enable leadership within a football medicine context.
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To critically evaluate the scientific and clinical evidence of exercise and sports medicine in football.
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To formulate a justifiable research design and conduct analytically an investigation to address a given problem.
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To produce a written research report and presentation worthy of scrutiny in both academic and clinical settings.
Unique features of the programme include the delivery of two specialist modules at The Football Association's National Football Centre, St George's Park at Burton on Trent. In addition, also anatomy development within the prosectorium in the Medical School, and to practice mentorship within a football/sports medicine environment.
A range of skills can be gained from undertaking this programme that contribute to advanced practice within the speciality of Sports Medicine (Football). Specifically they include: oral communication, written communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, time management, cross-cultural awareness, enterprise skills, commercial/business awareness, numeracy, ICT, adaptability/flexibility, advanced interpersonal skills, managing own development, advanced clinical reasoning, prioritisation skills, and excellence in practical skills.
Modules
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Exercise and Sports Medicine (Football) is awarded with successful completion of six 20 credit masters level modules.
In addition, you will choose one option module to the value of 20 credits from within the College (subject to availability and viability).
The award of Master of Science (MSc) in Exercise and Sports Medicine (Football) will be awarded following successful completion of the Research Dissertation (60 credits) to provide a cumulative total of 180 M level credits.
Fees and funding
2013/14 programme fees
UK/EU students - MSc £10080/PGDip £8520
Non UK/EU students - £17550/PGDip £14650
Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships may be available. Email financial support for more information. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. Visit our website for information about scholarships for international students
For further information contact the School directly or email sfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
For applicants undertaking clinical practice in the UK as part of the Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice module:
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Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for physiotherapists (includes professional indemnity), or
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Current registration with the General Medical Council, and evidence of appropriate professional indemnity for mentored practice within a football environment for doctors.
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Satisfactory current Disclosure and Barring Service (previously criminal Record) check.
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Satisfactory health declaration and immunisation record.
For applicants undertaking observation and supervised practice (where legal and professional responsibility rests with the mentor) within the UK, as part of the Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice module:
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Satisfactory current Disclosure and Barring Service check.
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Satisfactory health declaration and immunisation record.
For applicants undertaking clinical practice outside of the UK, as part of the Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice module:
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Professional registration and professional indemnity appropriate to the country in which the mentored practice will take place.
For all applicants:
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A BSc/BA Honours degree or equivalent, normally first or upper second class Honours degree for physiotherapists / MBChB for doctors.
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Documented evidence post qualification experience of practice within a sporting context.
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Supporting evidence of appropriate Continuing Professional Development during this post qualification experience.
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Letter of support from employer.
All applicants will be interviewed, either face to face or by conference call.
International students:
If applying from overseas, you should also bear in mind that the process of applying for a visa can be a long and complicated one and you are therefore advised to submit your application for study as early as possible, enabling us to provide you with the offer letter that will be necessary for your visa application well ahead of the programme start date.
Academic requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.
English language requirements
If applicants are from overseas and English is not their first language they can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:
Requirements for this programme are:
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English to IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) or TOEFL Internet based 88 overall with no less than no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking, 21 in Writing.
How to apply
When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages
Apply now