Become part of the next generation of experts in sports medicine as you build the skills to propel yourself into a rewarding career in elite sports. Taught by staff in the world-leading School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, this degree is perfect for physiotherapists and doctors aiming to thrive in elite sports.
Explore the dynamic world of Sports and Exercise Medicine. Dive into the roles and significance of interdisciplinary teams within elite sports. Sharpen your clinical reasoning skills in sports medicine and cultivate transferable skills that are sought-after by employers. Deepen your understanding of how to prevent injuries and illnesses. Assess and diagnose sports-related issues, and master rehabilitation techniques to support athletes returning to play.
I would have no hesitations in recommending this course to others considering applying. The teaching provided was first class and extremely practical, supporting those with aspirations to work in elite sports.
The course is tailored to your schedule to work around your personal commitments. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
Autumn Term : 29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
In Term one, you will dive straight into undertaking research activities to boost your competence in knowledge generation and implementation. You will undertake a range of compulsory modules with the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests, such as Research methods and Sports Medicine 1 which focuses on injury and illnesses assessment. Your dissertation project will be launched this semester and run through to semester 3. Select from our optional modules and choose to study either Theory and Practice in leadership or Advanced MSK Physiotherapy (lower limb focus).
With our world-leading research expertise in sports, exercise, health, and rehabilitation you will be taught by experts in the field. Access to dedicated state-of-the-art research laboratories including our on-site prosectorium to develop your anatomy skills. Undertake a specialist module that promotes professional practice and clinical mentorship within a sports medicine environment.
This course is closely associated with the Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice.
In the World
QS World University Rankings 2024
In the UK for Sport, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (QS rankings)
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand in hand. You will experience multiple teaching and learning methods throughout the course which will be supported by self-directed learning.
Mixed teaching methods - teaching will be highly interactive and collaborative. All learning will be centered around contemporary evidence based musuloskeletal sports practice. You will benefit from reflective and problem solving approaches.
Assessments - These will vary across modules. You will undertake written and oral case reports, vivas, practical assessments and you will write up a research study.
Our new Centre for Movement and Wellbeing (MoveWell) clinic will provide unique oppourtunities to interact with patients and gain real-life experiences through placements. The physiotherapy clinic is at the heart of MoveWell, offering targeted therapies to support good health, through the treatment and rehabilitation from injury, acute illness and chronic disease.
You'll also have access to our elite sport facilites such as our Sport and Fitness Gym which is home to our Olympic sized swimming pool.
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Sports and Exercise Medicine is awarded with successful completion of six 20 credit masters level modules. Cumulative total of 120 M level credits. The award of Master of Science (MSc) in Sports and Exercise Medicine will be awarded following successful completion of the Research Dissertation (60 credits) to provide a cumulative total of 180 M level credits.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice | 20 | Full Term |
| LM Sports Medicine Assessment | 20 | Semester 1 |
Core modules:
Students must select only ONE of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Sports Medicine Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Sports Medicine Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Professional Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
In addition to the optional modules listed, students can take other MDS or LES modules with agreement from the Programme Leader that they contribute to the programme aims. Optional module choices to total 40 credits.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Effective Strategies for Preparation and Competition | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Evaluating Performance | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1: Lower Quadrant | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2: Upper Quadrant | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Innovation in Professional Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Leading Others: From Principles to Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Theory and Practice of Leadership | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Neuromuscular adaptation to training | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Work Based Continuing Professional Development | 20 | Full Term |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
A minimum of 2:1 Honours Degree within a Medical or Physiotherapy discipline.
A minimum of 2:1 Honours Degree in a medical discipline including BMBS, BM, MBChB. A minimum of 2:1 Honours BSc or BA Degree, preferably in a pre-registration Physiotherapy degree qualifications.
In addition, you will need to submit a personal statement. This should be a maximum of 500 words in length. An explanation of how MSc Sports and Exercise Medicine will help you with your career development should also be included.
Before your application can be processed you must submit the following items:
If you have met the admission criteria, you will then be required to take part in an interview.
Once accepted onto the course, you will also need to complete a number of non-academic requirements prior to admission.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Identifying and responding to opportunities from professional practice, our graduates are developing the knowledge, skills, and attributes that lead to exciting, rewarding, and valuable careers. Through the developments in their practice and influence, they will ensure that sport, physical activity, and rehabilitation can change the world in diverse, inclusive ways. Typical career pathways from this course include many of our graduates going on to work in elite sport full or part-time. Read our latest Blog posts: https://blog.bham.ac.uk/gsspp-blog/
This course is closely associated with the Graduate School of Sport and Profesional Practice*. The Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice (GSSPP) is a world-leading centre for professional development in sport, physical activity, and rehabilitation based at the University of Birmingham.
I studied this course at the University of Birmingham part-time while I was working in a third division professional football club in Italy. I would not hesitate to recommend this course, which I feel made a difference in allowing me to secure a position at Juventus Football Club. The award itself from such a prestigious University surely made my CV stand out among the others, but what I feel most important are the strong clinical reasoning skills I developed throughout the course particularly thankfully to a top-class faculty of lecturers.
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