Sports and Exercise Medicine MSc
Validated by University of South Wales
This Sports and Exercise Medicine MSc bridges the gap between athletic performance and public health, offering you the opportunity to conduct original research while making a meaningful impact across diverse patient populations. From AI-powered movement analysis for injury prediction to advanced metabolic phenotyping for personalised exercise prescriptions, our sports and exercise medicine MSc puts you at the forefront of medical innovation and research.
Master the integration of cutting-edge wearable technology and real-time physiological monitoring, while exploring revolutionary approaches in regenerative therapies and blood flow restriction training. Through your professional project, you'll have the freedom to deeply investigate emerging technologies like high-resolution ultrasound elastography or smart rehabilitation systems, with the potential to publish your findings and contribute to the field's evolution.
Next intake: September 2025Key Facts
Our comprehensive, flexible, online sports and exercise medicine master’s embraces the digital health revolution, incorporating virtual reality rehabilitation, tele-health delivery models, and advanced data analytics for performance optimisation. This advanced MSc serves as an essential stepping stone toward doctoral studies, while allowing you to develop expertise in your chosen area of interest.
Your self-directed research project will demonstrate to employers your expertise and direction in your chosen specialisation, whether it's innovative injury prevention strategies or the impact of exercise on health economics. Position yourself as a leader in this rapidly evolving field, with the support of tutors who will guide you toward publication if your work shows promise.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr Gareth Jones - Programme Lead & Tutor
Dr Jones qualified in 1976. His early postgraduate years were spent in general medicine successfully negotiating the MRCP in 1984. He then...
Validating partner
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Accreditors and Endorsers
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
This postgraduate course has also been accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
Postgraduate Diploma courses
In order to be eligible for our Postgraduate Diploma courses you need to hold a medical degree or undergraduate degree in a health related science and be working within the field that you wish to study, as the course is designed to further your knowledge within your chosen subject and is not designed to introduce these as new topic areas.
We have two intakes a year in March and September. Click the following link for the up to date application deadlines and module dates: Module Dates.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
Next intake: September 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr Gareth Jones - Programme Lead & Tutor
Dr Jones qualified in 1976. His early postgraduate years were spent in general medicine successfully negotiating the MRCP in 1984. He then elected to enter general practice obtaining the MRCGP in 1986 but was able to continue his cardiology interest as a specialty doctor. In 1993 he became the team doctor for the Welsh Rugby Union U19 squad. It was at this time he felt that his knowledge of Sports Medicine needed to be improved. He obtained an MSc in SEM at the University of Bath in 2003, later to become an examiner for their DipSEM. He has travelled as team doctor to over twenty International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Championships. Dr Jones was Match Day Doctor at the ‘England2015’ RWC at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. Dr Jones has also attended four Commonwealth Games (Kuala Lumpur 1998, Manchester 2002, Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010), the last two as Chief Medical Officer. He retired from general practice in 2012 and is now the Sports Physician to the Cardiff Blues (rugby union) and working within the NHS as a specialty doctor in Cardiology and Trauma and Orthopaedics. As a Visiting Professor at the University, he has been involved with this course since it’s inception. He has played an important part in establishing the course with increasing numbers enrolling reflecting the needs of health care professionals with an interest in this field.
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Why Study a Sports and Exercise Medicine Master's with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
Our MSc in sports and exercise medicine is specifically designed to suit all healthcare professionals who have exposure to people with sports related injuries and is particularly relevant to:
- Physiotherapists
- Sports Therapists
- Chiropractors
- Primary Care Physicians, with a specialist interest in sports and exercise medicine.
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
The msc in sports medicine distance learning is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the [diploma in sports and exercise medicine](https://www.diploma-msc.com/p/diploma-in-sports-and-exercise-medicine "diploma in sports and exercise medicine"). The second year of the sports and exercise medicine masters starts with an initial 10 week online module that will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the professional project module, which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).Year 1
Module Aims
- Critically analyse and evaluate the application of anatomy and physiology to sports and exercise performance, synthesising knowledge to assess benefits and contraindications.
- Critically examine and interpret the psychological aspects of sport and exercise performance across diverse populations, developing strategies to enhance performance and participation.
Module Summary
- Anatomy and physiology of muscle, innervation, function and biochemistry.
- Role of calcium, vitamin D, protein and hormonal control of muscle.
- Types of exercise (aerobic/anaerobic) and types of exercise programmes/individualising exercise.
- Training regimes – endurance, power, HIT, improving performance.
- Psychology of exercise. How to motivate the patient to exercise.
- How to motivate the athlete.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise and critically evaluate the anatomical, physiological, and psychological aspects of sport and exercise performance to design individualised training/exercise programmes for patients/athletes.
- Analyse and evaluate motivating factors that influence exercise participation, developing strategies to address barriers and enhance adherence.
Module Aims
- Evaluate and synthesise evidence on the benefits of exercise in chronic diseases, critically analysing its impact on population health and behaviour change.
- Design and justify tailored exercise interventions for individuals with chronic diseases, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning and application of current research.
Module Summary
- Impact of reduced exercise upon the individual and across populations.
- Limitations of disease and population characteristics upon exercise or sport.
- Types of exercise appropriate for diseases.
- Evidence based benefits of exercise in specific conditions/disorders/diseases.
- Introducing sports and exercise programmes across populations.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically assess the impact of exercise on diverse populations and chronic diseases, integrating current research findings.
- Formulate and justify evidence-based exercise programmes for specific chronic diseases, critically evaluating benefits, contraindications, and applications.
Module Aims
- Critically appraise and develop comprehensive approaches to injury prevention across various sports and exercises, including advanced exercise techniques, equipment design, and rehabilitation strategies.
- Analyse and evaluate protocols for return to play after illness and return to exercise, considering complex physiological, psychological, and sport-specific factors.
Module Summary
- Specific programmes of exercise designed to prevent injury.
- Evidence based equipment and techniques used in the prevention of and rehabilitation of injury.
- Evidence and guidelines regarding return to play following injury.
- Evidence and guidelines relating to return to exercise following acute illness/disease.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate and synthesise evidence and guidelines for injury prevention in sport and exercise across health and disease spectra, including critical assessment of preventive devices and equipment.
- Develop and defend evidence-based return-to-play or exercise protocols for athletes following injury, illness, and/or disease, considering individual and sport-specific factors.
Module Aims
- Critically evaluate and synthesise knowledge of common injuries sustained in sport and exercise activities, developing advanced diagnostic skills.
- Analyse and critique current investigative methods for sport-and exercise-related injuries, proposing evidence-based improvements to diagnostic processes.
Module Summary
- Common injuries sustained whilst undertaking exercise/sport relating to musculoskeletal injuries (Muscular injury, common bone injury, neurological injury, lacerations, tendon and joint injuries).
- Common and uncomplicated injury of the entire body: head, neck, lumbar spine, cardiovascular, upper and lower limb.
- Injury associated with prescribed exercise programmes.
- Avoidance of injury and evidence based devices to reduce or eliminate injury.
- Accurate diagnosis of injury through appropriate history and examination.
Learning Outcomes
- Formulate accurate diagnoses for a variety of sport-/exercise-related injuries, integrating advanced clinical reasoning and current evidence.
- Design and justify appropriate investigation strategies for individuals presenting with sport-/exercise-related injuries, considering cost-effectiveness and patient-specific factors.
Module Aims
- Critically assess and develop advanced management strategies for common sports and exercise-related injuries, integrating current research and best practices.
- Evaluate and design comprehensive rehabilitation approaches following illness, considering individual patient factors and long-term outcomes.
Module Summary
- Specific approaches to the management of exercise and sports-related injuries.
- Rehabilitation of individuals with sports related injuries.
- Role of exercise in the rehabilitation of individuals suffering illness/disease.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and develop appropriate management strategies for individuals with sports and exercise-related injuries, including the design of specific rehabilitation programmes.
- Synthesise and apply principles of exercise-related rehabilitation and behaviour modification in the development of comprehensive recovery plans for injured individuals.
Module Aims
- Critically analyse the roles and contributions of various healthcare professionals in managing subjects with sports and exercise-related injuries, evaluating interprofessional dynamics.
- Synthesise and evaluate strategies for effective interaction among healthcare professionals in the management of sports and exercise-related injuries.
- Develop and critically appraise educational strategies for managing subjects with acute and chronic injuries, considering diverse learning needs and current pedagogical research.
Module Summary
- Educational strategies employed in the management of acute and chronic injury.
- Role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of the injured patient.
- Multidisciplinary approaches to encouraging exercise across the population.
- The evolving role of the sports physician, nurse, physiotherapist and biomechanist in sports and exercise medicine.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse the multi-disciplinary approach to managing sports-and exercise-related injuries, evaluating the evolving role of healthcare professionals in sport- and exercise-related medicine.
- Develop and evaluate educational strategies in sport and exercise medicine, considering diverse learning needs and current pedagogical research.
Year 2
Aims of the module:
- To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation.
Synopsis of the module content:
- Basic terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
- Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier Curves, Forrest Plots and Meta-analyses.
- Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk, number needed to treat.
- Basic statistical tests and their applications including T-Tests, ANOVA, Chi-Squared Tests.
- Methodologies as applied to SEM research such as health & exercise testing.
- Fundamentals of evidence based practice and its application into the clinical setting
- Establishing patient registers and the value of disease specific registers
- Research into educational principles for both doctor and patient. Understanding what may work for the patient as well as the educator.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
- Evaluate and synthesise diverse methodological approaches and research tools to formulate and investigate complex questions within your field of practice.
Aims of the module:
- To formulate the research question that you seek to answer.
- To develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice.
- To critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice.
- To develop skills in independent research and study.
- To develop skills relevant to scientific publications.
Synopsis of module content:
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to the student’s practice.
This project may comprise:
- Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
- Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Synthesise advanced knowledge of endocrinology research to conceptualise, plan, and execute an original investigation that contributes significant insights to the field.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change in an endocrinology setting.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing endocrinology services appropriately.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
Year 1
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.
Year 2
This module runs over an 8 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the Professional Project module.
Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.
Students will deliver an abstract (1000 words) outlining their proposal and, if deemed necessary, develop and submit documentation for the University’s ethical committee approval.
- Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.
- Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.
- Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.
- Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.
- All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consist of brief summaries of discussion.
Entry requirements
Since our sports medicine courses are online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals without international surcharges.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare related field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@learna.ac.uk for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@learna.ac.uk to find out more.
Course Fees
- Deposit for September 2025: £485 †
- Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2025: £10,200 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Pay-in-full discount is available.
- Option 2: Apply for Interest-free payments each month for the duration of the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
First Year Payments
| Deposit | 10 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £485 † | £483 | £485 |
Total first year payments: £5,800
Second Year Payments
| 11 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £366 | £374 |
Total second year payments: £4,400
You may also be interested in:
- Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
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Why Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
Being totally online means we can select the very best tutors and resource editors, no matter where they’re located.
Connect with multidisciplinary people around the world to expand your insights & broaden your career prospects.
Our programmes produce 90% fewer emissions than campus-based learning.
