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Sports and Exercise Medicine MSc
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptemberDurationMSc – Minimum 13 months, maximum 6 years; PGDip - Minimum 10 months, maximum 4 years
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirementsA minimum of 2:1 Honours Degree within a Medical or Physiotherapy discipline.
- Fees£15,560 (full-time) / £7,780 (part-time)
Course overview
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).
Course highlights
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.
- A flexible course to work around your professional commitments.;
- Study at the largest custom built Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences facility in the UK.
- Anatomy skills taught at the prosectorium in the Medical School.
- 6th
In the World
QS World University Rankings 2024
- 2nd
In the UK for Sport, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (QS rankings)
Course delivery
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.
Module information
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 for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
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 |
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
A minimum of 2:1 Honours Degree within a Medical or Physiotherapy discipline.
Other entry requirements
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:
- Completed application form
- Two academic/employer references in support of your application and professional and practical capabilities
- Transcripts of your degrees (certified and translated into English if appropriate).
- A personal statement (maximium 500 words)
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.
English language requirements
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:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £15,560
Full-time
- £7,780
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.
Paying your tuition fees
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.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
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.
Scholarships
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
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.
Application process
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.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
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.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.