Description

Sports therapists work with everyone from elite athletes recovering from injury to older people keeping active through exercise. At York St John University, their approach to sport prioritises the health of an athlete over their performance. Students will develop as a responsible, skilled practitioner informed by their commitment to putting health and wellbeing first.

An important focus of the course is understanding when an athlete is ready to return to play after an injury - an issue which is hotly debated by players, coaches, medical professionals and the media. Taught by staff who have both professional and research experience, students will be engaging with ideas and debates at the cutting-edge of Sport & Exercise Therapy.

A lot of YSJ's research explores the social and mental impact injuries can have on athletes, and the links between the physiological and psychological aspects of injury. Through a combination of academic study and practical investigation students will learn to prevent, treat and rehabilitate soft tissue injuries, as well as building the ethical and social awareness needed to work in this field.

At YSJ, they work with an extensive network of sports clubs and organisations, giving students the opportunity to gain work experience and carry out research in real-world sport settings. Many local and university sports teams use the Nestlé Rowntree Park Sports Campus. This site, which includes 3G and grass pitches, a sports barn, teaching and social spaces, human performance laboratories and the new sport and exercise therapy suite is a great place to learn and work.

Throughout the course learning, both practical and theoretical, will be highly relevant to the world of work. Students will leave them ready for a career in sports therapy, sports massage or one of many other roles across the sport and health industries.