Sports medicine is a branch of medicine and healthcare that deals with physical fitness and the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. Sports Medicine bridges the gap between science and practice, and qualified professionals find work in a wide variety of settings, from elite sports facilities to physical rehabilitation clinics, private practice and the NHS.
Studying a master’s degree in sports medicine is an opportunity to build on the foundation of knowledge and skills gained at undergraduate level and brings the option to specialise into a specific area of interest which you may wish to develop into your career pathway.
Typical UK entry requirements include an undergraduate degree in sports science, medicine, healthcare or a related field, along with a period of clinical experience. It is a popular course, with 31 MSc degrees available in the UK.
What to Expect
Programme specifics vary based on the university you attend and the exact type of area you choose to specialise in. However, you’ll most likely cover topics like musculoskeletal medicine, exercise physiology and rehabilitation strategies, as well as competing an extended period of hands-on placement work where you’ll develop superb person-to-person communication skills.
You can expect to study for one year on a full-time basis, or two to three years part-time if you wish to continue studying alongside your professional practice.
Once graduated, you’ll be well prepared to take on a variety of professional roles from sports physician or consultant, to performance enhancement and managerial positions. You can apply for accreditation by bodies like the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (FSEM), which ensures high standards of training across the profession.