Pathways to Sport & Rehabilitation Therapy: What Background Do You Need to Apply?

If you're passionate about sport, movement and helping people recover, an MSc in Sport Rehabilitation and Therapy offers a rewarding and dynamic way to advance your career path.

Whether you're envisioning yourself working with elite athletes, supporting patients in clinics or contributing to research, this master’s equips you with both cutting‑edge theory and hands‑on skills.

Who Is This Course For?

Portobello Institute’s programme welcomes applicants with:

• A minimum 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline such as sports therapy, physiotherapy, sports science, nursing, or similar health and exercise fields.
• Healthcare and sports science professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in rehabilitation and sports therapy.
• Strong communication skills, critical thinking, and empathy are key traits whether working in a team environment or one‑on‑one with clients.

Ideal candidates are those driven by curiosity, care and a commitment to helping people recover and perform better.

What Makes You a Great Fit?

1. Health‑oriented and Active: A history in sports therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, sports science or personal training gives you a solid foundation in anatomy, movement and injury.
2. People‑focused & Empathetic: You’re dedicated to patient wellbeing and motivated by seeing others bounce back stronger.
3. Analytical & Reflective: You enjoy evaluating research, assessing client needs, and adapting your approach based on evidence.
4. Collaborative & Professional: You value teamwork, whether in multidisciplinary clinics or sports settings, and can navigate sensitive, performance-driven environments.
5. Committed to Growth: From biomechanics to injury prevention techniques, you thrive in learning and professional development.

Course Highlights & Structure

This 1‑year full-time MSc Sport Rehabilitation and Therapy, awarded by Health Sciences University, combines online learning, monthly in‑person weekend sessions, placements, and a dissertation.

Modules include:

• Principles of Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation 
• Research Methods in Health Science 
• Clinical Assessment in Sport and Exercise 
• Therapeutic Intervention & Manual Therapy 
• Sports Injury Treatment Modalities 
• Mental Health 
• Optional modules: Cardiac Rehabilitation, Neurological Rehab, Para‑athlete Support, Muscle Ultrasound, Psychology of Pain & Recovery

In‑depth practical learning:

Real‑World Experience

This course is designed for real‑life application, leaning heavily on live placements and case‑based learning so you graduate ready to practice in clinics, hospitals, sports teams or research environments .

Expect to work alongside experienced clinicians, blend manual and exercise therapies, and follow clients using up‑to‑date techniques in injury treatment and prevention.

Who Should Apply?

This course suits those who:

• Have a degree in sports therapy, physiotherapy, sport or allied health but wish to specialise or advance.
• Work in sports or healthcare, such as physiotherapists, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches - looking to deepen rehabilitation skills.
• Aspire to work in multidisciplinary teams across NHS/HSE, clubs, private clinics or research.
• Want to combine academic rigor with practical, impactful work.

Steps to Apply

• Check your qualifications: minimum 2.2 in a related area plus demonstration of English proficiency if needed.
• Submit an online application, including CV and degree results.
• Intermediate acceptance, pay deposit to secure your place.
• Begin your course in October, study, attend monthly in‑person classes, complete placements and finish with a dissertation.

Final Take

If you're driven by helping others regain function, performance or wellbeing, and you come from a health or sports‑related background, this MSc offers the perfect pathway.

You’ll emerge a confident, skilled practitioner, ready to contribute to public health, elite sport or private care.

With strong academic and clinical foundations, this course paves the way to a career that truly keeps you moving—and helping others do the same.

Visit our sports faculty to find out more.