Football Science & Rehabilitation, MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Football Science & Rehabilitation is an online program designed for professionals in football and sports science. Students will gain advanced skills and knowledge in player rehabilitation, conditioning, performance, and research. The program is delivered by experienced faculty in partnership with the FAPL and FMPA, and prepares graduates for careers as sports therapists, scientists, and other roles in the football industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Football Science & Rehabilitation is a flexible, contemporary program designed for individuals working or aspiring to work in the fields of football, medicine, and science. It is developed in consultation with clinical partners, including the FAPL and the Football Medical & Performance Association, to enhance the skills of current and aspiring professionals like GPs, physiotherapists, sports therapists, sports scientists, and others in similar roles. The program aims to equip students with advanced practical skills and knowledge to:

• Rehabilitate injured football players back into action.
• Enhance the condition, fitness, and performance of non-injured players using safe and effective methods informed by the latest scientific thinking.
• Develop expertise in sport and exercise procedures used in evaluating and monitoring fitness and performance.
• Initiate positive change and advance the profession of football and sports science, conditioning, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
• Devise effective conditioning and rehabilitation programs.

Outline:

Year 1

Compulsory Modules:

• Research and Ethical Considerations for Sports Practitioners: This module guides students in research progression within an ethical framework.
It covers meta-ethical theories, ethical issues surrounding different research forms, principles of research governance, and helps students develop a research proposal and analyze potential ethical challenges.
• Injury Management in Football: This module develops skills in understanding rehabilitation specific to football.
It links primary handling to management and planning of care pathways for injured athletes and provides a base of strategies and policies adopted by the FAPL & The Football Association for footballer welfare.
• Dissertation: This module requires the production of a research paper written in the style of a key journal in the student's field, along with a conference-style presentation to peers.
It is delivered through briefing workshops and personal tutorials with designated supervisors.

Optional Modules:

• Analytics in Football: This module introduces performance analysis and sports analytics, exploring the decision-making process in elite sports.
• Contemporary Rehabilitation in Football: This module enables students to discuss and debate key current concepts and issues of football rehabilitation, examining strategies and policies adopted by the Football Association.
It also investigates the overlap between scientists, conditioners, and therapists and their integration within a sports performance team.
• Strength and Conditioning for Football: This module further develops knowledge in strength training and conditioning by analyzing current research and practical issues.
It focuses on advanced training methods rarely covered in academic careers, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
• Professional Practice: This module enhances skills in critical reasoning, reflection, and debate, deepening knowledge in an area of identified interest.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Independent study: Students are encouraged to engage in independent learning and research.
• Blended learning: The program combines online learning with practical applications.
• Problem-Based Learning (PBL) tasks: Students engage in real-world scenarios and problem-solving exercises.
• Evidence-based portfolio: Students compile a portfolio showcasing their skills and knowledge.
• Online discussions and meetings: Students participate in online discussions and meetings via Teams.
• Guest lectures and seminars: Students benefit from insights from industry professionals.
• Dissertation: Students complete a research paper and presentation.

Teaching:

• Online delivery: The program is delivered entirely online and by distance learning, allowing flexibility for students with work commitments.
• Experienced faculty: The teaching team comprises experienced professionals with extensive experience in elite football and sport.
They are active researchers and hold consultancy posts with top-level sporting teams.
• Guest lectures and masterclasses: The program features guest lectures and masterclasses from industry professionals, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities.
• Partnership with FMPA: The program is one of just two universities working in partnership with the FMPA, providing direct links to the football industry.

Careers:

The MSc in Football Science & Rehabilitation prepares graduates for successful careers in the fields of football rehabilitation and sports science. Potential roles include:

• Sports therapist
• Sports scientist
• Strength and conditioning expert
• Sports rehabilitator
• Physiotherapist

Other:

• Work-based learning: Students are encouraged to engage in at least 50 hours of work-based learning to apply their skills in a football industry setting.
• Networking opportunities: The program provides opportunities to network with industry professionals through guest lectures, seminars, and partnerships.
• Flexibility: The program's online delivery allows students to study flexibly and at their own pace.
• Contemporary curriculum: The program's content is updated regularly to reflect the latest scientific research and industry practices.

UK

Distance Full-time £9,000 per year Distance Part-time £1,000 per 20 credits

International

Distance Full-time £9,000 per year Distance Part-time £1,000 per 20 credits