You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 5.
It is advised that all candidates should have some existing links to sports teams, clubs or associations. The course requires students to develop their massage and customer service skills and therefore there is an expectation that all students will be motivated to deliver and take part in practical sessions - both in and out of the College environment - with a range of clients.
In year one, candidates will study four units:
In year two, candidates will study two units:
Plus:
An optional 3rd year would include:
Plus
There will be ongoing assessment throughout the year. Each unit will be split into a number of assignments and assessed against the unit content. These assessments will be graded on a Pass, Merit or Distinction basis.
Assessments will be a mixture of presentations, reports, practicals and essays, and will form your portfolio of evidence.
In year one, Functional Anatomy is assessed via an externally set exam and Psychology is an externally set synoptic assessment.
In year two, Sports Massage Therapy contains exams and practical assessments undertaken with clients.
There are no additional costs.
Students are expected to wear black tops (T-shirts, jumpers, hoodies etc) when in class. Students are free to wear what they choose on their lower half, providing it is suitable for the activity being undertaken.
There are DCG-branded options to purchase should students wish to do so. However, this is not mandatory: we merely expect compliance with our colour code.
If you also join one of our sports academies, you may be required to purchase an academy-specific uniform which is an additional cost set by that academy.
All students will benefit from having a tablet or laptop to aid them with their studies.
There is no requirement for students to purchase their own massage table or media, but you may wish to do so in order to practise in your own time and with your own clientele.
Successful candidates may wish to go on to study a further year of Sports Science alongside a Level 4 Massage Therapy course at DCG.
You may also wish to go on to study Sports Therapy or Sports Science at university.
Alternatively you may wish to gain insurance to start working as a sports massage therapist.
Other courses that may enhance your development are the:
Derby College offer sport, health and leisure facilities for public use. This includes fitness centre, sports hall and outdoor pitch hire plus lots more. Located at Broomfield Hall, Johnson Building and Mackworth.
As someone who has always been sporty, working as a personal trainer at Matlock’s Arc Leisure Centre is the ideal job for 18-year-old Jess Guest. Jess, who first worked at Arc on a casual basis, has been taken on full-time after completing a leisure apprenticeship with Derbyshire Dales District Council.
While an apprentice, she gained her level two personal training qualifications with Derby College and she is currently working towards level three. Jess, who is from Morton, took PE at GCSE and has been involved in competitive sport since a young age. She used to swim for City Of Derby Swimming Club and trained with Olympic Gold medallist Adam Peaty, who is also a former Derby College student. As part of her apprenticeship,
Jess gained experience across a range of areas including lifeguarding, swimming teaching and Reception, as well as fitness instruction. In her role as personal trainer, she now helps people to achieve their fitness goals, as well as showing them healthy new ways to shed excess pounds and build muscle tone. Since taking up her full-time role Jess has introduced Pound – a cardiovascular workout which involves exercising to the rhythm of drumsticks.
Arc is among only a handful of centres to offer Pound in Derbyshire and Jess’s classes are very popular. Working with people of all ages and abilities, she teaches a whole range of activities, including swimming and aerobics. Jess said Derby College had been very supportive throughout her apprenticeship and beyond it.
Steve, my college tutor, is really good. I’m assessed on site and he’s always very helpful and happy to give me advice whenever I need it. Working hours vary in this job and I work shifts and weekends.