Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy – Level 3

The Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is a technical level qualification aimed at developing the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for a career as a sports massage therapist, either employed or self-employed.

This qualification was developed collaboratively with input from the industry through the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and meets the National Occupational Standards as set out by Skills for Health. Students who may previously have studied beauty therapy courses may wish to advance their specialisms by adding sports massage to their CV.

Learners also study a range of additional qualifications in preparation for progression to the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy.

You need:

• Five GCSEs at grades 4 or higher which should ideally include both maths and English
• Good customer service and communication skills
• Excellent personal hygiene, appearance and professional demeanour
• A flexibility to work at events and external opportunities throughout the academic year

Links with sports teams, clubs or fitness centres are desirable to ensure your work placements are set up immediately. Please enquire about combining this qualification with Sports Science should you wish to progress to university-level study. 

The qualification comprises all the elements needed to work effectively and efficiently as a sports massage therapist. These include anatomy and physiology, professional practice, an understanding of the principles of health and fitness, and how to provide sports massage treatments.

As a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist, you will be able to work safely and effectively on dysfunctional tissue in a range of contexts, including for pre-event, post-event, intra-event and maintenance purposes.

The structure of the qualification comprises five units which are all mandatory:

• Anatomy and physiology for sports massage
• Principles of health and fitness
• Understanding the principles of soft tissue dysfunction
• Professional practice in sports massage
• Sports massage treatments

You will also study an Award in Mental Health Awareness; Safeguarding; Nutrition; and Alcohol Awareness and will undertake 72 hours of work experience too.

This qualification can also be taken as part of a two-year study programme in Sport and Exercise Science.

This course will be delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall.

You will need to have a uniform that is worn every day and when you are on work experience. The minimum expectation for the uniform is that you wear a plain black T-shirt or polo shirt and sweatshirt etc. DCG-branded uniforms can be purchased for around £50.

All students are advised to have a tablet or laptop to aid them with their studies.

You may also wish to purchase your own massage equipment, fold-away beds and oils in order to practise. This is not, however, a requirement of the course.

This ActiveiQ qualification will be delivered, assessed and assured in line with the CNHC code of conduct, ethics and performance.

A range of practical and knowledge-based assessments will be arranged, including vocational experience and observation of practice.

Assessments will also be through a range of written coursework, presentations, exams and discussions.

You will be expected to maintain an attendance of over 95% throughout the year.

Students who complete this qualification will be able to gain employment and obtain insurance to work as a sports massage therapist. The natural progression for successful candidates will be to study the Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy.

They can also consider progression to the:

• Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction
• Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or tweet us @Derbycolsport