Foundation Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science with Sports Massage Therapy – Level 3

The Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science with Sports Massage Therapy is a two-year programme which develops an underpinning knowledge of sports science in year one. Studies then continue alongside a sports massage specialism in year two. The course is designed for students who may wish to study Sports Therapy or Sports Science at university.

The Extended Certificate is completed in the first year of the programme which is equivalent to one A-level. In year two, the Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy qualification is studied alongside units to make up the Foundation Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science.

A further third year of study is available for students wishing to increase their UCAS points tally on a Diploma in Sports Science and also to study Massage Therapy at Level 4.

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:

• Functional Anatomy
• Coaching for Performance and Fitness
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Specialised Fitness Training

In year two, candidates will study two units:

• Applied Research Methods
• Sports Massage

Plus:

• Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy

An optional 3rd year would include:

• Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Field and Lab-based Fitness Testing

Plus

• Level 4 Sports Massage

These units will be studied alongside our Sport Academy offers where chosen.

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

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. Whilst this is encouraged, 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.

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.

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, Physiotherapy 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:

• Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction
• Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
• FdA Sport Coaching

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