Sport and Exercise Medicine MSc

Course overview

Are you passionate about Sport and Exercise Medicine?

This flexible Masters course is designed to offer medical doctors, physiotherapists, sport therapists, and allied healthcare professionals seeking a unique and practitioner-led education in the field of Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM). With this Masters, you will gain the knowledge, skills and experience to assess and manage patients and athletes with musculoskeletal (MSK) problems as well as the expertise and proficiency to work in sport. Indeed, there is a growing expectation across professional sports that healthcare professionals will have completed structured, Masters-level training, and this course is designed to meet that demand.

Your course will feature three of the UK’s consultants in SEM and a number of the UK’s leading physiotherapists in MSK medicine and elite sport. This ensures your learning is grounded in real-world clinical practice, with built-in career mentorship during and beyond your studies. As the course is based in the Faculty of Biological Sciences, you will also have the opportunity to learn from country-leading sports & exercise scientists. As an added bonus, being based in Yorkshire means you will have access to a range of fantastic professional sports teams and MSK services, adding valuable context and connections to your learning.

Designed for both full-time and part-time study, this Masters offers a flexible learning experience that fits around your professional commitments. The course blends face-to-face teaching with online learning and includes hands-on placements in clinical settings and leading sports clubs, making it ideal for working healthcare professionals as well as full-time students.

You will join a dynamic student-focused cohort of healthcare practitioners and benefit from a high staff to student ratio, personalised tutor support, and mentorship from experienced senior clinicians. This course provides you with the unique ability to learn and work alongside a multi-disciplinary team of doctors, physiotherapists and sports therapists, just as you would in an elite sports setting.

SEM is now a recognised training route by the General Medical Council for doctors. Recent government strategies have highlighted SEM as a key area of development, driving increased demand for formal training with portfolio doctors and those wishing to work with an extended role in MSK medicine or SEM now able to gain formal training through courses such as this MSc in SEM.

Course highlights

• Technical skill development: Strong emphasis on the hands-on skills essential for SEM practice.
• Anatomy teaching: Learn in state-of-the-art anatomy labs using cadavers and prosections, led by experienced anatomists and clinicians.
• Pitch-side and prehospital care: Participate in a university-run pitch-side course delivered by expert consultant sports physicians, emergency medicine doctors, and physiotherapists.
• Real-world experience: Gain hands-on clinical and pitch-side experience in professional sport, scheduled flexibly around your availability.
• Outstanding facilities: Access brand new sports facilities and labs.
• Flexible model: Two to three fixed on-campus teaching days per month (aligned with NHS study leave allowances), with additional flexible teaching activities, tutor meetings and placements arranged around your schedule.
• Research opportunities: Explore a SEM topic of your choice in depth through a research project, with the pontetial to present at confererences or publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Career mentorship: Allocated SEM mentors to support not only your MSc study but also to provide careers advice and mentorship.
• Diverse career pathways: Graduates go on to work in NHS MSK services, private sports medicine clinics, and professional sports clubs
• Expert-led teaching: Learn from leading UK clinicians across SEM, physiotherapy, podiatry, orthopaedics, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports science, and rehabilitation.
• Professional certifications: All students are offered the RFL run Immediate Medical Management on the Field of Play (IMMOFP) course, a high-level prehospital care qualifaction accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Below are just a few of our leading academics and clinicians that teach on our programme:

• Professor Dane Vishnubala MBBS MSc (Med Ed) FRCGP (MSc SEM) DipSEM(UK) FFSEM PGCert MSK US SFHEA PhD | Clinical Lead | Consultant Physician in SEM.
• Dr Camilla Nykjaer BSc MSc PhD FHEA | Programme Lead | Lecturer in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health | Honorary Research Fellow Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
• Dr Craig Zalecki BSc(Hons) MBBS FFSEM MRCGP DipSEM (UK) PGCert MSK US | Clinical Lecturer | Consultant Physician in SEM
• Dr Jon Powers MBBS MRCGP MSc DipSEM (UK) FFSEM | Clinical Tutor | Consultant Physician in SEM.
• Professor Sarah Astill BSc PhD | MSc Research Lead | Professor in Motor Control.
• Dr Scott Bowen | Module Lead | Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology.

Meet more of our team and find out why they are at the forefront of their fields.

Course details and modules

This Masters is available as a one-year full-time course or two-year part-time course, offering the flexibility to fit your studies around your professional and personal commitments. Teaching typically takes place on campus over two to three full days per month (Wednesdays), supported by flexible online learning activities, including tutor meetings, clinical placements, and pitch-side experiences.

During your studies you’ll focus on the following areas:

• Functional sports anatomy and clinical assessment.
• Musculoskeletal medicine and sports injuries.
• The sport and exercise medicine practitioner.
• Exercise physiology, health and sports nutrition.
• Clinical exercise prescription.
• Project work and dissertation.

You’ll also attend an immediate care in sport course and complete a variety of placements, including MSK clinic, SEM Doctor and Physiotherapy led clinics, as well as club placements to give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge through practical experience.

The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, helping you develop strong teamwork skills essential for working in diverse healthcare and sporting environments. You’ll be prepared to collaborate with professionals such as strength and conditioning coaches, team coaches, physiotherapists, sports nutritionists, and those working in acute injury care.

Course content and learning experience

• This course will equip you with the clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies needed to thrive in SEM.
• Develop clinical expertise in recognising and managing both acute and chronic MSK conditions, with hands-on teaching from experienced clinicians.
• Build practitioner-level skills, covering not only clinical knowledge but also the broader capabilities required to work effectively in SEM environments.
• Learn through a blended approach, combining face-to-face teaching with flexible online delivery. This includes pre-recorded content, live interactive sessions, and self-directed study.
• Engage in immersive practical workshops during on-campus sessions to enhance your diagnostic and treatment skills.
• Access a wide range of learning resources, including videos, patient examination sessions, case-based learning, workbooks, and live seminars.
• Advance your career with structured support for professional development and accreditation.

Modules

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Sport and Exercise Medicine MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Sport and Exercise Medicine MSc Part Time in the course catalogue

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

• Core course material will be delivered by means of face-to-face teaching online seminars, interactive workbooks, tutorials, and independent e-learning.
• Private study will be centred around accessible resources completed at a student-appropriate pace, involving practitioner-led material relevant to professional development.

You will attend on-campus teaching approximately two to three days per month (Wednesdays), which is compulsory. This will be supplemented by recorded lectures, online resources including workbooks to structure your learning, tutor meetings, and clinical and pitch-side placements.

Placements at professional clubs and clinics are arranged as part of the course, with some flexibility to negotiate dates and times. Contacts will be provided for additional self-organised opportunities to further improve your experience and CV.

In the past, students have worked with high-profile sports teams such as Leeds Rhinos, Leeds United, Huddersfield Giants, Real Madrid, Chelsea FC, Crystal Palace FC, Volleyball England, Burnley FC, Castleford Tigers RL, Hull KR RL and GB Basketball amongst others. MSK placements have included NHS and private clinics in MSK, SEM and orthopaedics.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods are designed to reflect the vocational nature of the course and the diverse skills required in Sport and Exercise Medicine. You’ll be assessed through a variety of formats that support both academic development and professional practice, including:

• Reflective logs
• Summative multiple-choice questions (MSQs)
• Clinical competency sign-off
• eLearning module completion
• Research synthesis
• Infographic
• OSCE (Observed Structure Clinical Examination)
• Project dissertation
• Poster dissertation
• Investigative report
• Case studies
• Group and individual presentations

Applying

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent), in a related discipline. Currently, we are accepting candidates with degrees in medicine, physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports rehabilitation/training. Appropriate professional registration should also be held with the GMC, Health and Care Professions Council, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy or British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers. Applicants without professional registration with UK governing bodies are required to have at least one year of relevant post-graduation clinical experience. All applicants should be able to demonstrate clear potential for benefiting from the programme.

Intercalated students

This Masters is also available as an intercalated option for medical students who have completed three years of a UK medical degree. To apply, you will need to submit evidence of appropriate experience and a clear interest in SEM. Find out more about the intercalation application process on the intercalation website.

If you are an external intercalating student, you may need to share the course teaching periods with your home institution to ensure it aligns with your MBChB schedule.

Key dates include:

• Start date: End of September
• On-campus teaching: Until mid-May
• Research project: May to August, including a poster presentation on campus in June
• Final submission: Mid-August (early submission is possible to accommodation return to studies).

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

The Sport and Exercise Medicine MSc is a competitive programme with limited places so early applications are advised.

Application deadlines

The deadline for international applicants is on 31 May 2026, to allow sufficient time for visa processing, funding arrangements, and securing accommodation in the UK.

For UK residents there is no formal deadline, but early application is advised due to limited places.

Next steps

Application process

• We process your application.
• Providing you meet the entry requirements, we invite you to an online interview with the programme leads (15 to 20 minutes).
• We inform you of our decision.
• If we make you an offer, you respond by accepting or declining.

Required application documents

Applications must include all of the following to be considered:

• Completed online application form (for Taught Postgraduate Study)
• A completed supporting statement (one page maximum) including:
  • Examples of your aspirations, and commitment to a career in Sport and Exercise Medicine.
  • Reasons for choosing this specific course.
  • A plan for completion of the course (your time available/schedule).
  • Evidence of your identified funding route.
• Full CV
• Transcript of degree examination marks achieved to date
• Copy of final degree certificate (if completed)
• Evidence of English language qualification (non-native English speakers only)
• Copy of passport (if an overseas student)

Taught postgraduate confirmation

Taught postgraduate applicants are required to submit their results for consideration as soon as possible. Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK are recommended to submit their results no later than 31 July, although they will still be considered if submitted after this date.

Interviews

As part of the admissions process, interviews are standard procedure for the following programmes in the Faculty of Biological Sciences:

• MRes Neuroscience
• MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
• MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial)
• MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine

Interviews typically last 15–20 minutes and are conducted online with programme leads. Interviews do not form part of the standard admissions process for other programmes in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences postgraduate taught admissions team

Email: fbspgt@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £15,750 (Total)

International: £33,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships for Faculty of Biological Sciences students

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offers a number of Masters scholarships to support and reward students from the UK and around the world. Don’t miss out on available support, visit our dedicated faculty scholarship page to check your eligibility.

Government-backed loan = If you are ordinarily resident in England or the Republic of Ireland and planning to start your first full-time, part-time or distance learning taught or research Masters course from September 2023 you may be eligible to apply for a UK government Postgraduate Masters Loan to help towards your study-related costs. Find out more.

Alumni bursary = If you are a former student of the University of Leeds you may be eligible for a 10% alumni tuition fee bursary

You can also search our postgraduate scholarships database or you can also find information on MoneySavingExpert.

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Many of our graduates go on to secure roles or progress into more senior positions within the NHS, private clinics, and professional sports organisations. This course also provides a strong foundation for further academic study, recent graduates have successfully progressed to PhD research in Sport and Exercise Medicine. Through support with your clinical mentor on the course, a range of opportunities for career development are available.

Careers support

The University’s Careers Centre and your Faculty provide a range support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website. Alongside this, you will benefit from regular meetings with both an academic mentor and a clinical mentor, who will help you identify the experiences, qualifications, and networks that can support your career progression. Our Sports and Exercise Medicine tutors are committed to supporting your journey, even beyond graduation!

Graduate roles and destinations

Our graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of clinical and sporting environments, including:

• Head of Academy, Yorkshire Carnegie
• Senior Physiotherapist, Yorkshire Sports Medicine Clinic
• Physiotherapist, GB Basketball U20 Women
• Club Doctor, York Knights RL
• Academy Doctor, Leeds Rhinos
• A&E Registrar (ST6)
• GP Registrar and Club Doctor, Hull KR
• Head Physiotherapist, Catalan Dragons
• Head of Performance Hull KR
• F3 Doctor
• GP Training
• Emergency Medicine Training
• Club Doctor, Millwall Football Club
• Club Doctor, Crystal Palace Football Club
• Club Doctor, Leeds United Football Club
• PhD researcher
• NHS Physiotherapy Roles