Course Overview
This BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy offers a practical, career-focused route into becoming a sports therapist and offers a direct pathway to physiotherapy, through in-person and blended learning delivery options. Students benefit from small classes, expert clinical teaching, strong placement links, and early hands-on experience through the Student Sports Clinic.
Applications for Autumn 2026 are now open, with limited places offered on a first-come basis; applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure a conditional offer, providing certainty and reducing Leaving Certificate exam pressure.
The BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy at Portobello Institute is a career-focused undergraduate degree designed for students who want to become sports therapists or progress directly into postgraduate physiotherapy. Suitable for school leavers, career changers, and professionals already working in sport, the programme is available through in-person (weekday focus) and blended (evening and weekend focused) learning options to suit different life stages and commitments.
A key advantage of this degree is Portobello Institute’s direct five-year pathway to physiotherapy. Eligible graduates can progress seamlessly to the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration), providing a clear, supported route to qualification and reducing the uncertainty often associated with postgraduate progression.
This three-year degree combines intensive hands-on clinical training with applied health science, rehabilitation, and business knowledge. Students learn how to assess, treat, and rehabilitate individuals and athletes across the lifespan, supporting occupational and sports-specific performance regardless of age, ability, or activity level. The programme prepares graduates to work confidently in clinical settings, sports environments, or private practice.
From the beginning of the course, students benefit from small class sizes, one-to-one guidance, and teaching led by experienced clinicians. Real-world learning is central to the programme, with early client contact through the Portobello Student Sports Clinic. Under professional supervision, students complete consultations, deliver sports therapy treatments, and support rehabilitation, helping them build clinical confidence, autonomy, and practical competence from an early stage.
In the final year, students complete a dedicated work placement module, choosing a sports therapy placement aligned with their career goals. For those intending to progress to physiotherapy, Portobello actively supports access to physiotherapy-led placements, helping to strengthen applications for the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration).
Graduates of this programme can pursue careers as sports therapists in private clinics, sports clubs and teams, leisure and fitness centres, or establish their own independent practice. They may also progress into roles in clinical exercise and rehabilitation, supporting populations such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or oncology patients. Many graduates choose to continue to postgraduate physiotherapy, using Portobello’s pathway to build on their applied sports therapy foundation and become professionally qualified physiotherapists.
Recognition and Professional Body Membership
Upon completion you will hold a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy awarded by University of Essex (UoE). This qualification is equivalent to Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Ireland and is recognised in Ireland, the UK, and internationally.
When you begin this course you are invited to become registered as a student member of The Society of Sports Therapists (SST). You may become a full member of the society when you complete your degree. Sports Therapists who are members of SST are recognised globally for the high standards they have attained during their training and are employed by leading clubs throughout the sporting world. Members of the Society of Sports Therapy are eligible for Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.
If you already hold a relevant level 6 qualification in pre-university physiotherapy or similar, or have extensive experience in a related area, enquire about our advanced entry pathway. Students seeking advanced entry must hold an approved qualification in sport or other appropriate qualifications – these are reviewed on a case by case basis as part of the application process.
*CATS Credits Displayed. 2 CATS points = 1 ECTS point.
Module Description
This module supports the content of other first year modules and prepares students for the second year. The key focus of this module is to develop students’ fundamental academic skills, including but not limited to scientific writing literature searching, the scientific paper format, research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation. This module introduces learners to the concepts that are fundamental to academic scholarship. This module will also enhance personal development in preparation for future employment opportunities in your future career through the development of key transferable skills (e.g., communication, presentation and collaboration). Students will create a skills portfolio which evidences and reflects on key skills acquired across all modules, together with a CV, personal statement and reflective practice exercise. This module is delivered by a mixture of teaching methods including lectures, practicals, PC labs and
seminars.
Module Description
This module explores the physical and mechanical principles that determine human movement in sports and exercise settings. Learners will learn the meaning of concepts such as force, mass, speed, velocity, acceleration, momentum and will explore how they enable us to describe and understand movement in sport and exercise. The exploration of human movement principles, load and force will provide learners with an understanding of injury mechanics and rehabilitation requirements and progression in relation to sports therapy and sports therapy modalities.
Module Description
This module introduces learners to sports therapy, placing it within the context of healthcare in Ireland and the UK and within other health care delivery systems. The module provides the learners with the necessary underpinning knowledge and fundamental skills to become a sports therapist. Assessments focus on the learners being able to demonstrate the required knowledge base to become a sports therapist. Learners complete First Aid training and certification as part of this module. Certification in first aid is completed through Avalon First Aid training and complies with The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Course and Assessment must be completed every 2 years as per industry best practice.
Module Description
This module explores the key theories in sport psychology, covering a wide range of sport psychology topics and the mental skills used within those topics. Psychological issues relating to individual behaviour patterns will be studied in detail. The impact of psychological factors on sports participation and performance will be explored with particular emphasis on consider the impact of injury and rehabilitation on psychological wellbeing of the athlete. The concepts of motivation,
behaviour change, goal setting and identity.
Module Description
This module introduces learners to the anatomy and physiology of the human body with direct reference to sports therapy. The module will cover appendicular and axial anatomy, cardio-vascularpulmonary anatomy and physiology, integumentary, peripheral, and central nervous system anatomy, and physiology. Common pathophysiological sporting disorders associated with the systems will be considered.
Module Description
In this module learners will explore data, approaches to collecting data and the issues surrounding validity, reliability and trustworthiness of data. Learners will experience and learn from the realities of planning and conducting research and interpreting findings, in an academic setting. Group activity will be undertaken within an inter-professional learning environment. Learners will be encouraged to work in autonomous groups to collect and analyse data appropriately.
This module introduces the core principles of human physiology and applies them to physical activity, exercise, and training for health and performance. Students will build on prior anatomical knowledge to understand how major body systems function at rest, how they maintain homeostasis during exercise, and how they respond and adapt to different types and intensities of training. The module examines acute responses and chronic adaptations of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, muscular and metabolic systems, and compares physiological responses between children and adults to inform safe and effective practice in sport, exercise, and PE contexts. adult and paediatric participants in exercise.
Module Aims:
- Develop a foundational understanding of physiological processes underpinning the structure and function of the major body systems.
- Enable students to explain how body systems interact to maintain homeostasis during rest and during different exercise intensities.
- Examine acute responses and chronic adaptations of key systems to regular exercise and training in health and performance settings.
- Explore similarities and differences in physiological responses and adaptations to exercise between children and adults, with implications for practice in coaching and PE.
- Support students in applying exercise physiology principles to real-world sport, exercise, and physical education scenarios.
Module Description
Building on Introduction to Sports Therapy, this module develops learners’ skills in assessment, evaluation and diagnosis of sports and exercise injuries. The module will consist of taught sessions to introduce key concepts of examination, assessment and diagnosis of sports and exercise injuries. It will develop the skills of clinical examination and assessment of peripheral and spinal regions. Problem based learning will allow learners to explore the presentations and treatment of common sports related injuries acknowledging the process and timings of healing and repair.
Module Description
This module focuses on functional rehabilitation within the practice of sports therapy. Learners will gain the underpinning knowledge and practical ability to screen for injuries, interpret the findings and implement a pre-habilitation programme to help reduce the risk of injury. Learners will be able to plan, implement and deliver rehabilitation and remedial programmes suitable for the early, intermediate, late and pre-discharge stages of any common sports injury. Learners will develop their abilities to prescribe and deliver progressive exercise programmes. They will be able to make reasoned decisions in the selection of exercise focused on: flexibility, endurance, strength, power / speed, skill and co-ordination. Return to sport, warm-up and cool down will be explored. Within this module learners will explore the participation of specific populations in exercise and sport, including: the elderly, children and those with disabilities.
Module Description
This module develops the learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills in treatments available to sports therapists in their practice. Maitland’s and Mulligan’s philosophies of manual therapy will be explored. Therapeutic modalities will include soft tissue techniques and other manual techniques, including spinal and peripheral joint mobilisations. The use of taping will also be considered. Learners will learn to undertake a reasoned approach in their practice of sport and exercise injuries closely based on typical healing times and recovery.
Module Description
This module offers learners the opportunity to undertake an in- depth piece of work focused on a Sports Therapy topic of their choice. The Research Project may take various forms of empirical research, employing different kinds of methods and methodologies such as surveys, interviewing or processing secondary data. The project provides an opportunity to apply the research methods covered during their course.
Module Description
Building on Sports Therapy modules in years 1 & 2 this module introduces learners to advanced therapeutic modalities including electrical (neuromuscular electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, interferential), mechanical (ultrasound), electromagnetic (laser). The focus is on learners developing their use of clinical reasoning to ensure they can justify their approach to treatment using the appropriate evidence base.
Module Description
Building on Sports Therapy modules in years 1 & 2 this module introduces learners to advanced therapeutic modalities including electrical (neuromuscular electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, interferential), mechanical (ultrasound), electromagnetic (laser). The focus is on learners developing their use of clinical reasoning to ensure they can justify their approach to treatment using the appropriate evidence base.
Module Description
This module is delivered in the final year of the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy degree alongside.
A case-based approach to assessment and management of sports injuries will be used to explore the evidence behind both assessment and management strategies currently employed. This module will explore the evidence base for the management of sports injuries using a regional, case-based approach. Learners will have opportunities to further refine their clinical skills. They will build on their initial learning in relation to first aid and consider more advanced emergency and trauma management.
Module Description
Learners will undertake 200 hours of supervised clinical placement in a sport and/or exercise related environment. At least 50 of these hours will take place in the Learner Sports clinic. 10% of placement hours can be acquired during first and second years following successful completion of Level 4 modules. Learners will be supported in obtaining and undertaking further supervised placement activities outside of the Institute. Portobello Institute understand the importance of securing placements for learners so that they can compound their academic learning with hands on practical experiences. Portobello Institute have an arrangement with several organisations that accommodate our learners during their placement. Theses placements are assigned to learners based on their geographical home address and individual needs. Programme managers will support them through this aspect of learning and assessment. Placement Supervisors are nominated by each placement
and mentor the learners whilst on placement. They also complete a report on the placement and return to the Programme manager on completion of the placement. On completion of this module learners will be able to demonstrate achievement of the Society of Sports Therapists Standards of Proficiency drawing on their learning from the experience undertaking this module and other modules within the course.
Module Description
Building on Sports Therapy modules in years 1 & 2, this module will explore and expand on basic First Aid scenarios for both pitch/courtside and treatment rooms with an emphasis on the management of traumatic sports injuries and Emergency Action Plan for Sports Therapist. Practical scenarios include, but not limiting to the conscious but unresponsive, unconscious both breathing and non-breathing, spinal injury, AED, recovery positions, choking and varying types of bleeding.
Cathal Brady
Cathal Brady dreamt of being a soccer player during his early years and fulfilled his dream by spending 11 years as a semi-professional player in the League of Ireland.
Understanding that his career wasn’t going to belong fully on the pitch forever, Cathal found a way to stay involved in sports by qualifying as a sports therapist.
Having set up the Dunboyne Sports Injury Clinic and working with so many sports teams, Cathal is in prime position to support and educate Portobello Institute’s sports therapy students with his hands on experience as a player and a practitioner.
He has an impressive client base that spans across different sports, including rugby and GAA. He has worked with the UCD and Maynooth college teams, as well as Kilmacud Crokes and Dunboyne GAA teams.
He has drawn on his experience of playing soccer at a high level throughout his career working as a lecturer, opening his own private clinic and working for elite professional teams.
“I wanted to be involved in sport as much as I could and an occupation that allowed me to be involved with sport as a career. I knew that from a very early age that was what I wanted to do, you’re talking 13/14 that I knew my career was going to be in sport in some shape or form.
“I played League of Ireland for 11 seasons, it was high level in a semi-professional capacity. I looked at myself as a semi-pro because I always worked while I was playing.
“Playing at the level of sport, in soccer, it not only opened some avenues and that sort of stuff in the soccer side of things, it also opened in GAA and that because people knew I played at a high level…that helped with me having the ability to relate with clients a little bit more. I was in their position, I knew what they were going through, I knew what they wanted to do.
“I love it. To be honest I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do. I find it really good. I like having the interaction with the students. I like the whole setup I have to say I really enjoy it.”
Working in smaller classes has allowed him to engage with his students as individuals, generating a level of pride as they work their way towards graduation and enhance their skill sets in sports therapy.
“With small classes and lots of practical interaction time, we get to know each student well over three years. So when a student gets to where they want to be, their perfect job or postgraduate position, I am delighted for them. I’m proud to be part of the team that helped them get there,” he said.
Blended-Learning Course Starting 3rd October 2026
The academic year for blended-learning delivery commences on 03/10/26.
A provisional course schedule for Year 1 is available here.
A provisional course schedule for Year 2 is available here.
Both course schedules are subject to change.
Blended learning introduces online learning with one-to-one support and generally includes a minimum of one weekend in-person seminar per month with attendance required. The timetable is condensed to be delivered through a blend of online webinars, practical skills classes delivered at the weekend, accommodating travel, work, and study-life balance.
SMART assessments – we use a range of assessments for each module designed to support a broad range of learning styles, giving you the opportunity to excel.
Full-Time Course Starting 28th September 2026
The academic year for full-time delivery commences on 28/09/26. It is delivered in person on weekdays, which means 12 to 16 hours of in-person lectures per week.
A provisional course schedule for Year 1 is available here.
A provisional course schedule for Year 2 is available here.
Both course schedules are subject to change.
Blended Learning Course Starting 3rd October 2026
The academic year for blended learning commences on 03/10/26. It is delivered in person on weekdays, which means 12 to 16 hours of in-person lectures per week.
A provisional course schedule for Year 1 is available here.
A provisional course schedule for Year 2 is available here.
Both course schedules are subject to change.
Timetables are considerate of students’ travel and accommodation arrangements, part-time working and study-life balance.
Practical classes are in a fully equipped therapy room, and theory classes in dedicated rooms
SMART assessments – we use a range of assessments for each module designed to support a broad range of learning styles, giving you the opportunity to excel.
Work Placement
In your final year, you will undertake a work experience module, selecting a placement in the field of sports therapy to complement your studies. If you aim to progress to physiotherapy, Portobello will help secure a placement with a physiotherapist.
Garda Vetting
Before starting clinical placements, students on this programme must complete up-to-date Garda Vetting, which is conducted through Portobello Institute.
Carried out by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána, Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for anyone undertaking work or activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
Vetting checks whether an individual has a criminal record or any relevant information that may need to be considered before they begin placement.
Learn about the Garda Vetting process at Portobello Institute here.
Student Sports Clinic
The Student Sports Clinic is an invaluable part of our BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy degree training. As a Portobello Institute sports therapy student, you are insured to practice under the Society of Sports Therapists. Our Student Clinic runs on a Thursday evening in the college.
You gain early client-contact hours in our Sports Therapy clinic where you will be tasked with setting up the clinic, completing client consultations, providing sports therapy treatments and providing rehabilitation or follow-up as required. In doing so, you learn essential clinical skills and work autonomously (with guidance and support from our Clinic Supervisor).
Professional Membership and Insurance
Portobello Institute Sports Therapy and Physical Education students and graduates are eligible to register with Sports Therapy Ireland or Coaching Ireland at a discounted membership rate of €49.
Membership gives access to a range of professional benefits, including reduced-rate insurance through the Balens.ie insurance portal.
Insurance options currently available to Sports Therapy Ireland and Coaching Ireland members include:
- Sports Massage / Sports Rehabilitation / Strength & Conditioning – €6.5m cover from €99.00
- Sports Massage / Sports Rehabilitation / Strength & Conditioning with Physiotherapy, or Physiotherapy alone – €650k cover from €136.28
- Student Insurance, for non-qualified students – €4.0m cover from €32.04
Student insurance can be upgraded on a pro-rata basis once qualified.
The insurance may also cover Personal Training, Strength & Conditioning and Fitness Instruction where the sports therapist holds the relevant recognised or framework-aligned qualifications.
To access the reduced insurance rates, members can visit Balens.ie and select Sports Therapy Ireland / Coaching Ireland from the association drop-down menu.
Students or graduates with questions can contact Sports Therapy Ireland directly at [email protected].
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy at Portobello Institute have strong career opportunities across sport, rehabilitation, and health-focused environments.
The programme develops practical clinical skills in injury assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. Through applied learning and hands-on experience, you graduate ready to support individuals recovering from injury and returning to activity safely.
Sports Therapy Career Opportunities
This programme prepares you for roles across sports therapy, rehabilitation, and performance support.
Typical career pathways include:
- Sports Therapist
- Clinical Exercise Specialist
- Rehabilitation Therapist
- Sports Injury Rehabilitation Specialist
- Pitch-Side First Aider
- Strength and Conditioning Support Practitioner
- Private Practice Sports Therapist
- Health and Fitness Rehabilitation Specialist
These roles involve assessing and treating injuries, supporting rehabilitation programmes, and improving recovery, performance, and long-term physical health.
Employers Recruiting Our Graduates
Graduates work across a range of sport, healthcare, and rehabilitation environments, including:
- Private sports therapy and physiotherapy clinics
- Professional and amateur sports teams
- Leisure and fitness centres
- Rehabilitation and clinical exercise facilities
- Community health and wellbeing organisations
These employers value graduates who can apply clinical skills in real-world settings and support individuals at different stages of recovery and performance.
Why Sports Therapy Graduates Are in Demand
As participation in sport and physical activity continues to grow, there is increasing demand for professionals who can support injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance.
Employers need practitioners who can combine clinical knowledge with practical experience and work confidently in applied environments.
What You Will Develop
Through this programme, you will develop:
- Clinical skills in musculoskeletal assessment and injury treatment
- Knowledge of rehabilitation and recovery strategies
- Experience working with athletes and active individuals
- Understanding of injury prevention and performance support
- Practical skills developed through applied learning and clinical practice
This combination of clinical knowledge and practical experience prepares you to progress into roles across sports therapy and rehabilitation.
Progression to Further Study
Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study in areas such as:
- Physiotherapy
- Strength and Conditioning
- Sports and Exercise Medicine
- Rehabilitation and Clinical Exercise
A key progression pathway for eligible graduates is the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration), providing a clear route to becoming a qualified physiotherapist.
Entry to this course is by direct application to Portobello Institute.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Review of application and confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements.
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3An "Offer" issued based on meeting criteria or a "Conditional Offer" issued based on successful achievement of LC requirements
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4Confirm acceptance of a place and pay deposit as detailed
Course: €5,395 + Exam Body Reg. Fee: €600.00
Course: €5,885 + Exam Body Reg. Fee: €600.00
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€2,098.80), followed by 8 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €365.
- €532.65 due in month 1
- €532.65 due in month 2
- €532.65 due in month 3
- €532.65 due in month 4
- €532.65 due in month 5
- €532.65 due in month 6
- €532.65 due in month 7
- €532.65 due in month 8
Option 1
40% deposit payment (€2,712.00), followed by 6 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €295.
- €678.00 due in month 1
- €678.00 due in month 2
- €678.00 due in month 3
- €678.00 due in month 4
- €678.00 due in month 5
- €678.00 due in month 6
Option 2
40% deposit payment (€2,594.00) due on application of your course. Final balance (€3,891.00) due before the course start date.
