Course Details
This full-time BSc Hons in Sports Therapy gives you the opportunity to qualify and work as a professional sports therapist with the option to progress to study a Masters in Physiotherapy and become a qualified physiotherapist.
Fee
€5,885.00Start Date
2nd October 2023Qualification
Honours DegreeLevel
UndergraduateLocation(s)
Portobello InstituteCourse Duration
3 yearsOverview
Are you interested in becoming a professionally qualified sports therapist with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy?
This full-time sports therapy degree programme encompasses the skills and knowledge that are necessary to succeed as a therapist working to prevent and treat injury among athletes.
Essential knowledge for a career in the treatment and prevention of sports injury
This degree programme develops your clinical skills and knowledge of how to work as a sports therapist. Over the course of the three years, you will develop proficiency in therapeutic skills and modalities as well as business development in health sciences to support you should you wish to set-up a private practice..
Areas of study include sports therapy techniques – from foundation to advanced, human anatomy and biomechanics, sports injury treatment and rehabilitation, to psychological factors impacting sports athletes.
Develop practical skills and techniques
Developing the practical skills and techniques of sports therapy is a particular focus of this programme . You will learn the techniques to support athletes to return to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of their age and ability. As a sports therapist student, you will learn to utilise the principles of sport and exercise sciences incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prevent, treat and rehabilitate injury.
Progress to Physiotherapy
Many of our students use the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy degree as an alternative entry pathway to becoming a Chartered Physiotherapist. Our BSc Sports Therapy degree provides students with supervised clinical practice hours and clinical research skills giving an excellent preparation for interview process when applying to an MSc in Physiotherapy.
Portobello Institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AECC University College. We are currently working through the validation processes towards delivering the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-reg) programme in Dublin, with an expected start date of autumn ’24. This will be a natural path of progression from sports therapy for students seeking to progress their studies to physiotherapy.
Alternatively, with the points ever increasing for undergraduate entry to physiotherapy, many Universities have opened graduate entry professional qualifications for students who have graduated with a level 8 BSc honours degree in Sports Therapy or other affiliated areas.
We provide individual support to each student who is hoping to pursue graduate Physiotherapy Qualifications in preparing their applications and for interview to ensure students chances of success are optimized. Many of our graduates have pursued this path and you can read about their journey in our student success section.
Learn from the experts
This honours degree is delivered by a team of expert tutors who are all practicing clinicians and experienced educators. You will have personal one to one support from a personal academic tutor who is an experienced clinician and is there to to support you throughout your learning journey to achieve your personal best.
Here are some reasons to choose to study with Portobello:
- Accelerated programme completing your undergraduate degree in three years, getting you out into the world of work faster.
- Career focused qualifications – our courses lead to awards that offer you the opportunity of immediate employment upon graduation.
- Notable university partners – our university partners are among the top-ranking universities in the UK offering you access to a qualification from a renowned university.
- Reputable placements – our work experience placements are with prominent organisations, connecting you with respected employers to build your future career network.
- Realistic entry requirements – our entry requirements are reflective of the academic ability needed to successfully complete this course. These are clearly stated and remain static regardless of demand for places.
- Individualised support – we fit your learning model with support available when you need it throughout your learning journey.
- 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.
- Industry expert tutors – our tutors are all industry practitioners connecting research and theory with industry practice throughout their lectures.
- Condensed scheduling – we value your time by ensuring your timetable is optimised for delivery over the same 2 – 3 days, helping you maintain a part-time job.
- Flexible delivery – we deliver theory sessions on-site, online whilst also recording the session simultaneously offering you a choice of when and how you learn.
- City Centre Location – Commuting to Portobello is very accessible – the Luas stops outside our door, and we are located within minutes from the major transport hubs.
- Affordable payment options – all our courses offer you the option to choose an easy payment plan supporting you to spread the cost out over your learning journey.
Why should I study this course?
Portobello Institute’s BSc Hons in Sports Therapy gives you the opportunity to attain a level 8 honours degree. Obtaining professional membership of the global Society of Sports Therapists has many unique benefits as detailed below.
Gain employment through our strong network of connections
Gaining employment as a sports therapist is the objective of this degree and it is important students have the opportunity to gain practical experience and build a network of contacts within the sector.
Portobello Institute has an established network of connections with many of the main sports injury treatment clinics. The work experience programme for this programme affords students the opportunity to gain practical working experience and engage with some of the leading clinicians in Ireland and to leverage those connections to advance their careers. Companies participating in our work experience programme invest considerable time in our students and recruit directly from this placement programme.
Accessible, affordable, achievable
There is an easy payment plan designed to make this degree affordable for you. These factors, together with the one to one tutorial support, offer you the opportunity to access a career in the business of fashion, with a qualification that is accessible, affordable and achievable.
Who will recognise my qualification?
Upon completing this level 8 honours degree, you will hold a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy awarded by University of Essex (UoE).
You will be registered as a student of the University of Essex.
When you begin this course you are invited to become registered as a student member of The Society of Sports Therapists. 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.
This BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy is recognised by AECC University College. for the purposes of applying to progress to MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-reg) . We are currently working through the validation processes towards delivering the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-reg) programme in Dublin, with an expected start date of autumn ’24.
Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland and the UK
The Irish and UK qualifications authorities have collaborated on initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between our respective jurisdictions. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the qualifications frameworks in operation, Brexit will not impact this agreement. Further guidance on this framework is available here.
What will I study during this BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy – Starts Oct ’23 course?
During this programme, you will learn to assess, treat and where appropriate refer athletes for specialist advice and intervention. You will learn to provide immediate care of injuries and basic life support in a recreational, training and competitive sporting environment. You will learn to plan and implement a unique rehabilitation programme for each athlete you treat. The practical techniques you will acquire, include sport and remedial massage for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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Foundations of Sports Therapy – 30 Credits
This module is intended to serve as an introduction to Sports Therapy. It covers the core theoretical and practical competencies of a Sports Therapist including; first aid, application of effective sports massage and the fundamentals of a clinical examination and assessment.
On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate safe and effective patient handling of a clinical examination and assessment. Where appropriate, you will be able to demonstrate effective emergency aid and trauma management in a sport and exercise context.
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Human Anatomy & Biomechanics – 30 Credits
During this module, you will be introduced to human anatomy and biomechanics. The module has a bias towards the specific interests of those studying for sports-related degrees. Thus, the principal focus in anatomy is the musculoskeletal system, together with movement analysis and the isolation of specific muscle groups. In biomechanics, the focus is on the basic anthropometry and kinematics of the human body.
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Human Physiology and Training Principles – 30 Credits
During this module you will be introduced to exercise related physiology, the sub-discipline of sport and exercise science. This is accompanied by the principles of training and athletic preparation which ensures a bias towards the specific interests of those studying for sports-related degrees.
This module will provide you with a fundamental grounding in exercise physiology. You will become familiar with physiology, biochemistry and cell biology. The module encourages an appreciation of the contribution of Physiological Science to sports performance and exercise delivering both theory (the muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems) and practical skills (scientific methods of testing and data collection).
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Sports Research Skills – 30 Credits
During this module, you will be introduced to the study of sport in higher education as well as develop life-long skills in organisation and application of knowledge. This module aims to introduce you to the learning resources within the college to assist your personal and professional development. You will enhance your planning, preparation, academic writing styles, referencing, resourcing and development for academia to enable an easy transition between levels.
In addition, you will be introduced to methods of data analysis using computer software, which will enable you to apply statistical techniques to data, as part of your studies as well as in a more general work environment.
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Sports and Exercise Physiology – 30 Credits
This module introduces students to the responses of tissues and organs to acute and chronic exercise training. Students are also familiarised with a variety of field and laboratory-based tests of physical performance to assess components of fitness and work capacity.
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Sport Rehabilitation – 30 Credits
This module develops students’ ability to research, plan, provide and justify an appropriate rehabilitation programme for the early, intermediate, late and pre-discharge stages of sports injuries.
This module aims to provide students with academic knowledge and understanding to plan a safe and effective rehabilitation programme suitable for the initial response, acute, sub-acute and remodelling stages of injury healing.
Students will develop critical analysis skills in an oral context and develop awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses in a rehabilitation setting. Students 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. Students 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.
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Clinical Examination and Assessment in Sports Therapy – 15 Credits
This module is focused upon the safe and effective clinical examination and assessment (E&A) of the peripheral anatomical region of the body and the clinical significance of these E&A findings. The module also develops the students’ understanding of the theory which underpins these practical elements including knowledge of common injuries and the underlying pathophysiology. This module aims to provide the students with the knowledge, understanding and ability to safely and effectively conduct a thorough examination and assessment of a peripheral joint. To link theory with practice, this module will also discuss common injuries and the use of the assessment protocol to identify these injuries whilst considering the epidemiology, aetiology and pathology. The knowledge obtained through completion of this module provides the students with essential skills which are key competencies for their future employment as a Sport Therapist. They will also gain key fundamental skills such as communication, personal responsibility and decision making, which are transferable to a wide range of employments.
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Peripheral Manual Therapy – 15 Credits
Students will gain the understanding, knowledge and expertise to apply safe and effective manual therapy to the peripheral joints by introducing the students to the concepts and current philosophies of manual therapy techniques. The application of manual therapy techniques will be based on the clinical interpretation of case notes.
The module also aims to develop the ability to clinically interpret athlete information, formulate clinical decisions to develop a treatment program based on knowledge of common sporting/dancing injuries, their mechanics and their sporting demands. The knowledge obtained through completion of this module provides the students with essential skills which are key competencies for their future employment as a Sport Therapist. They will also gain key fundamental skills such as communication, personal responsibility and decision making, which are transferable to a wide range of employments.
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Sports Science Research Methods – 15 credits
During this module, you will reflect on your chosen course. You will select your project within the context of the course and possible future career. You will consider and carry out the preparation necessary for a scientific dissertation proposal. In so doing, you will gain experience in devising dissertations by taking into account experimental design, feasibility in terms of costs and resources, and aspects of ethics and safety.
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Psychological Factors in Sporting Teams & Individuals – 30 Credits
This module elaborates on the key theories in sport psychology, covering a wide range of sport psychology topics and the mental skills used within those topics. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of key psychological theories which underpin sporting performance and participation itself. Students will focus initially on the psychological factors which influence an individual’s sporting behavior and later develop an understanding of group dynamics in sport.
The module encourages an appreciation of how to work effectively in a team setting and also aims to develop students’ communication and literacy skills to allow them the ability to write a scientific piece of work with confidence. Most mental skills developed in sport psychology are directly transferable therefore students are given qualities necessary to advance in many other areas of life
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Advanced Sports Therapy Techniques – 30 Credits
This module allows students to integrate their knowledge gained throughout their degree and combines this with new skills and knowledge developed within their final year.
The module focuses on vertebral mobilisations and the theoretical and practical knowledge of electrotherapeutic modalities.
Guidance notes: Students must pass the practical attendance in order to successfully complete the module.
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Sports Therapy Work Placement – 30 Credits
Students will gain experience in a variety of sports therapy arenas and they will continually develop in the ability to critically reason, interpret and produce treatment plans based on case notes of specific sports injuries. The module also introduces the students to aspects of sports medicine.
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Business Development in Health Studies – 15 Credits
This module is an introduction to the principles of business in the specific context of health science related ventures.
More specifically, it aims to provide students with academic knowledge and understanding to implement good business practice including marketing, accounting, management, service and reflection. These topics should provide the underpinning information to allow students to harness an entrepreneurial approach to business and professional work to optimise their employability and performance. The module also seeks to develop competence in discussion, oral presentation and written work, encouraging clarity of presentation and transferable tools often used in many employment settings.
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Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation – 30 Credits
This module will enable students to reinforce the skills necessary to carry out a scientific programme requiring significant research. It will allow students to demonstrate the final development of their subject knowledge, skills and understanding through extended research based on laboratory, literature or field work. This research will lead to the presentation of a detailed written report.
This module aims to encourage students to reflect and build upon their subject knowledge and expertise by means of a specific investigation requiring significant research. During the course of the module they will develop the skills necessary to plan, carry out, analyse and report upon the results of an experimental or analytical programme on a scientific topic. The module gives students the opportunity to attain achievement of a high level of personal development by working independently with the minimum necessary supervision. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.
Formative feedback is provided on a weekly basis in the lecture/seminar sessions. These sessions are comprised of students working in similar areas of research which provides the opportunity for both peer and lecturer formative feedback. Students are supported by their supervisor with whom they are encouraged to facilitate regular contact. Students prepare interim reports, for which summative feedback is provided. Summative feedback is also provided on completion of the dissertation via assessment of the report, oral exam, and supervisors mark for process.
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Clinical Exercise Physiology – 15 Credits
This module analyses the interactions between exercise and a variety of disease. It covers both general topics such as epidemiology and pathology, as well as specific conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and psychological disorders. The module aims to give students some theoretical and practical experience of describing and understanding clinical conditions.
Who will I learn from?
Programme Manager
Dr Susan Giblin
‘Sports students are passionate, determined and motivated people. They bring an energy to the classroom that is infectious. They are a joy to mentor and our academic team are invaluable in providing that mentorship to our students.’
About Susan
I have been passionate about sport from a young age, I decided to pursue my passion academically when I had the opportunity to and completed my BSc in Health and Performance Science in UCD. I was part of the first graduating class in Health and Performance Science, the concept of sports science was very new in Ireland at the time and opportunities to gain applied experience were rare. On graduating, I was determined to gain as much hands-on practical experience as possible and I was very fortunate to work as a Sports Scientist at Sports Med Ireland where I gained invaluable insight into the world of supporting elite athletes. Notably, there were no practical or applied experience elements as part of my degree, we worked in the lab but not on the field with coaches or athletes which meant really learning on your feet, trying to gain practical competence when starting to work in applied settings. This was something I knew I wanted to try and change if I ever found myself back in academia. It didn’t make sense to me why the applied and academic aspects of sport were so separate, really to change performance both need to be intertwined. Since then, I have endeavoured to combine applied and academic work.
During my early applied work, I became fascinated with the interplay between physical and psychological performance. I left for the UK to pursue a MSc in Performance Psychology, based in the UK I gained valuable opportunities to work in applied, elite sports settings (largely focused in soccer, motorsport and golf). From there, I completed my psychology accreditation and pursued my PhD and post-doctoral research focusing on the use of technology to assess physical and psychological parameters of development. I returned to Ireland to work with the international data sports science company Kitman Labs as Head of Research and I gained fantastic experiences working with innovative international sports organisations. On completion of my post-doctoral research I began lecturing in sports science and sports psychology. In doing so, I quickly realised that not much had changed in terms of academic qualifications in sport, despite the applied sports industry having developed light years ahead with integration of performance technology. Throughout my career development to date, mentors have been an incredibly important asset to me in terms of personal and professional growth. I wanted to be able to provide similar support to individuals who were passionate about pursuing a career in sport. Portobello institute provided the perfect opportunity to address the frustrating limitations of current educational practices in sport by developing innovative, applied degree programmes that ingrain practical skill competence, personal and professional development for students and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Portobello Sports Team since arriving here as a lecturer in 2016.
Why did you choose to work in education?
Education has always been a big part of my life (despite hating school!!). The value of education and the privilege of being able to pursue third level education was instilled from a very young age. I firmly believe that education is an incredible tool that can be used to build a fulfilling life and education should be accessible and individual. Accessible, individual education is something I am very passionate about; from personal experience I understand that one size rarely fits all in terms of education. Unfortunately, primary and secondary (and in many cases tertiary) education comes in a very generic form and that can be very damaging. In fact, it can lead to individuals not pursing their full potential, or not even recognising the potential that they have to pursue. I am dedicated to ensuring that teaching/lecturing is recognised as a role of great responsibility that goes beyond delivering curricular content and focuses on promoting confident learners who are eager to pursue their dull potential after completing their primary degree.
Your experience as a Programme Manager.
My experience as Programme Manager to date has been an incredibly rewarding one. As Programme Manager I am privileged to support our students from the day arrive to the day they graduate and beyond. The most fulfilling part of my role is being able to work with and get to know the person behind the student number, understanding what their ambitions are and guiding them on to the next step of their journey. That next step may be to postgraduation education or to employment as a practitioner. Whatever it is, my role is to support our students in figuring out their path and providing individual support to ensure that students’ personal, academic and professional development is optimised during their time at Portobello Institute.
In addition to providing personal support, as Programme Manager I am involved in the continual review and strategic development of our academic offering in the Sports Department. I work with industry and academic collaborative partners to ensure that the qualifications we offer our students are leading the curve in the sports industry.
Why Portobello?
Portobello Institute is an agile, innovative Institute of Education. In academia Institutes tend to be slow to change or develop, as sport is such a new and evolving science having an Institute that is willing and able to change ahead of the curve is absolutely essential. Portobello Institute offers this dynamic, forward thinking environment that is focused on changing the way we educate our next generation of practitioners in Sport. Portobello Institute is bridging the gap that has previously existed between applied practice and academic research. The focus here is on developing graduates who are proficient, evidence-based practitioners who are also passionate about scientific research, that is something you just don’t find elsewhere.
Qualifications
- Post-doctoral fellowship – Psychomotor assessment validation (University of Central Lancashire)
- PhD Psychomotor Development (University of Central Lancashire)
- MSc Performance Psychology (University of Edinburgh)
- PGDiploma General Psychology (University of Derby)
- BSc Health & Performance Science (UCD)
Research / Industry Participation
- Accredited member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)
- BASES Accredited Sports Psychologist
- HCPC Chartered Scientist Status (CSci)
- Former Head of Research, Kitman Labs Ltd.
Research & Publications:
- Cruickshank, A., Giblin, S., Collins, D. ‘Mental preparation for competitive sprints’ in The Science of Sprinting. Platt, G., (Eds) Routledge https://www.scribd.com/book/353165106/Science-of-Sport-Sprinting
- Ng, J., Button, C., Collins, D., Giblin, S., and Kennedy, G. (2019). Assessing the Internal Reliability and Construct Validity of the General Movement Competence Assessment for Children. Journal of Motor Learning and Development 8, 1, 87-106, available from: <https://doi.org/10.1123/jmld.2018-0047>
- MELG Funded Research in collaboration with UHL HSE and UL. An investigation of physical activity engagement and barriers to engagement in children with T1DM (2019)
- Giblin, S., Meldrum, D., McGroarty, M., O’Brien S., Wetterling, F. (2015) ‘A markerless motion capture system to enhance injury monitoring in professional sports: a single case validation study on the example of external and internal shoulder rotation’ Functional Sports & Exercise Medicine DOI:10.13140/RG.2.1.3434.5440
- Giblin, S., Meldrum, D., McGroarty, M., O’Brien S., Wetterling, F. (2015). ‘Wholebody magnetic resonance imaging enables assessment of spatial accuracy and precision of skeletal joint locations inferred from motion capture systems’ 6th Int. Conference on 3D Body Scanning Technologies October DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3105.0963
- Giblin, S., Meldrum, D., McGroarty, M., O’Brien S., Wetterling, F. (2015) ‘Bone length calibration can significantly improve the measurement accuracy of knee flexion angle when using a marker- less system to capture the motion of countermovement jump’ DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3105.0963
- Giblin, S., Collins, D., & Button, C. (2014). Physical literacy: importance, assessment and future directions. Sports Medicine, 44(9), 11771184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0205-7
- Giblin, S., Collins, D., MacNamara, A., & Kiely, J. (2014). “Deliberate Preparation” as an Evidence-Based Focus for Primary Physical Education. Quest, 66(4), 385395. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2014.944716
- MacNamara, Á., Collins, D., & Giblin, S. (2015). Just let them play? Deliberate preparation as the most appropriate foundation for lifelong physical activity. Frontiers in psychology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01548
Personal Academic Tutor
Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.
Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.
This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.
Cathal Brady
Cathal Brady dreamt of being a professional soccer player during his early years. He got pretty close to achieving his dreams too, 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, Cathal found a way to stay involved in sports by becoming a sports therapist.
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.”
Cathal could relate to sports people very easily. He also relates to Portobello Institute students very easily, as he was one before he became a lecturer in Sports Therapy.
“I love it, really like 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.”
Having worked with so many sports teams and having set up the Dunboyne Sports Injury Clinic, Cathal is in prime position to help all of Portobello’s students no matter what type of career they are pursuing in therapy.
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.”
Barry Roe
Barry Roe started out his career in what he calls one of the big three (Business, Medicine, Law).
“Nobody ever really entertained the possibility of a real career in sports, even though there were a lot of serious athletes involved, people who were hugely successful in their sporting lives, got scholarships and everything. They never took sport seriously in terms of seeing it as an actual career path.”
He landed that coveted corner office in a tall building managing pension funds. Barry had what most would consider a perk. His office literally overlooked the Leinster training ground. If Leinster scored a try off a set piece move on Friday night, Barry had seen it happen on Tuesday. He knew who the next superstar talent was and got to watch him everyday.
But that’s not what Barry wanted. Instead of a perk, it was only adding to his misery in his office job.
“It was only my wife really who sat me down and said ‘Look you’re obviously miserable.’
Having studied something like business and marketing, it was a great experience…but if I could go back I would definitely have just gone through the sporting route. If I could talk to my teenage self I would say what do you actually really like to do and what would you like to do with the rest of your life as opposed to what do you think you should be doing.
Forget what you think you should be doing, just go do what you like to do and you’ll succeed in it. You’ll make more successful leaps and bounds far quicker than you would slogging it out during a recession in finance.”
With a very understanding wife at his side, Barry gave up his career in finance and became a personal trainer. He earned his MSc Sports Performance from the University of Limerick before becoming a strength and conditioning coach and nutrition advisor for Munster Rugby.
“When you’re sitting there thinking ‘I’m here working in pension funds until I potentially start drawing my own pension.’ Nah, that was not happening. No. Game over.”
Having worked with elite athletes and having set up his own personal training business, Barry then sought out to satiate his desire to educate. That’s how he wound up at Portobello Institute.
“My philosophy is to always be open to new challenges and opportunities. In doing so, I feel that I will maintain a fresh perspective and continue to grow professionally and personally. My goal as an educator in the undergraduate program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to become professionally competent in their chosen pathways.
My teaching philosophy takes a student-centric approach. I strive to create a collaborative and interactive learning environment; one that allows our diverse student body to share their own unique experiences and perspectives. My overall aim is to equip my students with the skills and confidence to make a seamless transition from their academic studies into their chosen careers.”
Becoming an educator was a natural fit for Barry as he has continually sought out education himself as a student. His initial degree in marketing wasn’t ultimately what he wanted to build his career in but it didn’t mar his passion for education. Since then he has earned his Masters from UL but also completed the National Qualifications in Suspension Training, Pre & Post Natal Exercise, Indoor Cycling and Kettlebell Training and further qualifications with the IRFU, U.K. Anti Doping, ISAK and Les Mills.
Emma McLoughlin
Like most Irish students, Emma McLoughlin wasn’t given a real chance to build a career in sports when she came out of school. She pursued psychiatric nursing and eventually wound up in psychology in college before the possibility of working in sports became apparent.
“I ended up loving psychology and I just had a really good lecturer who said ‘Why don’t you try and do sports psychology?’ I was always coming into college with busted hands and busted lips so everyone knew I was playing football.
And he said you seem to really love sport and psychology so why don’t you marry the two of them.
It wasn’t on my radar back then that such a thing even existed or that you could have a career in sport you know…I think it should be made clearer to Leaving Cert students that a career in sports is a serious option. I was in an all girls school and there was no real emphasis on those of us that played sport.”
Emma found out that she could have a more fulfilling and lucrative career in sport with her psychology degree but also by branching out into analysis with her company Mí Analytics.
“It uses vision mapping and statistics in terms of performance analysis. It flags when teams are becoming vulnerable to concede scores and it also flags when you’ve got the opposition vulnerable. I did my PhD in decision-making so I was trying to understand why players are making certain decisions.
I realized I had to understand what the opposition was presenting them with at that time…the more time you spend looking at oppositions the more you can see the patterns of attack and defending.
[It can be applied] to any sport where you have to defend and you have to attack, so rugby, soccer, Gaelic, soccer, basketball.”
Mí Analytics is the first of its kind analysing team sports using cluster analysis.
With her B.A. in Psychology, her MSc in Sports & Exercise Psychology and researching decision making in Gaelic Football for her PhD, education was never far from Emma’s life. But after returning to Ireland in the midst of a recession, she wound up spending a few years working with mental health patients away from sports.
Lecturing in sports psychology wasn’t something she had even considered and there wasn’t a fairytale story that brought her to Portobello.
As Emma notes herself, she just saw an advert to become a lecturer one day, it felt like it could be a fit and she applied without thinking too much of it…but that was seven years ago and now Emma can’t imagine life without lecturing.
Having compiled so much experience engaging people in different roles, both sports-related and not sports-related, Emma fit perfectly in a classroom with students.
“I didn’t actually have lecturing in mind…but I love it. I really do. I love the discussions and the psychology side of things. Yes, there’s right answers but everyone knows it’s based on your perception, and I love that discussion, the deep thinking and the critical thinking.
Encouraging that in students to not just take everything at face value.
The mental health side of things really enables you to see how people form different perceptions and how they’re so deep rooted. Changing behaviour is a big massive thing and it’s not as simple as go in give a talk and everyone is confident and you leave.
Human beings are quite complex.”
Those students who come to Portobello looking for experts in their field not only find a lecturer in Emma who is that, but for mature students who are changing careers they also have someone who has undergone the transition they are undertaking.
Changing from mental health into sports as a full-time career after graduating college helps Emma to empathize and engage with students who lack clarity or confidence in what they’re trying to do.
“I can appreciate the fear of ‘Will this actually end up being a career for me where I can own a house and own a car and have a family should I decide to?’ A lot of people around me thought I was leaving a very lucrative job to go into something that was a bit less known and a bit less steady so I do definitely empathize with people.
I learned first-hand the influence and guidance good lectures can offer, I hope to be that type of lecture for the students at Portobello. I believe in guiding the individual holistically not just the academic student.
While I think grades are meaningful, I don’t think they are the be-all-and-end-all…It’s about personal growth and this critical thinking, skills that they can take from the classroom and actually apply them to teams and to athletes.
How you develop interpersonally for me is far more important.”
How will I learn?
Delivery Mode
This programme is delivered full-time; in third level education this means 12- 16 hours of lectures per week. Portobello ensures scheduling of course timetables is considerate of students travel and accommodation arrangements, part-time working and study-life balance. The course timetable is condensed to be delivered with onsite classes 2-3 days per week over 2 semesters. Examinations are held at the end of each semester.
Practical classes are delivered in a fully equipped therapy training room with theory classes taking place in one of the many theory rooms within Portobello Institute. There is also a fully equipped gym with strength and conditioning equipment available for use as part of your course.
The Difference between Blended Learning and Full Time Delivery Modes
There are two delivery mode options for this degree available in Portobello Institute giving you the freedom to choose how you will learn and making education accessible around work and life commitments.
Full-Time delivery offers you the opportunity to study with a more traditional schedule with lectures delivered on-site in Portobello during weekdays. Typically, those lectures are generally scheduled between Tuesday and Thursday. Monday’s lectures are delivered online.
Blended Learning is essentially the same, with a blend of online and on-site lectures taking place at the weekends. This makes it easier for you to study while working full-time. It also makes studying for a degree more accessible if you live outside of Dublin.
With both delivery modes, there will be lectures you need to attend on-site due to the nature of the content – practical skills etc. All online only lectures are recorded for you to catch up later. Where lectures are delivered onsite – these will simultaneously be delivered online and will also be recorded so you can customise your learning journey – attend on-site, online, or catch-up later.
Having the flexibility to choose whether you attend a lecture as it is taking place or to catch up later means you can seamlessly access and fit education into your life whilst still continuing with your everyday life.
Tutor Support
You can email your tutor at any stage during the module to ask a simple query and there will be scheduled opportunities to submit a draft of your assignment. Our programme management team are always available to meet you or offer you telephone and email support. For more information about our team, click here. Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion.
This level of one-to-one support is unique and is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello Institute. We have invested in a team of programme managers and tutors who are experienced sports therapists and clinicians as well as knowledgeable educators. They are available to assist you at every stage of this programme and support you to achieve your personal best.
Online Learning Portal – ePortobello
During the induction seminar, we will show you how to navigate and find what you need with all of the information you need to complete this programme uploaded on to ePortobello. The content of this programme is set out in an easy to follow format with a combination of notes, articles, podcasts and other materials that will help you to understand the subject and complete your assessments.
Other delivery modes available
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy – Starts February ’23
Location(s)
Portobello InstituteStart Date
18th February 2023Course Structure
This course is delivered over three years. During your first year you will complete four year long core modules which will introduce you to the programme of study and provide you with essential skills that will aid your study for the course of your degree.
In second year, you will complete a total of five modules, two year long core modules which run for the duration of both semesters, alongside two additional modules each semester. You will have a choice of certain modules to study which will be specific to your area of interest.
In third year, you will complete five modules, three core year long modules that run for the duration of both semesters, as well as an additional module each semester. The core modules include your final year dissertation project in the area of Sports Science and Therapy and your work placement. You will have the option to choose a module related to your area of interest to complete in first semester.
The Academic Calendar
The first academic year of this course runs from 02/10/2023 – 25/05/2024.
Classes are generally delivered 2-3 days per week and are scheduled mid-week where possible.
The second and third academic years of this course will run on a similar schedule in 2024 and 2025.
Real Life Learning Opportunities
Student Sports Clinic
The Student Sports Clinic has been an invaluable part of our BSc 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. As a therapist, practitioner-skills are typically not learned from books or lectures but from years of hands-on work. 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).
Work Placement
During your final year, you will complete a module incorporating work experience. For this, you will choose an individual work placement in the field of sports therapy to complete alongside your studies. This allows you to put into practice the skills you have learnt in class. If you are interested in progressing to physiotherapy, Portobello will support you to obtain placement with a physiotherapist – graduates have found this first hand experience and insight into physiotherapy gave them advantage when preparing for interview and subsequent successful entry to Masters programmes in the area of physiotherapy.
How will I be assessed?
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.
The primary aim of the varying assessment styles is to support you to demonstrate your knowledge of theory and practical as a result of a range of assessments.
The final year project provides the opportunity for an extended piece of formal scientific writing preparing you for your future career and the need to keep scientific based patient notes. We encourage you to reflect on your knowledge gain with a number of assignments designed to explore your learning journey.
All of these assessment methods are seeking to support you to combine theory with scenario-based learning and how to practically implement these methods into your everyday practice.
Career prospects
Employment opportunities for graduates in sports therapy are diverse. Many of our graduates continue to pursue careers directly in Sports Therapy, working as allied support teams for sport or as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams specializing in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Over the course of the three years students develop proficiency in therapeutic skills and modalities as well as business development in health sciences for those wishing to pursue private practice.
Work as a sports therapist in private clinics
Currently, many of our graduates’ work in private clinics or with sports clubs/ teams either individually or as part of a multi-disciplinary medical team. Private sector employment is offered by health and fitness organisations, including those operating leisure and fitness centres. Larger private companies and hotels, frequently offer sports and leisure facilities ‘in house’ and recruit Sports Therapists to run injury clinics.
Gain employment in Clinical Exercise Clinics
Many graduates have taken up employment or further education in clinical exercise physiology settings, working to promote safe exercise prescription and management for rehabilitation for populations with cardiovascular, respiratory or cancer.
Progress to MSc Physiotherapy
In this course there is also a heavy emphasis on research skills to support those who wish to pursue a combined career in applied practice and academia at MSc or PhD level. Many graduates of this course have gained successful entry to Masters programmes in physiotherapy and are now working as professional physiotherapists.
Portobello Institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AECC University College. We are currently working through the validation processes towards delivering the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-reg) programme in Dublin, with an expected start date of autumn ’24. This will be a natural path of progression from sports therapy for students seeking to progress their studies to physiotherapy.
Our graduates also go on to teaching and tutoring in roles Sports Therapy at third level.
What is the role of a Sports Therapist?
If you are interested in working with athletes to support the prevention of injury and rehabilitate them back to peak fitness, then a role in Sports Therapy will be of interest to you. When working in this particular aspect of healthcare, you will support athletes to return to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of their age and ability. As a sports therapist, you will utilise the principles of sport and exercise sciences incorporating physiological and pathological processes.
Sports Therapy as an alternative route to Physiotherapy
Many of our students use the BSc Sports Therapy degree as an alternative entry pathway to becoming a Chartered Physiotherapist. With the points ever increasing for professional degrees such as Physiotherapy, many Universities have opened graduate entry professional qualifications for students who have graduated with a level 8 BSc honours degree in Sports Therapy or other affiliated areas.
We provide individual support to each student who is hoping to pursue graduate Physiotherapy Qualifications in preparing their applications and for interview to ensure students chances of success are optimized. Our BSc Sports Therapy degree also provides students with supervised clinical practice hours and clinical research skills that are imperative for progressing to achieving the MSc in Graduate Physiotherapy.
Graduate Physiotherapy courses are accredited by CORU and by IACP, most offer the qualification over a 2-year period. The main Universities in Ireland/UK that offer graduate routes for Physiotherapy are University of Limerick, University College Cork, RSCI, University College Dublin. There are similar progression routes to Graduate Physiotherapy available in the UK.
Portobello Institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AECC University College. We are currently working through the validation processes towards delivering the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-reg) programme in Dublin, with an expected start date of autumn ’24. This will be a natural path of progression from our sports therapy programme for students seeking to progress their studies to physiotherapy.
Who else has studied this degree?
Student Feedback – Dan O’Mahony
On successful completion of his sports therapy degree, Dan O’Mahony was accepted on the RCSI master’s degree in physiotherapy.
“Portobello Institute provided me with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge for me to attain my ultimate career goal … I was also very fortunate to be given the opportunity to study with a great class of students and extremely supportive lecturers”.
Success Story
Aoife Fleming helped to save a child's life when she was younger and after that she knew she wanted to become a hydrotherapist.
Aoife Fleming – Sports Therapy Opens Opportunities in Hydrotherapy
Read Full Testimonial
Success Story
Donna Power's life changed when she had children. She never imagined she would become a sports therapist but is delighted that she did.
Donna Power – From Beauty Therapist to Sports Therapist Inspired by my Children
Read Full Testimonial
Success Story
Shannon Byrne opened her own clinic within a month of graduating and has since hired her first employee, who is a Portobello student.
Shannon Byrne – Sport Therapy Course Graduate to Clinic Owner in One Month
Read Full Testimonial
Related Courses
BA (Hons) Physical Education – Starts Oct ’23
Delivered over 3 years, the BA (Hons) Physical Education programme aims to develop your critical understanding of physical education, through theoretical, practical and work-based learning experiences. You will have the opportunity to qualify and work in professional sports coaching and the option to study a PGCEi and a MSc Physical Education.
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science – Starts Oct ’23
Portobello’s Institute’s BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science has been designed, in collaboration with Liverpool John Moore’s University, a leading university globally in the field of Sport Science. This broad based degree gives you the opportunity to learn from a range of experts who are all working in the field of sports science with a wide and varied career path upon completion.
Speak to an expert
Choosing a course that will lead you to your career of choice is a significant decision. Understanding the delivery modes, supports available, career opportunities and further study options are all key considerations when making your choice. Our course adviser team are experts in the courses Portobello offers, the employment prospects and possible progression routes to Masters programmes – they will guide you through the detail and support you with any queries you may have.
It is important you make the right choice for you and choose the Institute and course that will best suit your needs.
Your Consultant
How do I apply?
Entry to this course is by direct application to the college.
With a Leaving Certificate
Leaving Certificate requirements – Minimum of grade C or O6 in ordinary level Biology* or Physical Education, English and Maths with a pass in 3 other subjects.
Sitting the Leaving Certificate in 2023
Students may apply and be granted a “Conditional Offer” prior to completing the Leaving Certificate.
Step 1 – Submit application
Step 2 – Review of application and confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements
Step 3 – Conditional Offer issued on the basis of successful achievement of LC requirements
Step 4 – Confirm acceptance of a place and pay deposit as detailed
Places cannot be held open for applicants awaiting leaving certificate results, however, should a student accept a place and then choose not to progress with this course having received a CAO offer, a refund of 75% of fees paid will be made. Refunds must be requested in writing within 48 hours after the first-round offers have been made. This will only be accepted by emailing refunds@portobelloinstitute.com. Evidence of CAO offer acceptance must be provided along in order to apply for a refund.
Applicants who have previously completed the Leaving Certificate;
Minimum of grade C or O6 in ordinary level Biology* or Physical Education, English and Maths with a pass in 3 other subjects.
*Applicants who do not hold LC Biology or Physical Education, are required to undertake the QQI level 5 Anatomy & Physiology and use this award in place of LC Biology. This course is available through Portobello Institute, further information available here.
Without a Leaving Certificate
Students are accepted on to this programme without a leaving certificate however applicants must meet one of the following criteria;
- QQI level 5 major award containing a biology subject
- ITEC level 2 award containing anatomy & physiology
- An undergraduate degree in another subject
- QQI Level 5 Anatomy & Physiology – available through Portobello Institute
- Mature entry at 21 years. Mature students are reviewed on a case by case basis and entry is via interview. Those without a grounding in science and a previous academic qualification in science or biology, must complete QQI Level 5 Anatomy & Physiology or equivalent. This course is available through Portobello Institute, further information available here.
- Equivalent qualifications with biology/anatomy & physiology module
Application Process
Step 1
Complete the online booking form.
Step 2
Applicants will be contacted for confirmation of the entry criteria.
Step 3
Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants immediately meeting the criteria.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria, may be required to attend an interview with an offer of a place on the programme issued following assessment of suitability. Applicants confirm acceptance of offer by returning acceptance form.
Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received.
Students will be registered as an undergraduate degree student with University of Essex
Fees & Payment Options
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Year 1 Fees & Payment Options
Fees (Year1)
Course Price
Per academic year.
€5,885.00Exam Body Reg. Fee
Per academic year.
€600.00
Full Payment
Total amount payable (Year 1).
€6,485.00
Easy Payment Plan
Deposit of 40%. Balance paid in full on 1st October, or in 6 instalments commencing 1st October. All additional fees such as exam registration fees etc are included in the Easy Payment Plan.
Deposit + 1 Instalment
40% deposit payment, due on application of your course (€2,594.00).
Settle final balance (€3,891.00) by 1st October 2023.
Deposit + 6 Instalments
Deposit payment (€2,712.00), followed by 6 scheduled payments every 1 month(s). Includes one off instalment fee of €295.00.
- €678.00 due on 1st October 2023.
- €678.00 due on 1st November 2023.
- €678.00 due on 1st December 2023.
- €678.00 due on 1st January 2024.
- €678.00 due on 1st February 2024.
- €678.00 due on 1st March 2024.
-
Year 2 Fees & Payment Options
Fees (Year2)
Course Price
Per academic year.
€5,885.00Exam Body Reg. Fee
Per academic year.
€325.00
Full Payment
Total amount payable (Year 2).
€6,210.00
Easy Payment Plan
Deposit of 40%. Balance paid in full on 1st October, or in 6 instalments commencing 1st October. All additional fees such as exam registration fees etc are included in the Easy Payment Plan.
Deposit + 1 Instalment
40% deposit payment, due on application of your course (€2,484.00).
Settle final balance (€3,726.00) by 1st October 2023.
Deposit + 6 Instalments
Deposit payment (€2,602.00), followed by 6 scheduled payments every 1 month(s). Includes one off instalment fee of €295.00.
- €650.50 due on 1st October 2023.
- €650.50 due on 1st November 2023.
- €650.50 due on 1st December 2023.
- €650.50 due on 1st January 2024.
- €650.50 due on 1st February 2024.
- €650.50 due on 1st March 2024.
-
Year 3 Fees & Payment Options
Fees (Year3)
Course Price
Per academic year.
€5,885.00Exam Body Reg. Fee
Per academic year.
€325.00
Full Payment
Total amount payable (Year 3).
€6,210.00
Easy Payment Plan
Deposit of 40%. Balance paid in full on 1st October, or in 6 instalments commencing 1st October. All additional fees such as exam registration fees etc are included in the Easy Payment Plan.
Deposit + 1 Instalment
40% deposit payment, due on application of your course (€2,484.00).
Settle final balance (€3,726.00) by 1st October 2023.
Deposit + 6 Instalments
Deposit payment (€2,602.00), followed by 6 scheduled payments every 1 month(s). Includes one off instalment fee of €295.00.
- €650.50 due on 1st October 2023.
- €650.50 due on 1st November 2023.
- €650.50 due on 1st December 2023.
- €650.50 due on 1st January 2024.
- €650.50 due on 1st February 2024.
- €650.50 due on 1st March 2024.
