The aim of this module is to enable students to gain experience of a working environment relevant to sports therapy. The student will undertake a minimum of two different work placements in order to facilitate a wider range of experiences throughout the module. Students may choose to attend placements from a selection of university approved partners (subject to availability) or in certain circumstances may negotiate the placement independently subject to certain qualifying criteria.

A personal portfolio will be introduced in Yr1 which will be maintained by the student throughout the degree programme. The student will reflect upon their experiences throughout the course and upon their performance / feedback from placement supervisors to identify strengths and weaknesses in the field of sports therapy. This can then be utilised to develop their skills as a sports therapist and will identify where specific competencies have been developed and assessed.

An assignment will also be produced critically investigating an area of their choice relevant to their placement giving the student the opportunity to research into a particular area of interest.

Total learning time: (300hrs)
10 x 2hr lectures (20hrs) including project and supervisor support sessions

150 hrs (approx) placement time at host organisation (roughly equivalent to one day a week over two semesters)
40 hrs project writing
50 hrs project preparation
40 hrs independent study

Appropriately and adequately equipped clinic room:

Appropriately equipped lecture room

1. A portfolio. This will include a collection of key information about the host organisation(s) and operations, e.g. organisational structure, health and safety policy, and mission/operating statement. In addition, this document will track attendance, activity and learning during the placement (LO1). 25%
2. A 3000-word assignment (or equivalent) examining current trends and research around a specific area relevant to the first placement. (LOs 1, 2), 50%.
3. A 1000-word reflective commentary on an end-of-placement performance report completed by one of the host organisations. This will help students critically analyse their strengths and weaknesses during their placement. (LO3) 10%
4. A portfolio of Society of Sports Therapists competencies. (LO3) 15%
5. An attendance register detailing the hours spent at the placement post. This should total 150 hours and all entries should be signed off by the placement mentor to confirm attendance. This will be worth 0% of the overall mark (Assessing LO 3)

All elements of assessment MUST be passed to achieve an overall pass on the module.

Student feedback will be given throughout the module by module leader, placement supervisor and placement liaison officer.