Direct Entry (Higher Education - HET)

Degree - Honours Bachelor

Sports Therapy

Portobello Institute
Portobello Institute
Course Code
SP-ST-F
Zone
Level
NFQ Type
Major
Duration
3 Years
Attendance
Full Time

Course Summary

Private College - additional fees apply. SUSI grants not available.

The BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy is designed for students who want to work as sports therapists or progress to postgraduate physiotherapy study.

The programme combines applied health science, rehabilitation, and clinical practice, equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to assess, treat, and rehabilitate injuries while supporting optimal physical performance.

Delivered through both in-person weekday study and blended learning, the degree offers flexibility for those beginning their careers, career changers, and individuals already working in sport or fitness.

Students gain valuable hands-on experience through the Portobello Student Sports Clinic and professional placements, working with real clients under clinical supervision and developing practical clinical skills from early in the programme.

A key advantage of the programme is Portobello Institute’s direct progression pathway to MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration). Combined with postgraduate study, students can follow a structured five-year pathway towards professional qualification as a physiotherapist.

  • Awarding body: University of Essex
  • Qualification outcome: BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy (NFQ level 8 equivalent)
  • Key progression note: Graduates may progress to MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) through Portobello Institute’s direct progression pathway, supporting a structured route to qualification as a physiotherapist.

Further Information
Book a call with Career Pathway Consultant Tomas Ashe to discuss study options
Fees, payment plan, and funding information is available.

College Link

College Link > SP-ST-F - Sports Therapy

Colleges often have information about the course on their own website, along with other useful information relating to the college. (Note: Not always available)


Career Sectors

This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.

Language Options

* Time abroad utilising this language

Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Note: It may also be possible to do an Erasmus+ Programme allowing you to study abroad for a period of at least 2 months to 12 months. This study can be through English or through your language of choice � please check with your course coordinator to see if this is possible for this course.

Entry Requirements

Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.

If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.

PLC Progression Links

This course does not appear to accept applicants with Further Education and Training (FET) awards. Please check with the college directly - sometimes this data is not published openly, or special arrangements may be available.

Points Calculator for QQI Awards:
Details of the QQI scoring system and a points calculator can be found HERE

The Student

Who Is This Degree For?

This programme suits people who are passionate about sport, health, and rehabilitation and want a hands-on career helping individuals recover from injury and improve physical performance. It is ideal for students who enjoy applied science, working directly with people, and developing practical clinical skills.

Learners who are motivated by supporting athletes, active individuals, and those recovering from injury will thrive in this programme, particularly those interested in sports therapy, rehabilitation, or progressing into physiotherapy.

Career Interests

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Career Progression

What Career Pathways Are Available?
The BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy is an industry-aligned qualification that prepares graduates for professional roles across the sport, health, and rehabilitation sectors, combining clinical knowledge with applied practical experience.

Career opportunities include:

  • Sports therapist
  • Sports club or team therapist
  • Rehabilitation specialist
  • Clinical exercise specialist
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Private sports therapy practitioner

Sports Therapy graduates typically work in:

  • Sports clubs and professional teams
  • Sports injury and rehabilitation clinics
  • Private healthcare settings
  • Leisure and fitness centres
  • Community sport and performance environments

Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study, particularly:

  • MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)

Graduates who progress to and successfully complete an approved MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) programme can work towards qualification and registration as physiotherapists in Ireland.

Further Research

College Link > SP-ST-F - Sports Therapy

Colleges often have information about the course on their own website, along with other useful information relating to the college. (Note: Not always available)

DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.

College Profile

Portobello Institute
Portobello Institute

College News

Nurturing Skills Learner Fund 2026 Launched to Support Upskilling Across the Early Years Sector
Posted by Portobello Institute
Close