Programme specification Foundation Degree in Sports Therapy Faculty: Entry from: September 2012 Awarding Institution: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences York St John University Teaching Institution: York College (Institution Code Y70) Delivery Location: Programme/s Accredited by: Exit Awards: UCAS Code / GTTR / Other: Joint Honours Combinations: QAA Benchmark Group(s): Mode/s of Study: Language of Study: York College Not applicable Certificate of Higher Education in Sports Therapy C600 Generic Foundation Degree Subject benchmarks for Hospitality, Sport and Leisure Standards of the Society of Sports Therapists Full-time over 2 years Part-time over 3-4 years English Introduction and Special Features The College has been delivering Sport and Exercise Sciences and Sports Therapy as a Higher Education subject for the last 10 years. The FD Sports Therapy has received positive feedback from a number of external sources including External Examiners, The Society of Sports Therapists, and external providers of placements. The Foundation Degree provides an exceptional qualification that meets the requirements of QAA for Foundation Degrees and the Society of Sports Therapists for vocational skills, knowledge and abilities. Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability (http://www.society-of-sportstherapists.org/whatis.htm). It is firmly rooted in the core disciplines of Sport and Exercise Sciences, but Sports Therapists use their skills and knowledge to work with clinical and non-clinical populations to prevent and rehabilitate injuries. To ensure that HE students in Sports Therapy have the vocational skills required in addition to their main programme of study, the College provides students with the opportunity to take vocationally specific programmes such as the Central YMCA Level 2 Gym Instructor, First Aid qualifications, and the VTCT Level 4 Sports Massage certificate alongside their main academic programme. During the past 3 years, the College has built up and maintained a considerable environment suitable for supporting Higher Education Sports Therapy students. A dedicated purpose built Sport Therapy Clinic, Sport and Exercise Sciences Laboratory, fitness suite and a wide range of other sports facilities. In addition the college has a range of therapy rooms to which students have access, including a sauna and a spa. A Sports Therapy Clinic has operated successfully at York College for the past six years. The quality of the learning environment provided has been praised by external observers, including the Football Association Charter Assessors during their assessment of the Football Development Centre. They commented that A Chartered Physiotherapist holds a Clinic twice a week. Students and college members of staff support the clinic in a very positive manner. The Charter Assessors awarded the clinic a grade of Excellent in their assessment report. The College currently uses Blackboard as its virtual learning environment (VLE) and it is well used to support learners. It was recently noted that The current HE sports programme is one of the best 1
examples of the use of the VLE for Higher Education courses in the college. (IQER Review, 2009). That this good practice will be further explored and developed by the Foundation Degree in Sports Therapy. Work based learning is fundamental to a successful Foundation Degree. This is one of the course strengths as the relationship between York College students and the region s most important Sports Therapy employers is already established. Of particular note the students work with York City Knights RLFC, Army, York Acorn RLFC, City of York Athletic Club, North Riding County FA Girls Centre of Excellence, and various charities stand out as being mutually formative. The College is currently in the process of formalising these links with the development of an Industrial Liaison Committee to support the Sport and Leisure Curriculum Area. Note: Work-based learning in the context of the Foundation Degree in Sports Therapy is learning acquired through the performance of a work role or function in a real and / or realistic working environment that reflects current practice in the world of work Module content is chosen to reflect and respond to current developments and the climate of change in the Sports Therapy industry. The modules are written to allow for the latest techniques and theory to be introduced to the students as soon as is practicable. The Foundation Degree in Sports Therapy will provide graduates with the opportunity to progress into careers, or further study, in fields such as: Sports Therapy; Sports Massage; Physiotherapy ; Occupational Therapy; Teaching; Fitness Industry; Admissions Criteria All Full-Time UK and European Union applications must be processed via the UCAS system. For other overseas applications, and part time applications, see below. General Entrance Requirements Applicants for entry to a programme of study will demonstrate that they have the qualifications, and/or experience which will allow them to succeed on the programme of study. The normal entry requirements onto the FD Sports Therapy programme at Level 4 are: Completion of A-levels in related subjects totalling 240 UCAS points or greater; Completion of a Level 3 Diploma in a related subject at MMM standard or better; Completion of a Level 3 Certificate in related subject at DD; Completion of an NVQ in a related subject Applications are also encouraged from mature applicants that can evidence appropriate levels of work related experience or vocational qualifications, together with an active interest in the area. Accreditation of Prior (Certificated) Learning (AP(C)L) UCAS Applicants Those UCAS applicants who have already achieved or partially completed a qualification at HE Level may be eligible for direct entry to the second year. UCAS documents allow for applicants to indicate year two as the entry point to the programme. 2
Qualifications accepted for AP(C)L are completion of the first year of an HND, FD or BSC/BA in Sport and Exercise Science or other relevant subjects. Applicants will be required to produce original certificates / transcripts. Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (AP(E)L) Credit may be awarded only on the basis of achieved learning and not on the basis of experience itself. Although credit may be awarded for all learning, wherever that learning occurs, it must first be identified and then assessed in terms of its amount, level, relevance, status and currency (as defined in the York College AP(E)L / AP(C)L policy). In other words the applicant must show learning from the experience. Normally an applicant will not be admitted with credit to a point more than half way through the level of the proposed programme of study. In addition, the applicant may have to satisfy route/award prerequisites. Credits will normally be limited to a maximum of 50% of the total credit points for the particular award. Most importantly, evidence must be presented to demonstrate that the applicant is familiar with the appropriate knowledge base of the learning claimed. This should include 'reflective expertise', which includes the ability to sustain analytical review and the application of relevant concepts to the planning and evaluation of practice. The amount and level of credit awarded through AP(E)L will be measured against the identified learning outcomes of existing validated courses and of the target programme. Where general AP(E)L credit awards do not precisely match the learning outcomes of validated courses but are related or comparable, professional and academic judgement will be invoked to determine a credit award with consistency and fairness in relation to other credit award decisions and programme learning outcomes. Non-UCAS Applicants All full time students will apply through the UCAS system. Part-Time applications: Learners wishing to complete the full Foundation Degree part time or to take individual modules will apply using a standard College Application Form and the normal College application procedures will apply. Overseas Applications Applicants will be expected to hold a relevant qualification equivalent to NQF level 3. The required level of English, a minimum of IELTS score of 6.5 on entry, must also be demonstrated. Candidates will be invited to take part in an email interview. In advance of which they should submit: A statement as to their experience, knowledge and reasons for wishing to study Sports Therapy in York and their expectations of their career beyond the Foundation Degree. Certificates, pertaining to relevant qualifications to date, for verification by the York College International Office. Upon successful completion of the process so far, candidates will take part in a further telephone interview. Programme Aims The educational aims describe the nature and characteristics of the programme. The Programme aims to produce graduates who: 1. have a knowledge and understanding of the theories and techniques* relevant to the Sports Therapy industry, and an understanding of how they have developed [A] 3
2. have a knowledge and understanding of safe and effective working practices* within the Sports Therapy industry [A] 3. will be able to relate practice to theory within the Sports Therapy industry [B] 4. will be able to work in an interdisciplinary manner, using the associated disciplines of Sport and Exercise Sciences within a Sports Therapy context [B] 5. will be able to apply safe and effective working practices* within the Sports Therapy industry [C] 6. will be able to use appropriate techniques* developed the programme within the work place. [C] 7. will be able to use team work and interpersonal skills within a Sports Therapy environment and communicate in an effective and professional manner within a variety of settings [D] 8. will be able to reflect on their own learning and performance in an academic and work based setting with a view to developing career aspirations within the Sports Therapy industry [D] Key: *Sports Therapy techniques and practices as highlighted by the Society of Sports Therapists are a. attending to injuries b. providing specialist advice [including preventative measures and referral to appropriate professionals] c. assessing injuries d. sports massage and e. rehabilitation of injuries A B C D Knowledge and Understanding Cognitive Skills Practical Skills Transferable Skills Programme Learning Outcomes A Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: A1 Well established and contemporary principles and techniques, and the historical development of those principles and techniques, within the field of Sports Therapy (Relates to Benchmark 42.1) A2 Main methods of enquiry within Sports Therapy, (Relates to Benchmark 42.4, ST5) A3 Their professional limitations as a Sports Therapist and the implications of these limitations within the work place, (Relates to Benchmark 42.5, ST2) 4
Level Semester Credits Status of Module* B Cognitive skills On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to: B1 Use theoretical concepts and principles to solve problems, both independently and collaboratively, within a Sports Therapy context, (Relates to Benchmark 42.6, 42.7) B2 Use theoretical concepts and principles to provide solutions, both independently and collaboratively, within a Sports Therapy context for both specialist and non specialist audiences, (Relates to Benchmark 42.6, 42.7, ST5) B3 Evaluate and justify the appropriateness of different techniques and approaches within a Sports Therapy context. (Relates to Benchmark 42.3, ST1-4) C Practical skills On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to: C1 Competently and confidently demonstrate a range of well-established and contemporary techniques within a Sports Therapy context, (Relates to Benchmark 42.2, 42.4, ST1-4) C2 Use appropriate and relevant I.C.T. software packages outside the context in which they were first studied, (Relates to Benchmark 42.3) C3 Assume responsibility within a work based context through appropriate decision making (Relates to Benchmark 42.7, 42.9) D Transferable skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: D1 Communicate effectively in a variety of forms to both specialist and non specialist audiences, (Relates to Benchmark 42.7) D2 Use personal development plans as a reflective tool to recognise strengths and areas for improvement, (Relates to Benchmark 42.8, 42.10) D3 Recognise opportunities for lifelong learning, including undertaking further training, developing existing skills and acquiring new competencies, (Relates to Benchmark 42.8) Programme Structure Modules for the Programme Code Title STFA 4 1,2 Functional Anatomy 20 CP STSM 4 1,2 Sports Massage 20 CP STISI 4 1,2 Introduction to Sports Injury and Assessment 20 CP STPAST 4 1 Physiological Assessment for Sports Therapy 10 CP STRMST 4 1,2 Research Methods for Sports Therapy 20 CP STPRPD1 4 1,2 Professional Practice and Development 1 20 CP STPSI 4 2 Psychology of Sports Injury 10 CP 5
Level Semester Credits Status of Module* *C: Compulsory, CP: Compulsory for progression to the next level, CA: Compulsory for award, O: option or E: elective. Functional Anatomy focuses on developing detailed practical knowledge of lower limb, upper limb and spinal anatomy Sports Massage focuses on developing knowledge and skills in carrying out safe and effective sports massage on non-injured and injured tissues Introduction to Sports Injury and Assessment - focuses on developing the knowledge and skills required in order to effectively examine, assess, and treat sports injuries Physiological Assessment for Sports Therapy focuses on developing knowledge and understanding of physiology and using physiological testing in sports therapy Psychology of Sports Injury focuses on the psychology behind injury cause, response to injury, and rehabilitation from injury Research Methods for Sports Therapy focuses on developing the knowledge and understanding of how to conduct effective research within sports therapy Professional Practice and Development 1 (PPD1) - focuses on what sports therapy is, its place as a healthcare profession now and in the future, and involves work related learning in a clinical setting and operating as pitch side support for the college sports teams Code Title STPM 5 1,2 Peripheral Mobilisation 20 CA STRER 5 1,2 Remedial Exercise and Rehabilitation 20 CA STBSI 5 1 Biomechanics of Sports Injury 20 CA STRP 5 1,2 Research Project 20 CA STPrPD2 5 1,2 Professional Practice and Development 20 CA STHREP 5 2 Health Related Exercise Prescription 20 CA *C: Compulsory, CP: Compulsory for progression to the next level, CA: Compulsory for award, O: option or E: elective. Peripheral Mobilisation - focuses on developing knowledge and skills in advanced treatment techniques for soft tissue and joints Remedial Exercise and Rehabilitation - focuses on the pathology of rehabilitation and the various remedial treatments that can be used at each stage of rehabilitation Biomechanics of Sports Injury focuses developing knowledge and understanding about how biomechanics can be used to explain cause of injury, enable effective rehabilitation, and prevent injuries Health Related Exercise Prescription focuses on sports therapy as a healthcare profession and how exercise is important in maintaining health and preventing chronic disease Research Project - focuses on using knowledge and understanding from research methods for sports therapy and proposing, undertaking, and writing up meaningful research Professional Practice and Development 2 focuses on developing excellent skills in applying for sports therapy position and interview technique. This module also requires working in the sports therapy clinic as important work related learning. PT Routes: 6
The aim of the team is to offer as flexible a range of routes as possible to widen participation in the FD in Sports Therapy. Any part time route will be individualised to meet the needs of the part time learners. Applications to complete the course over 3 or 4 years will be considered as will applications to complete an individual module or modules. One possible route over 4 years would be: Year 1: All year Functional Anatomy Year 1: All year Introduction to Sports Injuries and Assessment Year 1: All Year Professional Practice and Development 1 Year 2: Semester 1 Physiological Assessment for Sports Therapy Year 2: Semester 2 Psychology of Sports Injury Year 2: All year Sports Massage Year 2: All Year Research Methods for Sports Therapy Year 3: Semester 1 Biomechanics of Sports Injury Year 3: Semester 2 Health Related Exercise Prescription Year 3: All Year Professional Practice and Development 2 Year 4: All year Peripheral Mobilisation Year 4: Semester 2 Remedial Exercise and Rehabilitation Year 4: All Year Research Project Teaching, Learning and Assessment A wide range of teaching and learning methods is employed, appropriate to the learning outcomes of each module and with a focus on the relationship between different kinds of skills knowledge and understanding, cognitive, practical and transferable. The methods employed will include lectures, discussions, group work, practical sessions, seminars and workshops. Intellectual Independence is one of the most important qualities required of a Sports Therapy student and practitioner. It is important that self-discipline and an ability to work without supervision are allowed to develop as the student progresses through the programme. Personal initiative in learning is encouraged and developed by the expectation of a high level of self-management as study progresses, so that during the Research Project and Case Studies, students are practicing in a professional and appropriately vocational manner. There will be a significant change in the type of learning session tutors will run at Level 5 with the students being expected to be much more self-actuating than at Level 4 e.g. Lectures will be replaced by individual research leading to peer and tutor reviewed seminars. Academic Tutorials are usually conducted on a one-to-one basis; they are an opportunity to receive personal and specific advice and guidance. Tutorials are scheduled to occur at those points in the term when supervision and guidance are particularly necessary. In addition, students may request tutorials from tutors if they need further support or guidance. Formative exercises are used extensively to ensure that the students experience of the programme is coherent and to direct the development of skills, knowledge and abilities specific to individual modules. Typically, formative exercises will take the form of practical applications of theoretical concepts and will be used to reinforce the theory and to develop an appropriate professional approach to clients. Students will receive feedback in relation to formative exercises informally during academic tutorials during supported open learning 7
Page 8 of 10 time. Completion of the continual formative exercises is not compulsory for completion of the programme but will be strongly encouraged by all the team. Vocationally Relevant Learning is an essential part of any Foundation Degree and the team have designed this course with work related learning fully integrated into all modules through the use of case studies and other contextualised assessments. This allows for students to experience vocationally relevant work based learning which the Sports Therapy Clinic will reinforce. Throughout the course, a number of relevant professionals will teach sessions on their specialisms and assist the core team in the assessment of learners. 14.3 Assessment Strategy Summative assessments will take a number of forms which include Examinations, Demonstrations (of Practical competence which will include appropriate reports and documentation), Oral and Poster Presentations and written assessments designed to assess a student s achievement against specific learning outcomes relating to a particular module. Each module will identify a number of summative assessments that must be satisfactorily passed in order to progress onto the next level. Students will receive feedback on summative assessments following completion of the module using a dedicated feedback sheet. Module grades remain provisional until confirmation by the Assessment Board at the end of each level. Strategy Practical Exam, Practical Exam Oral Presentation, Practical Exam Practical Exam Mini Investigation Oral Presentation Laboratory Practical Report Oral Presentation, Reflective Practice Blog Case study report Case Study Report Written Examination, Practical Exam Oral Presentation, Case Study Case Study, Practical Exam Mock Interview, Reflective Practice Blog Proposal. Project Report Module STFA STISI STSM STRMST STPAST STPrPD STPSI STBSI STPM STHREP STRER STPrPD2 STRP Assessment Weighting Weighting is the contribution that a module mark makes to the final / overall mark for the Award. Module Reference Module Title Level Compulsory or Optional Credit Value STFAM Functional Anatomy 4 C 20 STISI STRMST Introduction to Sports Injury and Assessment Research Methods 4 C 20 4 C 20 8
Page 9 of 10 4 C 20 4 C 10 4 C 20 4 C 10 STSM Sports Massage STPAST Physiological Assessment for Sports Therapy STPrPD1 Professional Practice and Development 1 STPAST Psychology of Sports Injury Sub-total 120 STPM Peripheral Mobilisation 5 C 20 STBSI Biomechanics of Sports 5 C 20 Injury STHREP Health Related Exercise 5 C 20 Prescription STRER Remedial Exercise and 5 C 20 Rehabilitation STPrPD2 Professional Practice and 5 C 20 Development 2 STRP Research Project 5 C 20 Sub-total 120 Grand Total 240 Progression and Graduation Requirements The York St John University regulations on progression apply to the FD Sport Therapy. In addition the following specific award regulations apply in respect of progression and graduation. In order to progress from Level 4 to Level 5 of the programme, students must gain 120 credits and achieve at least a pass grade, 40%, in each module. In Level 5 students must gain a further 120 credits and pass all modules to achieve the award of a Foundation Degree. The FD in Sports Therapy applies the York St. John University percentage scales for classifications at Pass, Merit and Distinction. 68.5-100% Distinction 59-68% Merit 40-58% Pass Before issue to students all assessment briefs must be internally moderated in respect of validity, clarity, equal opportunities and access. 9
Page 10 of 10 The Foundation Degree classification for each student is determined on the basis of two calculations. The first calculation will take account of both the penultimate level and final level weighted equally. The second calculation will take account of the final level double weighted. The better of the results will determine the class to be awarded. Progression onto Level 6 will be decided by the University to which the student has made an application. The clear progression route will be onto a Level 6 Sport and Exercise Sciences or other relevant programmes at York St John University, or into relevant work. York College staff will be involved in negotiating a clear progression route with respect to a 2+1 arrangement with York St John University and other HEI s for Sports Therapy, Sports Injury Management or Sport and Exercise Sciences. To be eligible for professional body status with The Society of Sports Therapists a BSc or MSc in Sports Therapy will need to be completed. Internal and External Reference Points This programme specification was formulated with reference to: York St John University Mission Statement York College Mission, Vision and Values QAA subject benchmark statement for Business Management National Occupational Standards (as appropriate) National Qualification Framework/QCF/FHEQ UK Quality Code for HE Employer Liaison and HEESA advice Student feedback External Examiner Feedback Further Information Further Information Further information on the programme of study may be obtained from: Admissions Entry Profile (Admissions) Programme validation document (University Registry Academic Standards) Regulations (University Registry Academic Standards) Student programme handbook (York College - Divisions) Module handbooks (York College -Divisions) Policies and procedures (York College Quality Improvement Team) Assessment Framework (York College Quality Improvement Team) Date written / revised: 25/09/2013 first entry 2011 10