The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Sports Medicine (Dip SM) is a specialist qualification designed for healthcare and allied professionals who wish to advance their expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of sports-related injuries and performance optimisation. This qualification is not intended for fresh learners but is aimed at experienced practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge, enhance clinical skills, and strengthen their career prospects within sports medicine and related healthcare fields.
This diploma provides learners with an in-depth understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, exercise physiology, injury assessment, rehabilitation strategies, and performance enhancement techniques. Learners will engage with evidence-based practices, advanced clinical assessment methods, and practical case studies, enabling them to deliver safe, effective, and tailored care for athletes and physically active populations.
The programme supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD), ensuring learners remain current with emerging trends, research, and best practices in sports medicine. By completing this qualification, learners will gain the confidence, skills, and clinical reasoning necessary to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams, develop personalised rehabilitation programmes, and optimise performance outcomes for clients and athletes.
Centres delivering the Level 6 Diploma in Sports Medicine must maintain high standards, employing competent and qualified staff with relevant clinical and academic experience. Centres must also provide learners with access to comprehensive learning materials, practical resources, and appropriate facilities to ensure high-quality training, assessment, and learner success.
This diploma offers a valuable opportunity for professionals to progress in their careers, demonstrate advanced expertise, and make a significant impact in the field of sports medicine.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Sports Medicine (Dip SM):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Sports Medicine (Dip SM) consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27192- 1 | Advanced Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics in Sports Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27192-2 | Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Assessment of Sports-Related Injuries | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27192-3 | Clinical Management of Acute and Chronic Sports Injuries | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27192-4 | Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, and Performance Optimisation Strategies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27192-5 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Sports Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27192-6 | Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Sports Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Sports Medicine (Dip SM):
Minimum Age
Learners must be at least 21 years of age at the time of enrolment to demonstrate the maturity and professional readiness required for a Level 6 qualification.
Educational Background
Applicants should hold a relevant Level 5 qualification or equivalent in a health, medical, physiotherapy, sports science, or related field. Learners with strong academic or vocational backgrounds in healthcare and sports medicine are particularly well-suited.
Experience
Prior professional experience in medicine, physiotherapy, sports science, nursing, or a related healthcare environment is essential. This ensures learners can apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world clinical and sports medicine settings.
Language Proficiency
Learners must have strong proficiency in English, both written and spoken, to effectively engage with course materials, research, and assessments. Centres may require evidence of language competence for non-native speakers.
Commitment to CPD
This qualification is designed for professionals dedicated to advancing their careers. Learners should demonstrate a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a desire to enhance their clinical expertise and professional standing.
Access to Required Resources
Learners must have access to a suitable learning environment, relevant clinical or sports settings, and the required resources, including reliable internet and study materials, to successfully complete the diploma.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Sports Medicine (Dip SM):
Advanced Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics in Sports Medicine
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology relevant to sports medicine
- Analyse biomechanics of movement and their role in sports performance and injury risk
- Evaluate the relationship between musculoskeletal function and athletic performance
- Apply anatomical and physiological principles to sports injury prevention and management
Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Assessment of Sports-Related Injuries
- Apply advanced diagnostic techniques for identifying sports-related injuries
- Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments of musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries
- Interpret diagnostic imaging and laboratory results in sports medicine practice
- Formulate evidence-based clinical assessments to support treatment planning
Clinical Management of Acute and Chronic Sports Injuries
- Develop management plans for acute sports injuries and emergencies
- Evaluate treatment options for chronic sports-related conditions
- Apply evidence-based approaches to injury care and rehabilitation
- Integrate multidisciplinary strategies in the management of complex sports injuries
Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, and Performance Optimisation Strategies
- Design and implement rehabilitation programmes for sports injury recovery
- Apply physiotherapy techniques to restore function and mobility
- Integrate exercise science principles to optimise athlete performance
- Evaluate strategies for safe return-to-play and long-term injury prevention
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Sports Medicine
- Critically appraise current research in sports medicine and related fields
- Apply evidence-based practice to clinical decision-making in sports injury management
- Design research-based projects to enhance clinical outcomes in sports medicine
- Integrate scientific evidence into professional practice for improved patient care
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Sports Medicine
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct in sports medicine practice
- Apply leadership principles in clinical and multidisciplinary sports medicine teams
- Evaluate the importance of ethical decision-making in athlete care
- Promote continuous professional development and reflective practice in sports medicine
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Sports Medicine (Dip SM) is designed for experienced professionals who are actively working in healthcare, sports science, or athletic performance and wish to advance their expertise in the specialist field of sports medicine. This qualification is not intended for fresh learners but for those who already possess relevant academic or clinical experience and are looking to deepen their knowledge, enhance their skills, and expand their professional opportunities.
This diploma is ideal for:
- Medical doctors and healthcare practitioners working with athletes or in sports-related environments
- Physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists seeking to strengthen their clinical and therapeutic skills
- Sports scientists and exercise physiologists who want to integrate medical approaches into athletic performance and recovery
- Allied health professionals involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries
- Coaches, trainers, and performance specialists aiming to develop advanced understanding of injury management and performance optimisation
By undertaking this programme, learners will gain the ability to apply evidence-based practices, lead in multidisciplinary sports medicine teams, and enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The diploma is particularly suited to professionals who wish to progress into leadership roles within clinical sports medicine, rehabilitation, or performance-focused settings.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Sports Medicine (Dip SM) must meet strict quality and compliance standards to ensure learners receive high-quality education and training. Approved centres are required to demonstrate the following:
- Qualified and Competent Staff
Tutors, trainers, and assessors must hold appropriate academic qualifications and substantial professional experience in sports medicine, physiotherapy, sports science, or related healthcare fields. They should also have relevant teaching, training, or assessment credentials to deliver and evaluate the qualification effectively. - Access to Suitable Facilities and Resources
Centres must provide learners with access to appropriate learning environments, including classrooms, laboratories, or clinical simulation spaces where applicable. Centres should also ensure learners have access to the latest research materials, medical case studies, and technology that supports the study and practice of sports medicine. - Robust Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems
Centres must implement fair, transparent, and reliable assessment processes. Internal quality assurance mechanisms should be in place to maintain the integrity of assessment decisions and ensure compliance with awarding standards. - Support for Learners
Centres are expected to provide guidance and support services to learners, including academic resources, mentoring, and access to professional networks to enhance their overall learning experience and career progression. - Commitment to CPD and Industry Standards
Centres must demonstrate ongoing commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for their staff and maintain alignment with current international standards and best practices in sports medicine.