The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM) is a specialised postgraduate qualification designed for healthcare professionals, sports practitioners, and clinicians who wish to develop advanced expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries and conditions. This programme focuses on integrating medical knowledge with sports science to improve athlete care, enhance performance, and support evidence-based clinical practice.
The PgDSM provides learners with an in-depth understanding of musculoskeletal medicine, sports physiology, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation techniques. With an emphasis on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, learners gain the skills to manage acute injuries, design rehabilitation programmes, and address long-term health issues associated with physical activity and sports participation. The course also highlights leadership, research, and ethical practice within the evolving field of sports medicine.
Sports medicine has become a rapidly growing field, with increasing demand for professionals who can manage athlete health and wellbeing at both amateur and elite levels. The QualCert PgDSM equips learners with the advanced expertise needed to succeed in clinical environments, sports teams, rehabilitation centres, and research roles. Graduates are well-prepared to influence the future of sports healthcare through innovation, leadership, and specialist knowledge.
Upon completion of the PgDSM, learners can progress to senior roles within sports medicine clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or professional sports organisations. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral research or further specialised medical training in sports and exercise science.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27235- 1 | Advanced Principles of Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27235-2 | Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Techniques in Sports Injuries | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27235-3 | Management and Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Injuries | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27235-4 | Performance Optimisation and Exercise Prescription | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27235-5 | Sports Nutrition, Recovery, and Preventive Strategies | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27235-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Sports Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment
Educational Background:
- A recognised undergraduate degree in medicine, physiotherapy, sports science, nursing, or an allied health discipline.
- Equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered
Experience:
- Relevant clinical or sports-related professional experience is recommended, particularly in musculoskeletal care, rehabilitation, or athletic performance management
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English through prior study in English or a recognised qualification such as IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM):
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology
- Analyse human anatomy and physiology in relation to sports performance
- Evaluate the physiological responses to exercise and physical stress
- Critically appraise sports medicine theories and models in clinical practice
- Integrate scientific principles into injury prevention and athlete care strategies
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Techniques in Sports Injuries
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of athletes and active individuals
- Apply advanced diagnostic methods for musculoskeletal, neurological, and soft tissue injuries
- Interpret imaging, biomechanical, and functional testing results
- Develop evidence-based clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management
Unit 3: Management and Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Design and implement rehabilitation programmes for acute and chronic sports injuries
- Apply therapeutic interventions including manual therapy, exercise therapy, and modalities
- Evaluate recovery progression and modify treatment plans according to individual needs
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches to optimise functional outcomes and prevent re-injury
Unit 4: Performance Optimisation and Exercise Prescription
- Develop exercise programmes to enhance strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility
- Assess athlete performance using evidence-based testing methods
- Analyse training load, adaptation, and recovery to prevent overuse injuries
- Apply advanced exercise prescription principles for different populations and sports disciplines
Unit 5: Sports Nutrition, Recovery, and Preventive Strategies
- Evaluate nutritional requirements for athletes in various sports and activity levels
- Design evidence-based nutrition and hydration plans to support performance and recovery
- Apply strategies for injury prevention, load management, and risk reduction
- Critically appraise current research on supplements, recovery techniques, and lifestyle interventions
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Sports Medicine
- Critically appraise scientific research and clinical evidence in sports medicine
- Design and implement research or quality improvement projects in athletic healthcare
- Demonstrate leadership skills in multidisciplinary sports medicine teams
- Integrate evidence-based practice into clinical decision-making and professional policy development
The Course is ideal for ;
The PgDSM is designed for healthcare and sports professionals who wish to advance their expertise in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and athlete care. It is suitable for:
- Medical doctors specialising in sports medicine, orthopaedics, or musculoskeletal care
- Physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists working with athletes or active populations
- Sports scientists and exercise physiologists seeking advanced clinical knowledge
- Nurses and allied health professionals involved in sports injury prevention and management
- Strength and conditioning coaches interested in clinical aspects of athlete care
- Researchers and academics pursuing evidence-based practice in sports medicine
Approved centres delivering PgDSM must meet the following standards:
- Qualified Faculty: Tutors and assessors must hold postgraduate qualifications in sports medicine, physiotherapy, medicine, or related health disciplines with clinical experience
- Learning Resources: Access to current textbooks, journals, research databases, and case studies relevant to sports medicine and rehabilitation
- Facilities: Classrooms, seminar rooms, and clinical or practical training spaces equipped for hands-on learning and assessments
- Clinical Access: Opportunities for learners to engage with real-world clinical practice, sports teams, or rehabilitation environments
- Assessment Standards: Rigorous assessment procedures including case studies, reflective practice, research projects, and evidence-based assignments
- Quality Assurance: Systems in place for internal verification, external moderation, and continuous review of programme delivery
- Learner Support: Academic guidance, research supervision, and pastoral support to ensure learner success and wellbeing