Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy - Level 3
Summary
The Active IQ Level 3 Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Diploma) equips learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills to deliver professional sports massage treatments. Delivered by expert tutors at our Bispham Campus, this course blends in-depth theory with hands-on experience to prepare you for a successful career in the industry.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
11 Feb 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
16 Weeks
|
|
|
09 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
16 Weeks
|
|
|
27 Jan 2027
|
Bispham Campus
|
16 Weeks
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Upon successful completion, you will be qualified to work as a sports massage therapist, supporting clients with soft tissue dysfunctions. You may also progress to:
- Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy
- Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
- Community Sport and Physical Activity - HNC
- Nutrition for Health, Weight Management and Sports Performance - Level 4
This qualification aligns with national occupational standards and supports progression into higher-level roles in the health and fitness sector.
Other study options
- L4 Nutrition
- L4 Sports Massage Therapy
- L4 HNC Community Sport and Physical Activity
- L3 Personal Trainer
Employment Opportunities
Self-Employed Massage Therapist or alternatively you could work in the health and fitness sector, to use massage to improve physical and mental health, aid recovery and promote sports performance.
Key information
Entry Requirements
Open to learners aged 16+, with a focus on those aged 19 and over
- ·No formal qualifications required
- A good level of physical fitness is essential due to the practical nature of the course
- Learners should have or be working towards a minimum level 2 maths and English
- All applicants will be interviewed prior to enrolment
In the practical sessions, students will be expected to work on a range of different clients, to maximise their experience. To facilitate this students are encouraged to provide their own clients each week.
Qualification obtained
Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Diploma)Fees and funding
Some courses are fully funded for adult learners and, for those that aren’t, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
You may also be eligible for financial support which can include help with childcare. To check if you’re eligible and to apply for financial help, visit our dedicated page on Financial Support for Adult Learners.
Extra costs and equipment
Students are expected to provide their own stationery, including pens, notepads, and an A4 folder. Additional costs may include:
- Replacement ID badges: £5 (£10 if combined with a bus pass)
- Photocopying: First 80 black and white pages are free; additional copies charged at 4p per page
What will I learn?
You will learn to assess clients, plan and deliver tailored treatments, and evaluate outcomes, all while adhering to professional standards and legal requirements. Independent study, case studies, and practical assessments are integral to the course.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Work placement is not compulsory on this course; however, we recommend that you complete a work placement to see how the skills that you will learn are used. The college may be able to provide placement opportunities at local, national, and global events, depending on demand.
How will I learn?
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we recognise that all students learn differently and for some it may be a return to the classroom following a break from formal learning. Our tutors work with you to ensure that their teaching methods support the way that you like to learn.
One key teaching and learning method is that of demonstrations. Your tutors ensure that demonstrations are used whenever possible so you can see the practical skill being used so you can then practise the skill. You will work collaboratively with your peers in group work, presentations and within practical sessions. There will be dedicated individual/self-study time on your programme which needs to be supported by your own study out of the College learning environments.
E-learning is also a key element of all our courses and will involve you in using our Canvas platform for independent study and learning. Microsoft Teams, and email, are available to further support you.
Within the curriculum we also use a range of on-line apps to support, enhance and motivate learning. Your tutors will be support you with new technologies used in the classroom.
Your tutors will support you in preparing for your examinations alongside your own responsibility for your learning.
Expert tutors
All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.
How will I be assessed?
You will complete five mandatory units:
1. Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage Therapy
2. Professional Practice in Sports Massage Therapy
3. Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction, Injury and Repair
4. Client Consultation, Assessment and Treatment Planning
5. Sports Massage Therapy Treatment, Aftercare and Remedial Exercise
Assessment Methods include:
- Knowledge assessments (multiple choice, short answer, scenario-based)
- Case studies
- Practical observations and questioning
All assessments must be passed to achieve the qualification. The final grade is Pass/Refer.
In the practical sessions, students will be expected to work on a range of different clients, to maximise their experience. To facilitate this students are encouraged to provide their own clients each week.