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Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (Adult Course)

This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

This qualification has been designed to provide experienced practitioners, currently working in sport and active leisure, with the requisite understanding and complex skills and techniques to work as an advanced Sports Massage Practitioner.

Please note, we are one of only a handful of institutions in the UK offering this qualification, so please apply early in order to secure your place on the course.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

This course starts in September and will take one year to complete. You will attend College for one evening per week on a Tuesday, from 6.00pm - 9.00pm.

It will include 4 hours of clinical delivery each week in addition to clinical case studies required for assessment which are flexible.

This course takes place at St Helens College, Town Centre Campus, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

Throughout this qualification, you will undertake detailed biomechanical assessments, test and analyse the integrity of the muscular and neurological systems and develop complex treatment strategies based on sound clinical reasoning and evidence-based research.

Practically, you will carry out sports massage using a range of complex techniques, to include:

  • Myofascial
  • Positional release
  • Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
  • Active isolated stretching

You will also gain an advanced understanding of the biological basis for complex massage/soft tissue methods and the impact of nutrition and hydration on the effects of treatment. The effectiveness of these methods will also be evaluated, as will research undertaken on the use of these methods in sport and active leisure.

You will develop the understanding and skills required to carry out and analyse comprehensive subjective assessments of clients.

How is it assessed?

You will be assessed through portfolio work, observations and clinical case studies.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You must hold a relevant level 4 sports massage qualification.

What are the course fees?

The cost of this course is £1,810.

If you are aged 19 or over, you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover part of your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later. Loan eligibility isn't dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments don't start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please visit our dedicated pages.

For the remaining cost, there are a number of flexible payment options available including an interest-free payment plan with a monthly direct debit payment.

Alternatively, your employer may be willing to fund your course and we can invoice them directly.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

You will be equipped to work with clientele ranging from recreational sport and active leisure enthusiasts to professional sports persons and elite athletes.

This qualification will enable you to work with non-acute recent injuries and pre-existing conditions for restorative and corrective purposes, with focus on posture, gait, ligamentous and neural conditions. This may include working in clinics for sporting teams or as a mobile therapist. This may be in an employed or self-employed context.

Are you ready to apply?

Are you

ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.


Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. St Helens College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.

Ref: Eddie Barker