Sport and Exercise Medicine MSc / PGDip
About This Programme
The MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of Birmingham Dubai is for physiotherapists and doctors who want to move into, or progress in, elite sport and exercise or musculoskeletal medicine. It covers the work of interdisciplinary teams in elite sport, the prevention of injury and illness, the assessment and diagnosis of sports-related problems, and rehabilitation for athletes returning to play, and the University describes it as unique in its focus on professional practice and clinical mentorship in a sports medicine or musculoskeletal setting. It runs for 12 months full-time or two to three years part-time, and is also offered as a Postgraduate Diploma. Term 1 starts research activity and the dissertation alongside injury and illness assessment, Term 2 develops rehabilitation and management skills, and Term 3 brings a period of mentored clinical practice with one of the University's external sporting or musculoskeletal partners and the completed dissertation, with two optional modules chosen along the way.
Course Highlights
- A focus on professional practice and clinical mentorship in a sports medicine or musculoskeletal setting, which the University describes as unique.
- Mentored clinical practice in the final term with one of the University's external sporting and musculoskeletal partners.
- Clinical reasoning in sports medicine, plus communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and practical skills, with adaptability and cross-cultural and commercial awareness.
- Flexible full-time or part-time study, with two optional modules to tailor the degree, from advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy to mixed methods research.
- Birmingham is 9th in the world for Sports-related subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026) and 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, as stated on the course page.
What You'll Study
Teaching mixes lectures, tutorials and seminars with practical skills training and 1:1 supervision, supported by self-directed learning. It is interactive and collaborative, centred on current evidence-based musculoskeletal sports practice, with reflective and problem-solving approaches. Assessment varies by module and includes written and oral case reports, practical assessments and the write-up of a research study. Teaching staff listed on the course page include Karthikeyan Muthumayandi, Programme Director for the MSc Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Term 1
Research activity from the start, to build competence in generating and applying knowledge, alongside compulsory modules including research methods and a first sports medicine module on assessing injury and illness. The dissertation starts this term and runs through to Term 3, and the first optional module is chosen, for example mixed methods research or advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy with a lower-limb focus.
Term 2
Integrating evidence-based practice with clinical skills to develop rehabilitation and management in a second sports medicine module, and a second optional module, for example innovation in professional development, advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy with an upper-limb focus, or work-based continuing professional development.
Term 3
Bringing the course together through a period of mentored clinical practice with one of the University's external sporting and musculoskeletal partners, and completing the research dissertation.
Course modules (2026/27)
The PGDip is awarded for six 20-credit master's-level modules (120 credits); the MSc adds the 60-credit research dissertation, for 180 credits.
- Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice20 credits
- Creating and Applying Evidence20 credits
- Dissertation60 credits
- Sports Medicine Assessment20 credits
- Sports Medicine Rehabilitation20 credits
Choose two modules (40 credits) from the following.
- Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1: Lower Quadrant20 credits
- Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2: Upper Quadrant20 credits
- Innovation in Professional Development20 credits
- Leadership and Management in Global Health20 credits
- Mixed Methods Research Design20 credits
- Work Based Continuing Professional Development20 credits
Entry Requirements
Applications need evidence of appropriate continuing professional development (CPD), two academic or employer references, degree transcripts (certified, and translated into English where needed), a personal statement and evidence of English. Applicants who meet the criteria are invited to an interview, in person or online, about their motivation and eligibility.
Careers
The course builds the knowledge, skills and attributes for careers that use sport, physical activity and rehabilitation to make a difference in diverse and inclusive ways; typical pathways include full-time or part-time work in elite sport. The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Medicine; the register also lists a Postgraduate Diploma and a Postgraduate Certificate in the same subject as Active.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MSc) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
2:1 Honours degree in MBBS or pre-registration Physiotherapy, plus registration as a doctor or practising physiotherapist
Duration
12 months full-time; 2 to 3 years part-time
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Health Sciences
Campus
Dubai
Study Pattern
Full time, Part time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 139,173/yr
AED 139,173 a year full-time or AED 69,587 a year part-time, for September 2026 entry. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation and is charged for each year of study; it can be paid in full or in three instalments a year, and it does not include visa or living costs. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made online through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal, with no application fee; postgraduate applicants upload transcripts for study completed so far, their degree certificate if available, and a CV. Decisions are usually made within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form, and full-time students can apply for a student visa sponsored by the University.