Claire Farquharson, Danielle Parker, Sarah Sandford (and Sports Therapy Programme Team), Hartpury University
The Sports Therapy programme, integrates sport and exercise science and musculoskeletal therapy, creating a unique challenge in integrating the underpinning theory with the vocational competencies set by the Professional Awarding Body, the Society of Sports Therapists (SST).
The Sports Therapy Employability Framework creates close collaboration with key industry partners including the unique relationship with the medical department supporting elite academy athletes on campus. Fostering a shared vision of students’ learning experiences from the outset, it has created a reciprocal relationship between academia and the professional world, offering invaluable career development.
These industry partners are integral in shaping the curriculum, offering final year placements aligned to the SST criteria for skill and competency development. Many of our providers work as sole-practitioners, or within a specific sport leading to limited networking opportunities. The Sports Therapy, Rehabilitation and Medicine Community of Practice networking group hosts biannual events with guest speakers. These events empower early career academics, post doctorate students to share research. Whilst engaging accredited placement providers, academic staff, alumni and students through case studies and poster sessions.
This poster showcases the tangible impact of uniting community engagement in Sports Therapy education and professional practice, highlighting the benefits of industry-academic collaboration in enhancing both student employability and the broader field of sports therapy.
Conference theme: Community Engagement