Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How work-based placements are empowering Sports Therapy and Sport and Exercise Medicine students
Discover more about how Leeds Beckett students from BSc and MSc Sports and Exercise Therapy and MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine are making a real world impact, thanks to the learning experiences they've had as part of their course.
At Leeds Beckett University, our BSc and MSc Sports and Exercise Therapy programmes are designed not only to educate but to empower. Through a combination of external placements and hands-on experience in our internal Sports Therapy Clinic, students are gaining the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in the sports health industry. Whilst not required to undertake placements, MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine students often seek to deepen their understanding of and gain further real-world experience in sports injuries and their management.
Real-World Learning, Real-World Impact
Work-based placements allow students to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings - bridging the gap between theory and practice. Whether supporting injury rehabilitation in elite sports environments or contributing to performance enhancement strategies in community clinics, students consistently report that these experiences sharpen their clinical reasoning and interpersonal skills.
Success Stories: Where Placements Lead
The outcomes speak for themselves. Several students have transitioned directly into exciting roles thanks to their placement experiences:
- Divya Varma (MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine) and Eleana Booth (BSc Sports and Exercise Therapy and MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine) are now employed as therapists for the i2i Soccer Academy supporting young athletes from around the world. For Eleana this follows a successful period with the LBU American Football team and for Divvya an internship with the soccer academy during the course of her Masters studies.
- Shrutika Amrutkar, after completing her MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine at Leeds Beckett and then working in sports physio roles for a year has now taken on the role of Matchday Therapist for the Leeds Beckett University BUCS fixtures.
- Angelina Harkus is pursuing an MRes degree while serving as the sports therapist for Leeds Beckett University's American Football team, balancing research with hands-on clinical practice.
Angelina Harkus
- Sophie Smith, after excelling during her placement, successfully applied for and secured the role of pitch-side therapist for the Men's Super BUCS Rugby Union team - a testament to her professionalism and clinical skill.
Sophie Smith
Internal Sports Therapy Clinic: A Launchpad for Confidence
Our internal clinic continues to be a vital part of student development. Under expert supervision, students manage real cases, develop treatment plans, and reflect on their practice in a supportive environment. This experience builds the confidence needed to excel in external placements and beyond. Discover more about our Sports Therapy Clinic and the positive impact it has on students by watching the video below:
Sports and Exercise Therapy Clinic at Leeds Beckett University Students explain what the Sports and Exercise Therapy Clinic is all about and how they benefit from using it as part of their courses.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to strengthen our placement partnerships and enhance the internal clinic experience, we remain committed to preparing our students for impactful careers in sports therapy and sports medicine. Thank you to all our placement providers, these success stories are just the beginning!
What will your story be?
Studying with us is a great choice, check out some of our courses to see for yourself.
Ed Pratt
Ed is a senior lecturer in Sports and Exercise Therapy in the department of Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Sciences within the School of Health. He is also the Clinic Manager for the LBU Sports Therapy Clinic.
