The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM) is an advanced qualification designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of sports-related injuries and performance optimisation. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates but for practitioners who wish to strengthen their professional knowledge, improve clinical skills, and advance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Sports medicine is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that requires a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, injury mechanisms, rehabilitation strategies, and performance enhancement techniques. This Level 7 postgraduate diploma equips learners with the skills needed to deliver evidence-based care, implement advanced injury prevention programmes, and support athletes across all levels of performance. Learners will also gain exposure to current research, innovative therapies, and multidisciplinary approaches that are essential in modern sports healthcare.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine must ensure that teaching is provided by competent, qualified staff with substantial clinical and academic experience. Learners should also have access to comprehensive learning materials, up-to-date clinical resources, and practical facilities that support high-quality training and successful outcomes.
By completing this programme, learners will not only enhance their clinical competence but also develop leadership skills, research capabilities, and the professional confidence to work in diverse sports medicine settings. This diploma serves as a pathway to senior clinical roles, specialist practice, and further academic or research opportunities, preparing learners to make a meaningful impact in the field of sports medicine.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200989
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200989-1 |
Advanced Principles of Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200989-2 |
Injury Assessment, Diagnosis, and Clinical Evaluation |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200989-3 |
Injury Management and Rehabilitation Strategies |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200989-4 |
Performance Optimisation and Athlete Conditioning |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200989-5 |
Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Innovation |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200989-6 |
Public Health, Injury Prevention, and Global Perspectives |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology
Learners will be able to:
- Critically analyse human anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology relevant to athletic performance.
- Evaluate physiological adaptations to training, exercise, and environmental stressors.
- Apply advanced knowledge of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems to optimise athlete care.
- Integrate theoretical principles into clinical assessment and performance monitoring.
Unit 2: Injury Assessment, Diagnosis, and Clinical Evaluation
Learners will be able to:
- Perform comprehensive assessment and evaluation of sports-related injuries.
- Apply advanced diagnostic techniques, including musculoskeletal testing, imaging, and functional analysis.
- Interpret clinical findings to formulate accurate diagnoses.
- Develop evidence-based decision-making strategies for athlete care and rehabilitation planning.
Unit 3: Injury Management and Rehabilitation Strategies
Learners will be able to:
- Design and implement individualised treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
- Evaluate evidence-based therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation protocols.
- Monitor recovery and modify care plans to optimise functional outcomes.
- Apply multidisciplinary approaches for effective injury management and return-to-play strategies.
Unit 4: Performance Optimisation and Athlete Conditioning
Learners will be able to:
- Develop advanced strength, conditioning, and training programmes tailored to athletes’ needs.
- Critically assess nutrition, recovery, and psychological strategies for performance enhancement.
- Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness using performance metrics.
- Integrate scientific principles into athlete development and injury prevention.
Unit 5: Research Methods, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Innovation
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise scientific literature relevant to sports medicine practice.
- Design and conduct research projects with ethical and methodological rigour.
- Apply evidence-based strategies to inform clinical decision-making and innovation.
- Translate research findings into practical improvements in athlete care and performance optimisation.
Unit 6: Public Health, Injury Prevention, and Global Perspectives
Learners will be able to:
- Evaluate injury prevention strategies and public health initiatives in sport.
- Analyse global trends, policy frameworks, and community health considerations in sports medicine.
- Develop and implement educational programmes to promote athlete health and safety.
- Critically assess the impact of environmental, social, and cultural factors on injury risk and performance.
This postgraduate diploma is ideal for:
- Medical doctors, physiotherapists, and sports medicine practitioners seeking advanced expertise in athlete care and injury management.
- Healthcare professionals involved in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, or rehabilitation practice aiming to specialise in sports medicine.
- Strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, and exercise scientists looking to enhance their knowledge of performance optimisation and injury prevention.
- Researchers and academics interested in sports medicine, clinical exercise science, and evidence-based practice.
- Senior clinicians and specialists aiming to progress into leadership roles or consultancy positions within sports medicine.
- Public health professionals involved in community-based programmes targeting injury prevention and athlete health.
- Learners committed to CPD who wish to expand their clinical, research, and performance enhancement skills within professional sports settings.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (PgDSM) must meet the highest international standards to ensure high-quality training and successful learner outcomes. Essential requirements include:
- Qualified and Experienced Faculty: Trainers, assessors, and academic staff must hold relevant postgraduate qualifications and have substantial clinical experience in sports medicine, rehabilitation, or allied healthcare.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Access to up-to-date textbooks, journals, case studies, e-learning platforms, and digital tools to support advanced theoretical and practical learning.
- Clinical and Practical Facilities: Provision of laboratories, training facilities, and clinical practice environments that allow learners to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world or simulated scenarios.
- Robust Assessment and Quality Assurance: Centres must implement structured assessment processes, internal verification, and quality assurance measures to maintain academic standards.
- Technology and E-Learning Infrastructure: Reliable digital platforms and virtual learning tools to facilitate blended and flexible learning.
- Learner Support Services: Academic guidance, mentoring, and CPD support should be provided to ensure learners achieve their full potential.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards: Centres must adhere to LICQual regulations and deliver programmes in accordance with international Level 7 postgraduate benchmarks.
- Commitment to Innovation and Research: Centres should encourage the integration of research, evidence-based practice, and innovative approaches in sports medicine.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
