We provide innovative educational models that produce effective results and guarantee quality for students, professionals, and people who have decided to develop their education. We achieve these goals by fostering a learning environment in which recipients become protagonists in the learning experience.
We offer a robust pathway that transfers knowledge, strengthens understanding, and transforms these into practical skills, allowing individuals to achieve concrete results in the professional world.

Our vision is to increase academic and real-world synergies, building upon resources derived from decades of experience, results in the field, and academic partnerships and accreditations such as that with a renowned British institution, Swansea University.

ACS addresses its educational offer at national and international levels by developing academic partnerships able to provide a wide variety of opportunities for the enrichment of its students.

Our lecturers and mentors, involved in diverse projects and educational activities, have acquired esteemed professional reputations, and make their expertise available to students. In each academic path, professionals of recognised expertise and ability take part as lecturers through a blended education model (residential in-house and e-learning). We provide education that is intended to be pragmatic and grounded, while also aware of the importance of innovation.

ACS undertakes its work by placing its students, collaborators, and staff at the centre of the training process, offering them new opportunities and investing in their growth, training, and development. Particular attention is given to guaranteeing inclusiveness and equality of treatment for both students and staff.

Accordingly, ACS draws upon qualified staff that will rigorously comply with the administrative activities necessary to offer a wide range of services to students. All staff are highly responsive and able to operate in a range of different kinds of learning environments

Graduates of the programme have a number of options beyond physiotherapy available to them. These include roles such as that of orthopaedic surgeon, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, or sport medicine physician, amongst other related occupations.

• Undertake a comprehensive, innovative, and autonomous approach to the rehabilitation of an injured athlete;
• Critically evaluate the improvement of an athlete based upon their performance environment;
• Develop a theoretically informed, analytical and problem-solving based approach to physiotherapy practice;
• Critically assess the most appropriate treatment(s) for sport patients, together with the athlete and his or her multidisciplinary team, alongside an ability to tailor treatment to the athlete’s needs;
• Manage a rehabilitation process following either simple or complex traumas to a professionally recognised level.

• Intervene with a comprehensive package of support for the care and management of athletes, while working within a team of professionals;
• Work effectively and professionally within a team in order to identify specific athlete action plans;
• Communicate effectively with both specialist and non-specialist audiences in the contexts of diagnoses and treatments;
• Interact with patients using appropriate language and concepts that allow for mutual understanding and clarity;
• Operate safely and autonomously, ensuring the safeguarding of athletes in professionals’ care.

In terms of the practical subjects offered in this programme, the assessment strategies are different:

• oral examination
• practical assessment (during which an instructor and moderator evaluate the techniques taught in the course)

During online examinations, software will be used that requires the student’s webcam and microphone to be turned on. This software must be kept on throughout the examination. The student must identify themselves by showing proof of identity at the start of the exam, alongside showing the room and surrounding space via a webcam on their device.  The exam will consist of closed-ended and open-ended questions, and there will be a time limit for each question. The questions will be proposed to each student in a randomised order, as determined by the software. The software also includes a locked browser, which does not allow the student to leave the exam page. If students circumvent these parameters, the exam will be stopped immediately. A tutor will monitor the examination live and everything will be recorded so that the material can be viewed after the exam is completed.

In the event of non-completion or failure, the student will be given an opportunity to revisit the assessment with the relevant tutor, in order to understand any errors made. All students will be given the opportunity to re-sit assessments at an agreed date. The minimum time before all retaken assessments is one month from the date on which notice of failure or non-completion was received. Students will be given two assessment dates: an official date and a re-sit date. Should the student fail the assessment a second time, they will be required to pay a fee of €150.00.  The same procedure will be carried out in the event that the student either fails or does not complete the assessment following a placement.

The final mark will be obtained by calculating the weighted average of all the modules completed in this Level 7 programme. The grade for each module is awarded in reflection of the student’s knowledge, skills and competences, which are based upon the learning outcomes proposed for each module.

The pass mark is 60% or above.

1^st Year:

• 1^st Semester:

– Functional Anatomy and Movement Analysis

– Exercise Physiology

– Diagnostic Imaging and Body Composition

– Evidence-Based Sports Physiotherapy

• 2^nd Semester:

– Sports Physiotherapy 1

– Sports Setting and Environment

– Management and Care of Sports Disorders and Injuries 1

Internships will be carried out by students throughout the year, in parallel with academic instruction

2^nd Year:

• 1^st Semester:

– Sports Movement Analysis

– Sports Performance Physiotherapy

– Sports Physiotherapy 2

· 2^nd Semester:

– Management and Care of Sports Disorders and Injuries 2

– Athlete Management

– Dissertation Preparation

Internships are carried out by students throughout the year, in parallel with academic instruction.

• Dissertation: At the end of the final semester of the second academic year, the student focuses on writing the thesis, which continues over the summer and is submitted in September.

Practical skills workshops are held every 3 weeks and are open to all students. These are offered in person at Asomi College, but can also be attended online. These skills workshops are intended to facilitate hands-on student learning; to answer questions arising from internships and the course as a whole; and to assist with academic aspects of this course, ranging from resources and scholarly style to presentational and exam preparation

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

· Recognise the neuromuscular co-ordination systems involved in the execution of movement patterns;

· Practically employ software for movement analysis;

· Successfully assess the most suitable motion analysis system for the outcome to be evaluated;

· Design a program of independent motion analysis for patients.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

· Practical knowledge of functional anatomy and biomechanics, as related to the execution of movement patterns;

· Understanding of neuromuscular coordination systems involved in the execution of movement patterns;

· Familiarity with the main devices and software for movement analysis, as well as an appreciation of their use;

· Ability to assess the main dysfunctions in movement execution.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

· Ability to plan a program of motion analysis for sports physiotherapy patients;

· Confident recognition of dysfunctions in the execution of movement.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

· Correctly plan the timing of rehabilitation exercise;

· Diagnose signs of overtraining syndromes and dysfunctions caused by incorrect training;

· Effectively collaborate as part of a team in preparing for a return to exercise programme.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to describe the following in detail:

· The body’s physiological adaptations to training;

· The mechanisms of forced compensation in training;

· Overtraining dysfunctions and their causes;

· The physiological bases necessary for preparing a return to training programme.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

· Ability to work with professionals in a team on a training programme;

· Ability to collaborate effectively with fellow professionals on the preparation of a return to training programme.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Effectively evaluate an X-ray, a CT scan and an MRI;
• Assess the different functions of an ultrasound scan and any diagnostic problems arising;
• Successfully evaluate an ultrasound exam;
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of diagnostic anatomy.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Describe differing methods of clinical diagnostic examination;
• Correctly propose to a team of colleagues the most appropriate diagnostic method;
• Successfully analyse an ultrasound examination;
• Understanding of the phases of bone consolidation as a function of load;
• Effective use of functional ultrasound for the correct execution of therapeutic exercise in the evaluation of treatment effects;
• Practical knowledge of the imaging elements that contraindicate the manipulation and other common rehabilitation techniques.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Demonstrate competence in reading and understanding an imaging examination;
• Construct a rigorous treatment programme on the basis of an imaging diagnostic;
• Effectively plan the use of ultrasound following diagnostic imaging analysis.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

• Use the main databases in Sports Physiotherapy;
• Effectively carry out bibliographical research;
• Demonstrate ability to carry out scientific literature analyses;
• Successfully identify the most effective and safe treatments in Sports Physiotherapy.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Differing research methodologies relating to the main databases in Sports Physiotherapy;
• Understanding of the processes required for bibliographic research;
• Appreciation of differing methods for analysing scientific literature;
• Ability to recognise differing processes of scientific research in sport and rehabilitation.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Analyse and critically discuss results relating to bibliographic research;
• Demonstrate effective critical appraisal skills in scientific literature relating to Sports Physiology;
• Compose scientifically robust texts and draw scientific posters in the field of Sports Physiotherapy.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Articulate how to diagnose the main sports-related injuries;
• Successfully take part in a functional assessment of an injured patient;
• Collaborate with a team in the preparation of an effective rehabilitation programme;
• Prepare and administer a customised therapeutic exercise programme.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of the main sport-related injuries;
• Experience of specific and general functional capacity tests;
• Interactive skills for effective teamwork;
• Insight into the biomechanical and functional basis of therapeutic exercise.

At the end of the module, students will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to plan for administering the main functional tests in Sports Physiotherapy;
• Effective teamwork with other professionals, including recognition of differing skill sets;
• Prepare a successful physiotherapy programme;
• Successfully prepare a therapeutic exercise programme.

The examination is submitted through VLE and the pass mark is 60%.

The oral examination will be by VLE and students will be required to keep the webcam and microphone switched on. The pass mark is 60%.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Knowledgeably select the most appropriate spaces for rehabilitation treatment;
• Effectively advise on the most suitable settings for rehabilitation practice;
• Choose the most appropriate clothing and footwear for differing sports practices;
• Take part in the choice of tutors/helpers needed for successful sports practice.

At the end of the module, the learner will have successfully gained the following knowledge:

• Robust understanding of the dimensions and characteristics of the spaces required for sports rehabilitation;
• Ability to evaluate between different types of rehabilitation settings;
• Ability to assess the varying characteristics of sports footwear and clothing;
• Understanding of the biomechanical and functional characteristics of the main braces and orthoses in Sports Physiotherapy.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Successfully participating in the planning of a rehabilitation setting;
• Optimising the use of existing rehabilitation spaces;
• Effectively collaborate with professionals in a team setting, including choosing the most appropriate form of an athlete’s clothing;
• Productively working with team professionals in the choice of braces and/or orthoses.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Recognise the main pathologies of sports disorders, with knowledgeable indications for instrumental physical therapy;
• Correctly perform an assessment of a patient;
• Effectively collaborate in a small team setting in the preparation of a rehabilitation programme, which includes the selection of appropriate instrumental therapies;
• Prepare a successful rehabilitation programme, integrating the various therapeutic modalities.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of the main sport-related disorders and injuries;
• Ability to recognise indications and contraindications in relation to specific pathologies and the wider clinical situation of an athlete;
• Knowledge of how to build successful collaboration via teamwork;
• Discerning the varying characteristics of the main electro-medical equipment and its effects on body tissues.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to plan administration of the main physical instrumental therapies, and to plan a shared rehabilitation pathway;
• Ability to effectively work with professionals in a team setting, including respecting their different competencies;
• Successful preparation of a physiotherapy programme that would include the incorporation of appropriate physical therapy;
• Facility to identify the appropriate management and assessment of trigger points, and the most suitable therapies in response.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Collaborate with other professionals and colleagues in the practice of sports physiotherapy;
• Successfully carry out tasks as directed by a Clinical Educator;
• Plan an effective treatment strategy;
• Analyse the response of patients to sports physiotherapy treatment.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Effective management of treatment in sport;
• Understanding and presentation of treatment options to improve patients’ physical performance;
• Ability to evaluate possible treatment options in order to maximise physical and functional recovery.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Strong communication skills with patients;
• Ability to apply clinical knowledge to sports physiological practice;
• Productively interact with other treatment professionals in the evaluation and planning of effective treatment.

In particular, online lectures are provided through VLEs and the student is able to actively participate in the lectures. The student will have the opportunity to carry out the internship activity in one of the locations in agreement with the institution.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Recognise the neuromuscular coordination systems involved in the execution of specific sporting movements;
• Correctly select the most suitable movement analysis system after evaluating different models;
• Successfully design a movement analysis plan;
• Effectively employ movement analysis software.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of the basics of functional anatomy and biomechanics, especially as related to the execution of movement patterns;
• Appreciation of the varying neuromuscular coordination systems involved in the execution of movement patterns;
• Recognition of the main devices and software used in movement analysis, and knowledge of their use;
• Ability to assess the main dysfunctions in movement execution.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to successfully plan movement analysis on a sports physiotherapy patient;
• Effective recognition of diverse dysfunctions in the execution of the sporting gesture.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Understand and apply training programming;
• Collaborate in small teams in the proscription programming training loads aimed at return to physical exercise, as well as the prevention of injuries and/or overuse trauma;
• Successful preparation of a rehabilitation programme by using the methodology of load periodisation.

At the end of the module, the learner be able to demonstrate:

• Understanding of the practicalities of training programming;
• Ability to identify various machines, equipment and applications used in athletic training;
• Ability to evaluate different tests and tools used to measure conditional capacities related to sports performance.

At the end of the module, students will have acquired the following skills:

• Participate in the planning of training loads aimed at return to physical exercise, as well as prevention of injuries and/or overuse trauma;
• Effectively collaborate in the administration of a patient’s return to physical training;
• Successful participation in the administration of sports performance training, by contributing the necessary skills and advice to prevent and/or reduce the risk of injuries.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

• Individualise an exercise programme to suit an athlete in the rehabilitation phase;
• Employ the most appropriate technology and tools in the administration of therapeutic exercise;
• Prepare a sport-specific therapeutic exercise programme, in both primary and secondary prevention;
• Collaborate in a small team in the development of a successful rehabilitation programme.

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to demonstrate:

• Recognition of the specific machines, applications and equipment that can be used to administer therapeutic exercise;
• Understanding the methodology used for tailoring rehabilitation exercise;
• Evaluation of the technology and tools most useful for administering therapeutic exercise;
• Application of the methodology for administering exercises for the prevention of overuse pathologies.

At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Competence in the use of tools necessary for administering therapeutic exercise;
• Use and integrate, in a tailored rehabilitation programme, the technology and tools most useful for successfully administering therapeutic exercise;
• Individualising sport-specific therapeutic exercise;
• Ability to prepare an individualised sport-specific therapeutic exercise programme;
• Effective work with professionals in a small team, including respecting diverse competencies, for return to physical exercise.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the ability and autonomy to:

• Recognise a pathophisiology of injuries, trauma and overuse and their management;
• Describe the neurophysiological factors pertaining to tissue;
• Develop a critical approach to different injuries.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to demonstrate:

• Evidence of assessing various traumas and injuries of an athlete;
• Understanding of different modes of therapy;
• Ability to distinguish an integrated approach to physical therapy;
• Ability to offer evidence-based interventions to disorders.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to distinguish multidisciplinary sports trauma and injuries;
• Expertise in the applications of physical therapy;
• Ability to recognise the effects of treatment on tissue.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

• Collaborate with the team in planning for the management of an athlete;
• Advise on rehabilitation and return-to-play phases;
• Collaborate with other professionals concerned with the athlete’s psychophysical wellbeing;
• Evaluate any changes to be made to the tools/equipment used by the athletes.

At the end of the module the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Skills commensurate with their role in the team;
• Ability to articulate the processes required in order to manage the athlete;
• Understanding of the biomechanical and functional characteristics of the tools/equipment used by specific athletes.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to collaborate with other professionals concerned with the athlete’s psychophysical wellbeing;
• Ability to advise upon changes to the tools/equipment used by the athletes in order to improve performance and/or prevent injuries.

Athlete Management (100%). The assessment is submitted through VLE and the pass mark is 60%.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and ability to:

• Be responsible for a full treatment;
• Promote patient retention;
• Assess the working environment of the athlete;
• Elaborate a treatment based on recovery time and the patient’s anatomical functionality.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Describe how treatment in sport should be managed;
• Outline treatment options to improve physical performance;
• Evaluate possible treatment options to speed up physical and functional recovery.

At the end of the module the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Demonstrate good communication skills with the patient;
• Apply clinical knowledge to practice;
• Interact with other treatment professionals in evaluation and treatment planning.

In particular, online lectures will be provided through VLEs, and the student will be able to actively participate in the lectures.

The student will have the opportunity to carry out the internship activity in one of the locations in agreement with the institution.

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and ability to:

• Identify a main area of interest;
• Choose a specific subject in relation to the programme on study;
• Analise the best evidence available;
• Reflect on the learning experience.

At the end of the module the learner will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Ability to identify and pursue a specific research question
• Evidence of successfully navigating research databases and evaluating available evidence
• Ability to appraise different types of evidence
• Understanding and inclusion of available literature on the subject
• Ability to compose in a recognised academic style
• Ability to properly identify all sources used

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Communication skills
• Writing and presenting skills.

Students will be able to refer both to teachers and assistants and to a dedicated tutor for support throughout their module.

The word count of the dissertation should be approximately 20,000 words. The student writing the dissertation must follow the guidelines provided during the lectures.

Alternatives to the traditionally structured dissertation may be discussed with the course tutor. These options, which must be explicitly agreed beforehand, can include as a portion of the credits of the dissertation ranging from 10-100%, a (Systematic) Review of Literature; a Meta-Analysis Quantitative Research project; or other 10-credit alternative to the dissertation. Likewise, students receiving a Distinction or Top Distinction and wishing to publish papers academically are encouraged to communicate with the module tutor about publication options and potential subvention.