Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
1 - Are the SPS courses recognised?
2 - What level are your courses?
3 - I have seen Level 5 & 6 courses in remedial massage and/or sports therapy. Are they higher qualifications than yours?
4 - What qualification will I get at the end of each course?
5 - Will I be able to set up in practice on my own?
6 - What's the difference between your UCAPD course and other massage courses?
7 - When and where are the courses?
8 - How much do they cost?
9 - Can I pay in installments?
10 - What qualifications/experience do I need to come on SPS courses?
11 - Can I complete the course any more quickly?
1 - Are the SPS courses recognised?
Yes. All SPS courses are recognised and validated by either Teesside University or Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations Ltd (OCR). This is important when searching for a course, as some employers may not accept courses awarded in another way.
They are also recognised by the professional body and the sports and fitness industry.
2 - What level are your courses?
SPS University Certificate of Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) - Higher Education Framework - Level 4 (600 hours)
The SPS UCAPD course is the first stand-alone course in the UK to be validated by a university and included in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).
SPS Diploma OCR - Customer specific scheme - Level 4 (600 hours)
SPS Certificate in Higher Education - Higher Education Framework - Level 4 (1200 hours)
The Certificate in Higher Education is the next step in the SPS educational pathway.
The Cert HE course consists of one 60 credit module that is awarded by Teesside University (University code PHY1014-N)
The course is delivered in a number of venues around the country and normally runs alongside the academic year. The mode of delivery is 7 weekends spread over approximately a 9 month period. Successful completion of the module results in the award Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Massage in a Sports Environment.
The programme builds on the SPS Diploma in Sports Massage and the University Certificate of Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD). Either the SPS Diploma or the UCAPD is a prerequisite to atending this module. The module explores more advanced soft tissue techniques including Specific Stretch/STR, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Techniques and in addition includes experience of a professional working environment during a practice placement. This programme of education has been mapped to National Occupational Standards (NOS)
For further information on our courses, please click here.
3 - I have seen Level 5 & 6 courses in remedial massage and/or sports therapy. Are they higher qualifications than yours?
No. These courses are not included in either of the regulated frameworks and could represent as little as 370 hours.
Please note, the courses you have seen are probably outside of the regulated frameworks and will not have been subject to quality assurance or Sector Skills Councils evaluation.
You should check with the provider of these courses, as they may not enable you to progress/enhance your education.
For further information, you should check the National Database of Accredited Qualifications.
4 - What qualification will I get at the end of each course?
On successfully completing the course with SPS at Cardiff, Burgess Hill, Nottingham or Gloucester you will be eligible for the award University Certificate of Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) - Massage in a Sports Environment.
If you complete the course with our franchisee, UWIC, you will be eligible for the SPS Diploma in Sports Massage awarded by OCR.
If you complete the Cert HE course with SPS in Cardiff, you will be eligible for the award Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) - Massage in a Sports Environment. The Cert HE represents 1200 hours of education and is currently the highest credit level of sports massage education available in the UK.
5 - Will I be able to set up in practice on my own?
Yes. All SPS courses permit autonomous practice.
6 - What's the difference between your University Certificate of Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) course and other massage courses?
The essential difference is that the UCAPD course is placed in the Framework of Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). The UCAPD is a university qualification and has been validated by healthcare professionals from the School of Health and Social Care at Teesside University. Students who successfully complete this, will be able to progress along the SPS educational pathway in order to advance their qualifications. In addition, SPS students are able to access various elements of E-learning via the University web-site.
7 - When and where are the courses?
The University Certificate of Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) and Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE) courses are available at venues in Cardiff, East Sussex (Burgess Hill), Nottingham and Gloucester.
The Diploma course is available through our franchisee - Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC). These courses are based at the National Indoor Athletics Centre in Cardiff. Courses run throughout the year but most are tailored to coincide with the academic year.
For specific information about these courses as well as dates and application forms etc, see the courses page and click on the course you are interested in.
8 - How much do they cost?
Course are typically between £1500 - £3200 incl VAT.
9 - Can I pay in installments?
The UCAPD and Cert HE courses can be paid for in installments - see the courses page for further information. There is also the provision to pay for our other courses in installments too. Please contact the office directly should you wish to discuss this further.
10 - What qualifications/experience do I need to come on SPS courses?
No previous massage experience is required.
The minimum educational entry requirements are:
Age: Aged 18 years or over at course commencement
Qualifications: 5 GCSE's to include English, Maths and Science
Mature students: Mature applicants (<21 years of age) who are not in possession of formal qualifications may have relevant work experience or work related experience which may be considered as a basis for entry onto the programme. For example:
a) Evidence of recent study or employment
b) Evidence of a commitment to study in this area
c) Evidence of practical/academic potential
English language: All courses are delivered and assessed in English. You must have sufficient command of the English language to complete your studies satisfactorily. The minimum entry level is as follows:
IELTS 6.0-7.0
TOEFL 550-600 paper based test
TOEFL 213-250 computer based test
TOEFL 79-100 internet based
IT skills: All students must have computer access and be able to word process and send/receive emails.
11 - Can I complete the course any more quickly?
No, it is part of the university validation that the course is completed over a period of 6 months.
