5 Reasons to Study Sports Injury Rehabilitation at Wrexham University

I’m Jen and I’m a mature student currently studying Sports Injury Rehabilitation at Wrexham University. When I was looking into university courses, I was really torn between Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Rehabilitation. But after going through an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury myself, I realised how much an injury impacts more than just your body – it affects your whole life, your identity, and your confidence, especially when sport plays a big role in who you are.

That experience made me want to support others in the same way. Helping athletes or active people get back to doing what they love – whether that’s returning to their sport or simply feeling strong and pain-free again – is the reason I’m here. I feel like I’m on the right path, and I wanted to share my top five reasons why Sports Injury Rehabilitation at Wrexham might be the perfect choice for you too.

1. Outstanding Teaching from Practising Professionals

One of the biggest strengths of the course is the quality of teaching. We’re primarily taught and supported by two main lecturers who really go above and beyond for us. Both come from professional backgrounds in physiotherapy and sports injury rehabilitation, and they continue to work in practice alongside their teaching. That means everything we learn is backed by real-life insight and experience.

They bring clinical and sporting scenarios into the classroom and help us see how theory translates into practice. Anatomy, for example, is a huge focus – and for good reason. Strong anatomical knowledge is essential for placements and for working effectively with patients or athletes later on. We cover joint structure and function in lectures, but when it comes to learning muscle origins, insertions, and actions, we’re encouraged to take ownership.

What I’ve really appreciated is how we’re supported to discover what learning style works best for us – whether that’s creating flashcards, working through group tasks with friends, or attending revision sessions. It can be as intense as you want it to be, and it’s certainly a challenge – but a really fun and rewarding one. You’re given the freedom to explore your own approach, and that’s been one of the best parts of the course for me. Whether you’re someone who thrives staying up late cramming over movement patterns, or you prefer using apps to memorise bony prominences while the kettle’s boiling – you’ll be supported to find what works for you. 

2. Real-World Experience Through Placements and the On-Site Clinic

From early in the course, we’re immersed in practical learning through placements and the University’s on-site clinic. Placement hours are a core part of the degree and important for BASRaT accreditation. Students have had amazing opportunities with professional football and rugby clubs, private rehabilitation clinics, and community projects.

The on-site ‘Sports Injury Rehabilitation clinic’ is one of the highlights for me. It’s where second- and third-year students carry out full injury assessments, create treatment plans, and provide massage or rehabilitation support to real patients from the local community, including amateur athletes. As first years, we observe sessions, which is a fantastic way to learn without the pressure, and it’s been so exciting to watch real injury cases being assessed and treated. I can’t wait to start taking part next year.

We’ve also had sports teams visit the clinic for group movement screenings to help improve performance and prevent injury – it’s the kind of practical experience that makes everything click.

3. A Practical Course for People Who Love to Get Stuck In 

If you prefer active, practical learning, over sitting in lectures all day, Sports Injury Rehabilitation is a brilliant choice. The course includes modules on neuromuscular assessment, biomechanical analysis and soft tissue treatments– including massage, which is a key skill for working in sport and rehab. Learning how to treat people hands-on and seeing the difference it makes is incredibly rewarding.

By the end of first year, you’ll be confident using these techniques – not just in a classroom setting, but commercially, in placements and the on-site clinic too. Whether it’s working with athletes or helping someone return to daily life without pain, we get to apply what we’ve learned in meaningful ways.

There are also incredible extracurricular opportunities. We get to help with post-event massage at the Chester Zoo 10K and have supported testing days with the Widnes Vikings rugby squad, using state-of-the-art equipment to measure strength and identify asymmetries. We’ve taken part in VO2 max testing, fitness screenings for community groups, and have upcoming opportunities to support the Widnes Vikings women’s team, squash tournaments and summer rugby events. These experiences are amazing for building confidence, refining skills, and seeing what life in the field is really like.

4. A Supportive, Student-Focused Experience

One of the things that stood out to me straight away was how welcoming and supportive the learning environment is. Even though the course is growing in popularity, it still feels personal – like you’re part of a close-knit group rather than just another face in a lecture hall.

Our main lecturers know us as individuals and are genuinely invested in our progress. We’re on first-name terms, and there’s always someone to turn to if we need help, whether that’s academically or just a bit of encouragement. Regular tutorials give us space to talk through how we’re doing and get tailored feedback, and we’re encouraged to ask questions and explore ideas openly.

The University also offers great wider support – from access to useful software and academic resources, to the learning skills team who are on hand to help with revision strategies or assignment planning. It really feels like the whole setup is designed to help you succeed, whatever your background or starting point.

5. Strong Research and Clinical Skills That Prepare You for the Future 

While the course is practical and hands-on, we also develop strong research and analytical skills. Research is what informs best practice, and it’s a huge part of becoming a confident, evidence-based practitioner.

We’ve already explored complex research topics in the first year – including areas often taught later in similar courses – and we’ve used professional tools to carry out analysis and write reports. Even if you’re not naturally drawn to research, the way it’s taught makes it relevant and interesting. You leave with not only clinical and soft tissue skills, but the ability to think critically, stay current with evidence, and understand why certain treatments work better than others in different situations. That knowledge helps you guide patients and athletes to make informed choices about their care and rehabilitation, ultimately making you a more confident and effective practitioner.

And if you’re already thinking about where this could lead in the future, Wrexham University offers a number of postgraduate opportunities, including sports based Master’s degrees, so you can continue building your expertise and specialise even further after completing your undergraduate degree. It’s great knowing there’s a clear progression route if you want to take your studies to the next level.

Final Tip for Anyone Considering the Course

If you’re thinking of enrolling, my biggest tip is to get started on learning your muscle origins, insertions, and actions as early as you can. You’ll absolutely be taught them, but it takes time for that knowledge to sink in – and it makes everything else on the course easier. I used flashcards made from our lecture slides and still rely on them now. That solid understanding of anatomy will support everything you do. From assessments to treatment planning, it will give you a real head start when you step into the classroom in September.

And if you’re a mature student wondering if you’ve left it too late – trust me, you haven’t. I’m turning 40 this year and proudly hold the title of oldest (and hopefully wisest!) in my cohort. I wasn’t sure at first if I was being a bit silly going back to university, but the lecturing staff have been incredibly supportive, and the environment here is so welcoming. Because the course is so community-focused, being slightly older can actually be an advantage – people naturally feel at ease with you, and you often become someone others look to for reassurance.

Coming to Wrexham to study Sports Injury Rehabilitation has changed my outlook completely. It’s given me renewed purpose, reconnected me with my passion, and my whole family has seen the positive changes in me. Age really is no barrier – if this path excites you, go for it. Good luck, and maybe I’ll see you in the clinic next year!

- Written by Jen, BSc (Hons) Sports Injury Rehabilitation student

Has Jen’s blog inspired you to pursue your passion? If so, why not attend one of our upcoming open days to learn more about studying at Wrexham University.