Sports Massage: Level 3 Diploma
Course cost: £1,600 for Level 3 Diploma.
Package offer: £3,000 for Level 3 Diploma and Level 4 Certificate
– save £200 when booking both qualifications together.
Become a fully-qualified Sports Massage Therapist with our VTCT Skills-approved Level 3 Diploma, delivered by expert practitioners at the University of Bath.
Learn the essential knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required to assess, treat and support clients safely and effectively.
We offer flexible study options to suit your lifestyle, including weekend, evening, and weekday pathways.
Why choose the Team Bath Level 3 Diploma?
- Nationally recognised VTCT qualification;
- Hands-on teaching from experienced therapists;
- Train in a high-performance sport environment;
- Flexible study around work, family and training;
- Strong progression routes into Level 4/5 and CPD
Course Overview
The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is a technical qualification designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to work as a Sports Massage Therapist, either self-employed or within clubs, clinics, gyms, therapy centres and health settings.
This qualification follows national occupation standards (CNH1, CNH7, CNH20) and has been developed in partnership with leading awarding bodies including VTCT, Active IQ, CIBTAC, ITEC, and the General Council for Massage Therapies.
What you will learn
The course covers all essential elements required to work effectively as a Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Therapist, including:
- Core areas of study;
- Anatomy and Physiology;
- Principles of Health and Fitness;
- Understanding soft-tissue dysfunction;
- Professional practice and conduct;
- Sports Massage techniques and treatment planning.
You will be able to:
- Deliver safe, effective sports massage treatments;
- Work with dysfunctional tissue;
- Support pre-event, post-event and maintenance massage;
- Adapt treatments to a range of client needs;
- Work in private practice, clubs, gyms, or therapy settings.
Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma – 2026-27 course dates
| Delivery Method | Dates |
|---|---|
| Intensive training Full-time, Friday to Friday | Enrolment deadline: Thursday 21st May 2026 (online study and worksheet completion required before practical teaching). Practical teaching week: Friday 12th to Friday 19th June 2026 (9.30am-4.30pm daily). |
| Evening course Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9pm | 13th October to 22nd October 2026 Half-term break 3rd November to 17th December 2026 Christmas break 5th to 21st January 2027 |
| Weekend Course Saturdays and Sundays 9.30am–5pm | Teaching Weekend 1: 12-13 December 2026 Teaching Weekend 2: 9–10 January 2027 Teaching Weekend 3: 6–7 February 2027 Teaching Weekend 4: 27–28 February 2027 Teaching Weekend 5: 20–21 March 2027 |
| Intensive training Full-time, Friday to Friday | Online theory release: 8th January 2027 Practical teaching week: 22nd to 29th January 2027 |
| Weekday Course Thursdays and Fridays | Teaching Days 1: 20-21 May 2027 Teaching Days 2: 10-11 June 2027 Teaching Days 3: 24-25 June 2027 Teaching Days 4: 8-9 July 2027 Teaching Days 5: 22-23 July 2027 |
Qualification Structure
You will complete five mandatory units:
- Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Massage;
- Principles of Health and Fitness;
- Understanding the Principles of Soft Tissue Dysfunction;
- Professional Practice in Sports Massage;
- Sports Massage Treatments.
Assessment follows VTCT and CNHC requirements including practical observations, written coursework, assignments and portfolio evidence.
Course delivery options
All pathways cost £1,600, including registration and assessment fees.
- Weekend course: Ideal for those in full-time work or with busy weekday schedules.
- Evening course: Perfect for learners who prefer regular, smaller study blocks.
- Weekday course: A structured option offering steady progress and strong routine.
All formats include in-person teaching, supervised practical sessions and guided home study.
Where this qualification can lead
Graduates of this Level 3 Diploma can:
- Gain insurance and begin practising immediately;
- Work with sports clubs, gyms, therapy clinics or private clients;
- Progress to higher qualifications including VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy, VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training, and Team Bath CPD courses.
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- An interest in working with people in sport, health or fitness;
- No prior massage or sports therapy experience required.
How to apply
To book your place or request more details:
Early booking is strongly recommended as courses often fill quickly.
