Master Sports Physiotherapy

Advancing to a specialist in sports rehabilitation and performance

The Master Sports Physiotherapy at SOMT University of Physiotherapy is a postgraduate master’s programme for physiotherapists who want to specialise in the care of athletes, from recreational to elite level.

In this programme, you combine clinical expertise, scientific evidence, and sports-specific skills training. You develop in-depth knowledge of anatomy, kinematics, pathology, training science, and physiological recovery processes, and learn how to integrate these into sports rehabilitation and return to performance.

The programme is designed for professionals who want to deepen their clinical reasoning and make well-founded decisions in sports-related cases.

Why choose this master’s programme?

Postgraduate Master’s programme in Sports Physiotherapy (MSc)
Accredited by the NVAO
Programme at EQF level 7
Available as a part-time programme (3 years, compatible with work) or full-time (1.5 years)
Focus on sports rehabilitation, prevention, and return to sport & performance
Integration of movement analysis, training science, and motor learning
Small-scale education with intensive supervision

This master’s programme prepares you for independent and responsible practice in complex sports-related situations. You develop into a sports physiotherapist who makes well-founded decisions and takes on a substantive role within the sports domain.

Combine this master with a second specialisation

Did you know that you can combine this master’s programme with a second master’s at SOMT? Within four years, you obtain two master’s degrees and develop into a clinical expert with both broad and in-depth expertise in treating complex musculoskeletal conditions.

Curious about the possibilities? Discover more about the Double Master’s in Physiotherapy at SOMT.

“You learn to justify and substantiate your own clinical decisions. You train this together with your fellow students in small groups, based on real-life cases and sports-specific scenarios.”

— Huub Habets, alumnus Master Sports Physiotherapy

The Master in Practice

Curious what the Master Sports Physiotherapy looks like in practice? Watch the video in which lecturers and participants share their experiences with the programme.

What will you learn?

Evidence-based clinical reasoning in sports-related injuries and conditions
Sports-specific movement analysis (qualitative and quantitative)
Integration of training principles, strength, flexibility, and coordination in rehabilitation
Designing innovative sports rehabilitation programmes
Evidence-based practice within sports physiotherapy cases
Guiding athletes towards return to sport and return to performance

Education, assessment & practice

The Master Sports Physiotherapy is practice-oriented and designed to deepen your expertise. You learn through recognisable sports-related cases and develop skills that are directly applicable in clinical practice.

Intensive skills training, feedback, and practical learning form the core of the programme. In addition, you develop academic skills, including practice-based research. Assessment and internships focus on professional performance and the justification of clinical decision-making.

Part-time Master’s Programme at a glance

Duration: 3 years (90 ECTS)
Study load: approximately 13–16 hours per week (excluding clinical practice)
Location: Amersfoort
Start date: September
Language: Dutch (literature largely in English)
Contact day: Wednesday
Practice and internships: integrated into the programme and linked to your own work setting
Tuition fees: see the full fee overview for current part-time master’s costs
Funding: Lifelong Learning Credit (via DUO)

Full-time Master’s Programme at a glance

Duration: 1.5 years (90 ECTS)
Study load: approximately 40 hours per week, including three contact days
Location: Amersfoort
Start dates: September and January
Language: Dutch (literature largely in English)
Contact days: three days per week (schedule to be announced)
Practice and internships: integrated into the programme
Tuition fees: see the full fee overview for current full-time master’s costs
Funding: Student finance via DUO

Faculty & Practice

You will be taught by experienced sports physiotherapists, researchers, and external experts from the sports domain, including orthopaedic surgeons, sports physicians, coaches, and specialists in sports performance. They are actively involved in clinical practice and bring current challenges from the field directly into the classroom.

Admission & Enrolment

A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy and BIG registration
Working in clinical practice is recommended

Funding of the Master’s Programme

Lifelong Learning Credit

Would you like to enrol in a programme but are no longer eligible for regular student finance? You may be able to apply for the Lifelong Learning Credit through DUO.

This loan allows you to finance your tuition or course fees, making it possible to continue your professional development, even later in your career.

The amount you can borrow depends on the tuition fees of the programme.

For more information and to apply, visit: duo.nl/levenlanglerenkrediet

Student Finance via DUO

Full-time students may be eligible for student finance through DUO. This may include a basic grant, supplementary grant, student loan, and a public transport (travel) card.

Eligibility depends on your personal situation, such as your age and any previous education.

For more information about the conditions and how to apply, please visit the DUO website.

After the Master’s Programme

After completing the Master Sports Physiotherapy, you are prepared for a specialist role within sports healthcare. You guide athletes in rehabilitation, prevention, and performance, and make well-founded decisions in complex sports-related situations.

Explore or get acquainted

Would you like to find out if this master’s programme fits your professional development? Visit an open day or get in touch.