Name: Sports massage course
Price: 1497 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (180 reviews)

ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage

Qualification Number (QN): 603/4501/9

Earn an internationally recognised ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage. This 8 weekend course is ideal for beginners starting a career in professional massage therapy.

Course Overview

The ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage is a widely recognized and respected qualification that stands on its own, while also serving as a solid foundation for advancement to the BTEC Level 5 Diploma. It is equivalent to NVQ Level 3, Advanced GNVQ, BTEC National, and AS/A Level qualifications. The course includes essential study areas such as Anatomy & Physiology, sports massage hand skills and the assessment injuries and postural issues

At the School of Natural Therapies, our ITEC Diploma in Sports Massage offers an engaging, dynamic, and thoroughly enjoyable learning experience, leading to an internationally recognised certification.

This course serves as a crucial stepping stone for those looking to enter the rapidly expanding field of remedial massage and soft tissue therapy.

Upon successful completion, students can choose to advance their expertise by enroling in our BTEC Level 5 Diploma program, further enhancing their skills and career opportunities.

Offering the course in a two-tier system provides several benefits:

Beginners with no prior massage experience can join the course and work towards a Level 5 qualification
Students can start building a sports massage practice or seek employment in the sports and leisure industry after completing Level 3
While gaining work experience and building a client base, learners can continue to develop their skills and upgrade to a Level 5 qualification
Students can take a break after Level 3 and return later to complete the Level 5 qualification through the BTEC bridging programme, if desired

Attendance Type

In-person

Qualification

Level 3 Diploma

Location

London

Duration

8 weekend course

Accredited by

Course Fees

Deposit

£295

Cost

£1497

Exam Fee

£142

The course fees include the following:

In class guided learning with on-going Tutor support
Direction and support for home study
Songbird professional massage wax
Comprehensive SNT Level 3 course manual
A copy of Chris Jarmey’s ‘Anatomy of the Human Body’
Course folder, note pad and pen
ITEC final certificate
Advice, guidance and discount with choosing and purchasing a quality massage couch and equipment.
A friendly and relaxed learning environment

Spread The Cost

This course is eligible for payment in three monthly installments, with a 20% deposit required upon enrolment, followed by three additional payments. Payments can be made via Bank Transfer or Direct Credit in Branch. View full terms and conditions.

Entry Requirements

This course is open to beginners with no prior massage experience as well as therapists from other disciplines who wish to expand their skills in sports massage. While we recommend students be at least 21 years old, younger applicants are welcome to contact us. Acceptance for those under 21 is subject to a telephone interview.

The course is perfect for anyone passionate about learning the techniques of sports and remedial massage and who is physically capable of performing the practical, hands-on work involved.

If you have any medical conditions or limitations that could affect your ability to participate, please inform us at the time of booking or inquiry.

Although a background in sports, exercise, or dance can be beneficial, it is not a requirement. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are all you need to succeed!

Course Structure

This course consists of five units and requires study and practice time in addition to the classroom time.

We recommend allocating time regularly throughout the course for assignment work, making the journey far more enjoyable and manageable.

You will also need to set time aside for case study work/home treatments as the course progresses – friends, family, and colleagues are often more than happy to enjoy a free massage!

This course comprises of the following units:

Students will learn how to understand the structural organisation of the human body, in relation to sports massage application;

These areas include:

Human cells and tissues
The structure and function of the skin
The structure and function of the skeletal system, including joints and categories of joints, ligaments and tendons
The structure and function of the muscular system and the location and function of relevant muscles in the body
The structure and function of the nervous system
The structure and function of the endocrine system
The structure and function of the cardio-vascular system
The structure and function of the lymphatic system
The structure and function of the respiratory system
The structure and function of the digestive system
The structure and function of the urinary system

Students will be able to understand the following:

The benefits of an active healthy lifestyle
The effects of exercise on the body
The components of fitness
The principles of training
Nutrition – the role of micro/macro nutrients, hydration and healthy eating and how this relates to growth, repair and injury

To include:

Sports massage legislation
Scope of practice in the sports massage industry, including awareness and understanding of cautions, contraindications and interface with other professionals and therapists
Professional standards and regulations, pertinent to the industry
Legal obligations, legislation and client record keeping

*Soft tissue is an anatomical term to categorise the tissues that connect, support, or surround other structures and organs of the body, other than bone. This includes tendons, ligaments, muscle and fascia, amongst other tissue and is relevant therefore to the sports massage industry.

Learners will therefore understand:

Soft tissue Injuries
Soft tissue Dysfunction
Common causes, types and severity of injuries/dysfunction
The Mechanism of Tissue Repair
The Development of Scar Tissue
The Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation
When treatment is and isn’t appropriate

Learners will gain the knowledge, theory and skills to understand and apply:

The history, origins and development of sports massage
Sports massage techniques* and tools and apply them as sports massage treatments
Equipment and its adaptation/modification in relation to different environments and events
Identifying contra-indications and contra-actions before, during and after massage treatment
Assessing and screening clients for sports massage treatments
Consultation and client assessment recording methods
Devising a suitable massage strategy for each client and their specific needs/requirements and carrying out an effective and safe treatment
Develop and ensure good posture whilst working and making effective use of massage equipment, including massage couch, oils and massage mediums
Working to good professional standards of practice, ensuring that hygiene and sterilisation is observed at all times
Monitoring client communication and feedback
Evaluating the outcomes and effectiveness of the massage strategy and treatment in every case
Post massage analysis and aftercare advice and guidance

Techniques will include:

Effleurage
Petrissage
Friction
Tapotement
Vibration
Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT)
Pre/Post/Inter-Event Massage
Other specific sports massage techniques

Assessment

The massage skills and practical element of this course is assessed by a visiting ITEC examiner.

This is a 1-hour examination.

Students will need to bring a volunteer for the assessment.

Unit iUSP160

The Anatomy, and Physiology theory exam is a 50 question multiple choice paper.

This is a 55 minute examination.

Questions are externally set by ITEC.

Units iUSP174, iUSP150 and iUSP181

These units will be a combination of classroom lectures and home assignment work.

You will be required to complete three home assignments.

Full guidance will be provided by the tutors throughout the course.

Course Dates

September 2026 Intake

Date & Time	Location
Saturday 12 September 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 13 September 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Saturday 19 September 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 20 September 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Saturday 10 October 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 11 October 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Saturday 17 October 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 18 October 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Saturday 07 November 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 08 November 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Saturday 14 November 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 15 November 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Saturday 28 November 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 29 November 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Saturday 05 December 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Sunday 06 December 2026 09:30 AM – 17:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL
Exam Day: Friday 11 December 2026 09:00 AM – 15:00 PM	Unit 54, Battersea Business Centre, 99–109 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 5QL

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Lesson 1

Saturday 12 September 2026
09:30 AM – 17:00 PM