VTCT Level 3 Diploma in sports massage (VRQ) training course- BIDEFORD VENUE

Write your awesome label here.
Course Overview
The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is your entry point into soft tissue therapy and hands-on bodywork. This course teaches you how to assess posture, plan treatments, and apply pre-event massage, post-event massage and maintenance massage using deep tissue massage techniques. You’ll gain the skills to begin working professionally — and set the foundation to progress to Level 4, where you will then be able to work with injuries and clinical rehab cases.

Who is this course for?
✔ PTs, fitness professionals, massage therapists
✔ Anyone starting out in sports massage therapy
✔ Career changers entering the sports/fitness world
✔ Therapists wanting to move beyond Swedish/relaxation massage
✔ Those aiming to progress to clinical-level work via Level 4
✔Those wanting to work with sports clubs as their ‘in-house’ sports therapist

What You Will Learn
📌 Level 3 anatomy & physiology
📌 Client consultation and postural assessment
📌 Pre-event, post-event and maintenance massage
📌 Deep tissue and soft tissue mobilisation
📌 Treatment planning, client care and aftercare

Course Benefits
✨ Become an insurable sports massage therapist
✨ Deliver results-based treatments and charge more
✨ Open opportunities in fitness, therapy clinics, and wellness/spa settings
✨ Learn assessment skills and build client trust
✨ Use as a stepping stone to Level 4 Sports Massage and injury work

HOW THIS COURSE WILL BENEFIT YOU
🚫 Feeling stuck offering only relaxation treatments?
→ Learn deep tissue, postural assessment and performance-based techniques.
🚫 Clients asking for more clinical support?
→ This course builds the foundation and prepares you for progression to Level 4.
🚫 Unsure where to start in the sports therapy industry?
→ This qualification opens the door and sets your future career path.

Why Should You Book This Course?
💖 Start your sports massage journey with a respected, recognised diploma
💖 Begin building a fulfilling, physical career helping others
💖 Gain confidence in your hands-on skills and client consultations
💖 Have the option to progress to Level 4 and specialise in injury and rehab work

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
💬 “Will I learn to treat injuries on this course?”
✅ No - This course prepares you to work with ‘non-injury based’ soft tissue maintenance and event-based massage. For injury treatment and clinical rehab, you’ll need to progress to Level 4 Sports Massage.
💬 “Can I start this course with no experience?”
✅ Yes, it’s ideal for beginners — especially those coming from a fitness or holistic therapy background.
💬 “Is this course recognised for insurance and employment?”
✅ Absolutely — it’s a fully accredited VTCT Level 3 Diploma and is Ofqual regulated.

How This Course Works
📖 Blended learning: Online theory modules + in-person practical sessions with assessments and exams
📚 Tutor support with assignments and assessments
📜 VTCT Level 3 regulated qualification, fully insurable, Ofqual regulated qualification

💡 Start your journey to becoming a qualified sports massage therapist
👉 Enrol now — spaces are limited!

VTCT Level 3 Sports Massage course, regulated sports massage training, beginner sports massage course UK, progression to clinical massage therapy


#VTCTSportsMassage #SportsMassageTherapist #FitnessRecovery #MassageTrainingUK #SoftTissueTherapist #Level3SportsMassage #SportsTherapistProgression

Course Fee:

£1,297

(Pay in full or pay monthly)

Course dates & venues

This course is available at the following venues


Bideford, Devon (7 days):
ALL DATES MUST BE ATTENDED

Sept '25 - Tues 2nd,
Oct '25 - Tues 14th,
Nov '25 - Tues 11th,
Dec '25 - Tues 9th,
Jan '26 - Wed 7th,
Feb '26 - Tues 3rd, Tues 10th

+ monthly live zoom video coursework support lessons (dates tbc)


DATES ARE NON TRANSFERABLE TO ANY OTHER DATE OR VENUE

Course information

Pre-requisite / Entry level:
A massage or fitness qualification is recommended, as well as anatomy & physiology
Course format:
7 day practicals (training/assessment/exams) + online learning modules + case studies
(You must carry out and document evidence of a minimum of 18 treatments - 6 x pre, 6 x post & 6 x maintenance sports massages)
Attendance:
7 days practical
+ monthly video calls for coursework support (dates tbc)
Exam board:
VTCT - Vocational training & charitable trust
(Ofqual / government regulated - www.vtct.org.uk)

Career potential:
Sports Massage therapist - employed or self-employed, working in a salon or spa or as a home / mobile therapist.
Additional costs:
You will need to purchase your own products and equipment in order to carry out your case studies and practice your skills. i.e., Treatment couch / chair, massage medium (ie grapeseed oil/cream/wax)
Qualification gained:
VTCT Level 3 Diploma in sports massage (VRQ)
VTCT code: SP3D6
Qulaification no: 601/4618/7
Course content:
USP41 Anatomy and physiology for sports massage
USP42 Principles of health and fitness
USP43 Understand the principles of soft tissue dysfunction
USP44 Professional practice in sports massage
USP45 Sports massage treatments
Guided learning hours (GLH):
225
(GLH incl’s. practical, coursework/homework, case studies, assessments, research/reading, revision, written exams)

Insurance

Please check your insurance companies requirements before enrolling on this course? (It is the students responsibility to check coverage with their insurers BEFORE enrolling on this course)
We recommend you hold student insurance while studying this course to cover you while practicing &/or when carrying out case studies (where applicable).
  • If you already have therapist insurance - You should be able to add this therapy onto your current insurance
    If you do not have therapist insurance - You can take out student insurance while practicing, and top this up to therapist insurance when qualified. You can take out student insurance for around £25 which will cover you for up to 12 months. For more information and aa list of recommended insurers - CLICK HERE

Course Lessons

#holistictherapiestrainingacademy

Karen Ashton

Your instructor
Karen Ashton, founder of Holistic Therapies Training Academy and also known as 'The Aromatherapy Geek,' combines her business acumen and passion for holistic wellness to create a thriving training academy. With a background in business ownership, office management, and accounting, Karen meticulously crafts courses that meet industry standards for online, accredited, and VTCT programs. Originally established in Swindon, Wiltshire, the academy flourished after Karen moved to Bideford, Devon, in 2011 for a better work-life balance. Today, she mentors aspiring therapists, helping them achieve professional success while balancing their personal lives. Karen is also an author, vlogger, and course writer, currently working on her second publication, and continues to inspire others.
Created with