The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
Qualification number: QAN 603/4501/9
The VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is an Ofqual-regulated qualification for anyone wishing to begin a professional career in sports massage. No previous massage qualification or experience is required.
The course combines anatomy and physiology, sports massage theory and supervised hands-on training. Students learn how to consult with clients, recognise contraindications, plan appropriate treatments and perform safe sports massage for active people, gym users and general clients experiencing muscular tension.
Training is delivered through blended learning, with five days of theory tuition and five days of practical sports massage training at London School of Massage near King’s Cross.
After successfully completing the qualification and obtaining suitable professional insurance, graduates can work as Level 3 Sports Massage Therapists or progress to VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage and VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Sports Massage.
London School of Massage has provided professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994 and has trained more than 30,000 students. Training is delivered by experienced lecturers who are qualified Sports Massage Therapists and Osteopaths, combining professional teaching experience with extensive clinical knowledge.
Read more about why students choose London School of Massage and its recognised training approvals.
This course is ideal for those who want to:
No previous massage qualification is required. Students comparing their training options can explore the school’s massage courses for beginners.
Qualified massage therapists may be eligible for the shorter VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Sports Massage Bridging Course.
This course forms part of London School of Massage’s wider range of Sports Massage courses in London, with training routes available at Levels 3, 4 and 5 for beginners and qualified therapists.
This quick guide summarises the main course and qualification details.
| Course name | VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy |
| Qualification level | Level 3 RQF |
| Qualification type | Ofqual-regulated professional qualification |
| Awarding organisation | VTCT Skills under the ITEC brand |
| Qualification number | 603/4501/9 |
| Suitable for | Complete beginners and those starting a career in sports massage |
| Course structure | Five days of theory tuition plus five days of practical training |
| Study format | Blended learning with online theory and face-to-face practical training |
| Training location | London School of Massage, Caledonian Road near King’s Cross |
| Coursework | Assignments, case studies and treatment evidence |
| Assessments | Theory examination, practical examination and coursework |
| Included | E-course materials, templates, tuition and scheduled examination fees |
| Progression | Level 4 Sports Massage, Level 5 Sports Massage and advanced CPD courses |
The course combines:
Exact training dates, learning arrangements and examination information are shown under the Course Dates & Booking tab.
Students can review London School of Massage course venues, directions and travel information and accommodation near the training centre before booking.
The course fee includes:
Students may need to provide towels, suitable practical clothing, case-study volunteers and an appropriate model for the practical examination. Full requirements are explained before the course begins.
The course combines practical sports massage training with the anatomy, physiology and professional skills required to work safely within the scope of a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist.
Students learn:
Students develop a structured sports massage treatment using techniques such as:
Students learn how to adapt the treatment to the client’s activity level, goals, muscular condition and individual requirements.
Students study the structure and function of the body, including:
* Cells and tissues
* Skin
* Skeletal system
* Joints and movement
* Muscular system
* Cardiovascular system
* Respiratory system
* Nervous system
* Endocrine system
* Digestive system
* Lymphatic system
* Urinary system
* Effects of sports massage on the body
This knowledge supports safe consultation, treatment planning and professional decision-making.
Students complete learning and assignments covering:
Students complete 25 recorded sports massage treatments involving five clients who each receive five treatments.
Templates and guidance are provided. Treatments are completed outside the scheduled training days using suitable adult volunteers.
Important: Level 3 Sports Massage covers general sports massage, muscular tension, recovery and maintenance treatments. Assessment and treatment of specific injuries require progression to at least Level 4 Sports Massage.
This sports massage course is designed for complete beginners and does not require previous massage experience.
Applicants must:
Students must be able to follow anatomy teaching, communicate safely with clients and complete written assignments and examinations in English.
Basic computer skills are required for e-course learning, assignments, communication and computer-based assessment.
Sports massage training is physically active and students work on one another under tutor supervision.
Students with an injury, health condition, disability, pregnancy or other circumstance that may affect practical participation should contact London School of Massage before booking. Reasonable adjustments may be considered where appropriate but essential qualification and assessment requirements must still be met.
Students who already hold a suitable Level 3 massage qualification may not need to complete the full beginners course.
Qualified therapists should review the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Sports Massage Bridging Course before enrolling.
Students who have previously completed relevant VTCT/ITEC units may be eligible for recognition of prior learning or mark transfer, subject to current awarding-organisation requirements.
Evidence of previous qualifications must be submitted and approved before the course begins.
Students must complete all treatment evidence, written assignments and final assessments before the qualification can be awarded.
Students complete:
All coursework must be completed by the submission deadline and before the final examinations.
Successful students receive the:
VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
Certificates are issued after all assessments, coursework and quality-assurance requirements have been completed successfully and marked by VTCT (ITEC).
Further information about the school’s awarding and professional organisations is available on the Accreditations and Approvals page.
Once qualified and certificated, graduates can apply for suitable professional indemnity and public liability insurance. Review the school’s therapist insurance information before beginning professional practice.
After qualifying and obtaining appropriate professional insurance, graduates may work as:
Graduates must work within the scope of a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist. More advanced injury assessment, clinical testing and treatment of specific injuries require further training.
The VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage Course develops more advanced assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment skills for common musculoskeletal conditions and sports-related injuries.
The VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Sports Massage Course provides further progression into advanced assessment and treatment approaches for complex musculoskeletal presentations.
After qualifying, therapists can broaden their professional skills through courses such as:
Entry requirements should be checked before booking each advanced or CPD course.
London School of Massage offers:
Students can meet the London School of Massage teaching team or read more about why students choose to train with London School of Massage.
Yes. This course is designed for complete beginners and no previous massage qualification or experience is required. It is suitable for students who want to start a career in sports massage, fitness professionals and those with an interest in health, exercise and the human body.
Successful students receive the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, qualification number 603/4501/9. It is an Ofqual-regulated qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework and provides a recognised route into professional sports massage practice and further training.
Students learn anatomy and physiology, client consultation, postural observation, palpation, treatment planning, contraindications, professional practice and safe sports massage application. Practical training includes pre-event, post-event and maintenance sports massage as well as trigger point, neuromuscular and passive stretching techniques.
The course combines five days of guided theory tuition with five days of face-to-face practical sports massage training. Students also complete home study, written assignments, case studies and treatment evidence outside the scheduled teaching days.
Assessment includes a 50-question anatomy and physiology examination, a practical sports massage examination, written assignments and case-study evidence. Students must complete all coursework, practical requirements and assessments successfully before the qualification can be awarded.
Students complete 25 recorded sports massage treatments involving five different clients, with each client receiving five treatments. Templates and tutor guidance are provided but students must arrange suitable adult volunteers and complete the treatments outside their scheduled training days.
Yes. Once you have completed the qualification and received your certificate, you can apply for professional insurance and work as a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist, subject to insurer requirements and professional scope of practice.
Yes. The VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy is a recognised qualification and can support applications for professional therapist insurance. Students should always check individual insurer requirements before practising professionally.
After completing Level 3, students can progress to VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Sports Massage, Level 5 Sports Massage and CPD courses such as Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Dynamic Assisted Stretching, Cupping Therapy, Spinal Articulation and Mobilisation and Advanced Therapeutic Massage.
London School of Massage has been delivering professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994 and has trained over 30,000 students. This course is taught by experienced lecturers with professional knowledge of massage, sports massage, anatomy, assessment, safe hands-on practice and client care.
Possibly not. Qualified massage therapists who already hold a suitable Level 3 massage qualification should review the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Sports Massage Bridging Course before booking. The bridging course is designed for therapists who have already completed recognised massage training.
Course Dates:
Part 1) 31st August - 4th September (Online Zoom, 9:30am - 5:00pm Approx.)
Part 2) 23rd - 27th September (Kings Cross, 9:30am - 5:00pm Approx.)
Exams: To Be Confirmed
FHT, BCMA, IGCT, IICT Accredited Course
Advanced Sports Massage Assessment and Treatment Qualification
FHT, IGCT, CMA, BCMA & IICT Accredited Course
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