Yes — the Level 5 Diploma is an advanced qualification designed for therapists who already hold a Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy or equivilent. You'll need to evidence your Level 4 qualification at the point of enrolment. If you're currently completing your Level 4, speak to our team and we can help you plan your Level 5 progression in advance.

The Level 5 Diploma introduces the most advanced techniques and clinical skills available on this pathway, including: Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, electrotherapy applications, sports taping and strapping, rehabilitation planning for complex presentations, and advanced clinical reasoning for multi-stage case management. It is designed to take an experienced therapist to specialist clinical level.

The Level 5 Diploma in Massage Therapy for Sport runs over six months, delivered across 10 face-to-face sessions in Glasgow. The course is structured to fit alongside your active practice — so you continue working with clients throughout, applying your developing skills in real time.

Yes. The Level 5 Diploma in Massage Therapy for Sport is the highest qualification on the MFE Sports Massage pathway and represents the peak of sports massage therapy practice within the qualification framework. On completion, you hold the full credentials of an advanced clinical practitioner. But you're learning doesn't need to stop there as there are countless opportunities to continue your professional development such as adding Manual Therapy or Dry Needling to your skill set (See Sports Therapy Scotland for details around these courses)

The Level 5 is currently delivered exclusively in Glasgow, in partnership with Sports Therapy Scotland. This ensures the highest clinical standards and consistency of delivery. Register your interest to be notified if additional venues become available in the future.

Yes. The Level 5 Diploma in Massage Therapy for Sport is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Focus Awards with Qualification Number 603/5588/8.

Level 5 positions you as a specialist practitioner — which directly supports the ability to charge premium rates, attract referrals from other health professionals and access higher-value work in clinical, sport science and high-performance environments. Many advanced practitioners charge upwards of £70–£90+ per session. Your earning potential reflects your expertise, reputation and how you position your practice.

The Level 5 Diploma significantly enhances your credibility and clinical capability for work in sporting environments. Many high-performance settings — sports clubs, academies, athletic programmes — look for therapists who can demonstrate advanced clinical qualifications and the ability to manage complex presentations. Level 5 puts you in that bracket.

Level 4 develops advanced assessment skills, clinical reasoning and the ability to manage more complex soft tissue presentations. Level 5 goes further — introducing Muscle Energy Techniques, PNF, electrotherapy, sports taping and strapping, and comprehensive rehabilitation planning. Level 5 also requires a higher standard of clinical reasoning and independent case management, reflecting the demands of specialist practice.

You must be 16 or over to enrol. There is no upper age limit. If you hold a Level 4 qualification and the commitment to reach the highest level of your profession, you're welcome on the course.