Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage
Allied Health
A course by
SIT
A three-year, full-time bachelor’s degree combining practical massage therapy skills with academic knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for therapeutic and sports massage roles in healthcare, sports, and wellness settings.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Invercargill / Hyflex, Invercargill
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Develop clinical and therapeutic massage skills
Apply advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques in clinical and sports settings.
Practice as an independent health care professional
Work autonomously in various health and wellness contexts, providing culturally safe and client-centred care.
Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
Communicate and cooperate effectively with other healthcare professionals for optimal client outcomes.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage at SIT (Southern Institute of Technology) offers a unique blend of online and on-campus (HyFlex) study, focusing on hands-on massage practice, advanced musculoskeletal knowledge, research, and clinical experience. Graduates will become reflective, independent practitioners with technical competence, ready for work across multidisciplinary health, sports, and wellness environments, both in New Zealand and abroad. The curriculum is aligned with current industry needs and prepares students for collaborative practice across healthcare teams.
Course Content
- Year One: Massage Theory to Practice, Wellness Dimensions and Client-Centred Care, Musculoskeletal Surface Anatomy, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Sports Massage, Te Hihiri, The Professional Practitioner, Relaxation and Wellness Massage Clinical Practice
- Year Two: Functional Assessment and Clinical Reasoning, Advanced Techniques 1, Pathology for Massage Therapy, Clinical Practice 1, Massage for Physical Performance, Advanced Techniques 2, Research for Massage Practitioners, Clinical Practice 2
- Year Three: Research and Advanced Professional Development, Therapeutics III
- Practical clinics and community-based clinical placements
- Research literacy and evidence-based practice
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3 (three subjects at Level 3, 14 credits each in approved subjects)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Healthcare
Sports and Fitness
Wellness
Future employment opportunities might be
Therapeutic massage therapist
Sports massage specialist
Roles in multidisciplinary health practices