This innovative Master's degree is focused on the application of strength and conditioning as one of the most effective tools to improve both health and performance.
The evidence-based content, supported by an extensive practical programme, will provide students with the opportunity to obtain professional accreditations from the most respected organisations in the field:
Our MSc Strength and Conditioning is recognised as a high quality programme for the NSCA Education Recognition Programme.
The programme is supported by internationally recognised visiting professionals, together with specialist staff in the Centre for Sports Science and Medicine in Sport and Exercise within the Department of Life and Sports Sciences. This, together with the well-equipped facilities, gives a focus on the students need and requirements, helping them achieve their potential.
The aims of the programme are to:
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students will be assessed through:
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will achieve professional accreditations from the most respected organisations in the field: National Strength and Conditioning Association(NSCA), United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and the International Society of Sport Nutrition (ISSN).
Graduates can pursue opportunities in the sports performance and coaching field, or gain positions as head strength coach, assistant strength coach, strength coach, sports nutrition advisors. They can also gain roles in the health and fitness industry (advanced programmes and services); performance diagnostics-oriented companies, institutions and laboratories; manufacturers of devices, equipment for training, and testing as well as sports nutrition supplements design; oriented research institutions; public authorities; consulting and self-employed businesses; health-care companies and institutions.
Looking to raise your game in the field of strength, conditioning and athlete development? Graduates of our well-established Master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning have a proven track record preparing athletes and sports teams for competition, and our highly-experienced practitioner-tutors offer the knowledge and skills you need to develop your career.
Elite sports people need an elite support team – and expert strength and conditioning coaches are in demand world-wide to promote and guide the physical development of athletes and sports teams. Aimed at graduates with relevant academic and vocational experience, this course is designed to build on your existing knowledge, opening doors to higher levels of responsibility and professional accreditation in strength and conditioning.
Based in Bolton One, the University of Bolton’s specially designed sports and health teaching and research centre, this practically-focused Master’s degree aims to help you gain the academic and theoretical knowledge (for evidence-based practice), and professional, vocational and practical skills needed for success in this competitive industry. Our dedicated team of experienced academic practitioners, who have worked at all levels of elite and professional sport, will guide you in an exploration of the science and coaching of strength and conditioning.
We’ll support you to advance your understanding and make strong links between theory and practice in areas such as biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, coaching and leadership. Our commitment is to helping you develop as a practitioner, informed by the latest research and on-going developments in the sciences of sports and human performance, so that you can become a leader in the field of strength and conditioning.
For more information please visit http://www.bolton.ac.uk/postgrad
The continued expansion of sport strength and conditioning provision around the UK means there is a growing need for highly qualified graduates in this field, as well as those already working within the setting to further extend their specialist strength and conditioning knowledge.
This masters degree offers the opportunity for students to learn and apply contemporary theoretical principles and scientific methodologies that enhance strength and conditioning practice.
The programme is designed to build on the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) award, and the UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCC) award. It provides a necessary range of theoretical and practical experiences to support a career as a strength and conditioning practitioner.
Modules
The masters degree programme offers a supportive, student-centered environment and ensures the highest quality research-informed teaching.
Assessment methods include exams, essays, critical review, presentation, scientific report writing, athlete reports, e-portfolio, proposal, student-led projects and a dissertation.
While the UKSCA and NSCA do not permit institutions to accredit candidates through their academic pathways, the masters degree programme is designed to provide excellent opportunities for students to prepare for accreditation with both organisations.
In addition to world-class research facilities, the university boasts a recently renovated and strength and conditioning dedicated facility that can accommodate large groups of athletes simultaneously.
The course offers a unique suite of modules in niche areas of strength and conditioning that will broaden the opportunities for graduates.
This course has a strong practice-based element, which means you'll develop the skills you need to pursue a lead role in the field.
Theoretical content is available online, so you won't have to attend University every week. You'll be able to apply your learning to your job and use case studies from your current area of practice. Our staff are experts in the field of strength and conditioning and they often work in partnership with professional sports teams and individual athletes.
This was the first postgraduate programme in Europe to receive international recognition though the NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP).
This was the first Strength and Conditioning Masters Degree in Europe to be recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) through their education recognition programme. The programme is delivered by some of the world’s leading experts. The contact sessions on campus, including keynote sessions followed by practical and seminar sessions, are applicable immediately to professional practice and involve a high practical content.
The MSc course is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.
The full-time course runs over three academic semesters (October through to September the following year), whilst giving you the chance to exit with the following awards:
In order to achieve an award of MSc Strength and Conditioning you must successfully complete the modules Strength and Conditioning and Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement, along with producing a thesis for the dissertation module.
This course is available both part-time and full-time and is delivered via a blended learning approach, which includes:
Workshops (three days per module, per semester)
These are interactive, discursive, reflective, participatory, collaborative and practice related sessions that employ a variety of teaching and learning methods. As the course progresses these will become progressively more student led, with you presenting case studies for peer and tutor review.
Individual scholarly activity
Self directed learning, personal reflection, practice based application and reflection, including peer and tutor review.
Distance learning resources
Delivery of supporting resources such as study guides and lecture material online. Facilitated group work, including tutor and peer evaluation are a key component of this course.
Personal tutor and peer support
To provide an academic, practice based and personal support mechanism alongside facilitated networking.
Assessment methods will vary depending on the module. They include:
With the skills you'll learn in this course, you can take a lead role in strength and conditioning and make a difference to the training of your clients. This course will significantly increase your chances of getting a high profile role in top-flight sport.
Graduates are now employed in Premier League and Championship football and paralympic weightlifting. Some graduates have also progressed on to lecturing and doctoral level study.
Al Stewart, was working as a strength and conditioning coach at Manchester City Football Club Academy when he started the MSc Strength and Conditioning, with the aim of gaining a postgraduate degree while gaining additional practical skills and experience to permit him to progress to a more senior role. He is now the Head of Strength and Conditioning for Hull City FC.
This course has been developed to include the key competencies identified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning association (UKSCA).
Upon successful completion of the course it would be possible to progress on to a PhD, or a PhD via publication. We offer a range of research degrees relevant to your area of practice.
As a University, we are committed to your continuing professional development. We run short courses and study days throughout the year to keep you at the forefront of developments in Sports Injury Rehabilitation.
You will have access to some of the best facilities in the UK, including our purpose-built Human Performance Lab, which contains almost every type of physiological and biomechanical equipment including:
In addition we have the usual equipment found in exercise physiology labs.
The programme has been developed with the aim of producing world-class, research-informed practitioners with the option of pursuing a career in research. It is ideal for individuals who currently hold an undergraduate degree in sports science, strength and conditioning or a related topic, and want to advance their knowledge, research skills and expertise in strength and conditioning.
We welcome applications from those who want to dedicate their postgraduate study to the application and advancement of athlete-centred practice and research application. You will explore a philosophy of critical understanding in strength and conditioning, which will underpin your applied training modules. Cutting-edge research and applied practice are central to your professional development.
The course is built on a solid structure of research skills, applied methodologies and the latest research in physiology, biomechanics and coaching science, all of which is essential for becoming a strength and conditioning practitioner.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will understand how to deal with complex issues within strength and conditioning. You will also develop essential skills in communicating and implementing your recommendations for clients, as well as specialist and non-specialist audiences.
The course is aimed at students who have undertaken a sports science, sports coaching or related undergraduate degree and who wish to continue their studies and progress to working within elite athletics.
The course aims to facilitate accreditation with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) through experiential learning on the professional enquiry placement module and key core modules such as practical applications to performance training, strength and rehabilitation science and effective coaching.
The University of Brighton’s sport and exercise laboratories at the Eastbourne campus, where the course is based, are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). There are also extensive fitness and sport facilities on site with brand new facilities currently in development.
The course leader, Flo Pietzsch, was a strength and conditioning coach with the Lawn Tennis Association and previously to that at the English Institute of Sport. He is an accredited member of UKSCA and has advised and worked with UKSCA on curriculum development on their recent coaching science content.
We are a REF 2014 top 20 university for world-leading research impact in sport and exercise science, leisure and tourism.
This new course is in the final stages of development and small changes may occur. Check back for the most up-to-date information.
The course offers varied content that brings together strength and conditioning, and applied physiology.
The University of Brighton is unique in offering Effective Coaching as a compulsory module. This module is aligned with curriculum guidance from UKSCA, the national governing body.
The professional enquiry module is also compulsory and provides the opportunity to undertake practical experience in a work environment and gain invaluable first-hand knowledge. It is designed to help you engage with the process of planning and delivering expertise in practice, and to reflect upon and take steps to improve your academic, personal and professional skills. Opportunities exist with a range of organisations whom we partner with.
The course is flexible in that it allows you to exit with a postgraduate certificate at the end of one semester (three 20-credit modules) or a postgraduate diploma at the end of two semesters (six 20-credit modules).
You must complete the 60-credit research project to qualify for the MSc.
You will study seven core modules, including your final project. (This new course is still in development so the modules below are currently indicative and could be subject to change.)
Core modules
Accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and the English Institute of Sport (EIS), our laboratories are equipped with the latest modern facilities.
You will have access to a -10 to +50°C hot-cold chamber, an altitude/hypoxic chamber that rises to the equivalent of 5500m, 3D motion analysis, ground reaction force plates, a DXA bone scanner, exercise physiology laboratories, biomechanics laboratories and three biochemistry laboratories.
Our laboratories have appeared in numerous TV productions by the BBC and Sky TV. They have also been used to test out products for exercising and weight loss and to prepare athletes for the Olympics and Paralympics.
The university’s Eastbourne campus has extensive sporting facilities, including a sports hall, climbing wall, swimming pool, three gyms, a dance studio and an artificial training pitch. Currently there is a 36 station fitness suite has a designated cardiovascular area packed with bikes, treadmills, and rowers, cross-trainers and steppers. Free weights range from 2–40kg with 15 resistance stations.
We also use the outdoor environment in and around Eastbourne, such as the seafront, the South Downs and Friston Forest.
The professional enquiry module will involve a 160 hours within a quality assured placement which includes mentoring by the host supervisor and via close guidance from University of Brighton staff.
Previous hosts have included Sussex County Cricket, Brighton and Hove Albion, University of Brighton – Sport Brighton scholarship programme, Eastbourne College, Brighton College, and several other local sporting clubs.
Those already in employment within the strength and conditioning sector have the opportunity to complete this module within their own employment setting.
Employment prospects for graduates are extremely good. The strength and conditioning industry has expanded considerably and many professional sports organisations employ strength and conditioning coaches. This degree is specifically designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge bases to undertake such a role.
Since the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) was founded in 2004 there has been significant investment and development in elite sport provision. A 2015–16 annual report from UK Sport indicates an industry net expenditure of £41 million.
The University of Brighton has expert, accredited strength and conditioning staff who have an international reputation in its applied provision. A degree from Brighton will help ensure you are fully equipped for a successful career in this expanding industry.
Many of our students have gone onto work in professional sport clubs including Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC. Several have also worked for the English Institute of Sport or directly with a national governing sports body.
Take advantage of the growth in demand for highly trained strength and conditioning coaches working in high-performance sport, sports development or other environments where superior levels of athleticism are required. This course will teach you how to optimise human performance so that athletes of all abilities and from a range of sports can perform optimally while also minimising their risk of injury.
You will study the biomechanics and physiology of the human body, focusing on the development of strength and power and cardiovascular adaptations to aid training and performance. You will learn to apply this to your coaching practice while also understanding the perspectives of other practitioners, including nutritionists, physiotherapists and psychologists.
There will be the opportunity to design and implement a programme for athletes or specific populations, allowing you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. This experience will help you develop your communication skills and establish positive working relationships with a wide range of people, including players, athletes, officials, coaches and parents.
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Research Excellence Framework 2014: 59% of our research submitted was assessed as world leading or internationally excellent.
We have worked closely with our contacts in the strength and conditioning industry to create this course. Thanks to this, you will benefit from the input of professionals including physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, lecturers and nutritionists, helping you gain the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this sector.
Our teaching team have a strong research background and includes practising strength and conditioning coaches who will be able to relate your theoretical learning to real-life practice. You will also benefit from our first-class facilities which include biomechanics labs, an on-site swimming pool, athletics track and strength and conditioning gym.
Our course is aligned with the requirements of the UK Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association and will prepare you to apply for accreditation after you graduate.
Core modules
Core modules
Core modules
Whether you are already working with elite competitors or you are a graduate looking to specialise, this course will prepare you for working with a range of athletes, professional sports teams or in organisations such as the armed forces. Possible careers could include strength and conditioning coach, physical training instructor or personal trainer. You could also undertake further research and study for a PhD.
Research in the area of strength and conditioning has increased dramatically in the past decade, an increase in focus that has inspired this innovative programme.
Strength & Conditioning has emerged as a distinct and popular area of expertise in sport science, predominantly from within the discipline of physiology although frequently requiring knowledge and understanding of inter-disciplinary applied sport science and coaching, providing the rationale for this programme.
The University of Edinburgh's programme combines both the theoretical and practical elements of strength and conditioning to identify and examine a wide range of academic and practitioner needs. Students gain excellent applied experience and professional development opportunities in parallel with the taught programme, using established links with local and national sports teams and governing bodies.
The major focus of the programme is on performance sport, although other areas such as exercise and rehabilitation are also covered, reflecting the range of exercise and sports contexts that the strength and conditioning practitioner may work in.
Your learning will comprise traditional lectures, tutorials and practical sessions.
Courses:
To complete the MSc degree, you will also produce an independently researched dissertation.
The qualification and skills you gain in this programme will complement the applied experience and any professional accreditation for those aspiring to be practitioners at the cutting edge of strength and conditioning. Primary roles exist in the sports performance area, but you may also apply your skills to work in the areas of exercise and fitness, rehabilitation and the wider sports industry.
The masters degree is also a springboard for further research, either within academia or the private sector. The highly transferable skills you gain in areas such as communication and project management can also be applied to roles in any field.
The MSc in Strength & Conditioning is a dedicated distance learning postgraduate degree which focuses on the applied practitioner. The scientific underpinning ensures the development of the correct ratio of academic theory and field-based coaching skills. You will cover topics that mirror the industry standards of British Weight Lifting and UK Strength and Conditioning Association and will gain specific skills to become competent advanced strength and conditioning coaches and weight lifting coaches.
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
MODULES
The MSc is a new course. Graduates from our undergraduate degree take further specific study in Strength & Conditioning either in the form of postgraduate courses or with the recognised bodies such as British Weight Lifting. Graduates work as self-employed strength & conditioning coaches in a variety of sports, but also as employees within football and rugby teams.
FACILITIES
ASSESSMENT METHODS
This course will involve access to children and/or vulnerable adults. You will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (formerly termed CRB) and we will guide you through this process.
