Strength and Conditioning - MSc/PGDip/PGCert

This course has a strong practice-based element, which means you'll develop the skills you need to pursue a leadership 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 through the NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP).

You will:

• Gain a higher degree that will qualify you for a lead role in strength and conditioning.
• Develop the ability to critically evaluate the scientific principles and theories of athletic screening, and a clear understanding of the science behind performance measurement.
• Develop a critical understanding of the current scientific principles, concepts and theories of strength and conditioning and its real life application.
• Undertake an in-depth, evidence based exploration of a key area relevant to your own practice.

This course is for you if:

• You want to take a lead role in the field of strength and conditioning.
• You are a strong communicator with great interpersonal skills.
• You want to help improve the lives of others.

Course Details

The MSc course is offered on both a full-time (one year) and part-time (two to three years) 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:

• Postgraduate Certificate: completion of one module
• Postgraduate Diploma: completion of two modules
• Masters: completion of two modules plus a dissertation

The part-time course can be studied over two or three years, with the final module of the two-year option taught over the summer.

Two-year option: 

• Year 1 (Semester one and two) Postgraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (60 credits)
• Year 2 (Semester one and two) Postgraduate Certificate in Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement (60 credits)
• Year 2 (Semester three - summer) Research Project (Dissertation)

Three-year option: 

• Year 1 (Semester one and two) Postgraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (60 credits)
• Year 2 (Semester one and two) Postgraduate Certificate in Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement (60 credits)
• Year 3 (Semester one and two) Research Project (Dissertation)

Visit the website for further information on modules.

Teaching and Assessment

his 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:

• Case studies (written and oral presentations)
• Viva vocé
• Literature review
• Practical assessments
• Journal articles (research reports written in the format of a journal article)
• Research proposal

The School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.

We live in a rapidly changing world, and we’re keen to leave a productive legacy of helping people at all stages of their lives, improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.

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:

• FT700 Ballistic Measurement System
• 9 AMTI Force Plates, 5 of which are situated in a 40m running track
• ProReflex 10 Camera real-time motion analysis system
• KinCom and Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometers for muscle strength testing
• Portable Kistler force plate
• EMG (electromyography) system used to measures the electrical activity of muscles and to gather information about the muscular and nervous systems
• Esaote AU5 Ultrasound used to study skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments and blood flow
• We have a range of cycle and rowing ergometers, two treadmills, and two online gas analysis systems.
• We can perform blood analysis with our Analox GM7 Multi-Assay Blood Analyser to measure blood lactate, glucose and a range of other blood substrates
• There is also the Reflotron which another multi-use system that can measure blood cholesterol and haemoglobin as well as portable blood glucose and lactate analysers.

Careers

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 the 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.

Visit the Strength and Conditioning - MSc/PGDip/PGCert page on the University of Salford website for more details!