Course overview
Taught by our expert staff with input from industry professionals, you develop your learning from previous study. Various elements on the course are aligned with UKSCA (The Professional Body for Strength and Conditioning in the UK). accreditation pathway.
You graduate with the ability to:
- apply contemporary science to sports performance and rehabilitation
- apply coaching science in a performance and rehabilitation setting
- provide critical reasoning in the selection/ implementation of training/testing
- contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team
- reflect critically on experiences and continually develop your practice.
You develop your academic and practical coaching skills, learning through seminars, practical coaching sessions, workshops, online lectures, and an independent research project. In semester one you develop your knowledge of training theory, practical coaching skills and self-awareness. In semester two you build on this knowledge and learn how to apply it in dynamic scenarios, while developing advanced data analysis and presentation skills. Semester three focuses on your independent research project.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Advanced Testing, Monitoring and Data Analysis for Strength and Conditioning
Explore the use of data within strength and conditioning and return-to-sport. You develop knowledge of advanced testing, monitoring and athlete profiling methods spanning physiology, biomechanics and psychology. Developing quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis skills, you are challenged to understand, interpret and apply data to inform decision making.
Applied Coaching Skills for Strength and Conditioning
Explore the key technical skills of a strength and conditioning coach. You apply physiological, biomechanical, psychological and motor learning theory to strength and conditioning coaching. You develop critical thinking skills with respect to the technical models for gym-based strength and power exercises (including Olympic weightlifting) speed, agility and plyometric training. You are challenged to apply theory to practical coaching and demonstrate safe practice, while understanding key contextual factors.
Reflective and Ethical Practice in Strength and Conditioning
Explore the importance of being a reflective practitioner through engaging in critical evaluative thought processes. Key ethical issues in strength and conditioning such as being an inclusive practitioner and performing research are also explored.
Return-to-Sport: The role of Strength and Conditioning in Rehabilitation
Explore the role of strength and conditioning interventions in rehabilitation and return-to-sport. You are presented with a variety of case-study examples detailing the return-to-sport process from different injuries. This includes an emphasis on the use of evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence approaches to problem-solve in mid-to-late-stage rehabilitation.
Sport and Exercise Research Project
Apply your learning from previous modules to conduct a substantial self-initiated research project. You research an area you are passionate about, that you wish to gain increased knowledge and expertise in. You are supported by a designated supervisor with knowledge of the research process and relevant expertise.
Strength and Conditioning for Diverse Populations
Explore the application of principles to specific and diverse populations. You expand your knowledge of strength and conditioning and apply the physiological, psychological and sociological theory and expert statements to the programming and delivery of strength and conditioning. You also investigate the specific considerations of programming and delivering strength and conditioning to diverse populations.
The Science of Programming for Performance
Explore the underpinning scientific theory of adaptation to different training modalities from a physiological, biomechanical and psychological perspective. You develop critical thinking skills with respect to programming training for sports performance considering well-establish and debated areas within the scientific literature.
Optional module
Strength and Conditioning Placement
This optional, zero credits, module enables you to undertake applied placements and will aid their development towards UKSCA accreditation.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Modules are delivered through a combination of face-to-face learning (seminars, practical coaching sessions, and workshops) and online lectures. You are supported by the University’s virtual learning strategy with materials to support your studies.
How you are assessed
Assessments include written assessments (an expert statement and a research paper), verbal presentations, a testing report and dashboard, a practical coaching session and a reflective video blog. These methods allow you to demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding and application of the curriculum. Key professional and transferable skills are also developed. The research project module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate an appropriate standard of research and enquiry into a specialist area, which you select, displaying an original and/or compelling study or review of that area.
Entry requirements
This course is appropriate for a range of qualified graduates from subjects including sport and exercise science, sports therapy and sports physiotherapy.
You should have a good honours degree in an appropriate subject, or a degree plus experience, or additional acceptable qualifications.
Applicants with extensive relevant experience in an appropriate field and evidence of an academic contribution to that field are also considered.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
You can go on to varied careers including becoming a strength and conditioning coach, a physical performance coach, consultancy, sports science roles and academia.
You are also well prepared for employment in related areas including the health and fitness industry, sport development, research and sport science support and sport rehabilitation.
For those with a clinical background, the course is beneficial when seeking to work in sports physiotherapy or sports therapy roles.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
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Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
