Applied Strength and Conditioning Science MSc, PGDip, PGCert

St Mary's University, Twickenham

Study a Master's degree that will give you the practical skills required for a successful career as a strength and conditioning coach.

• High practical focus, allowing for development of coaching and scientific skills that are crucial for industry
• Outstanding sports facilities including access to the Performance Education Centre
• Excellent industry links, providing opportunity for placement and vocational experience
• Develop an extensive understanding of strength and conditioning theory and its real-world application

Why study Applied Strength and Conditioning Science?

To have a successful career as a strength and conditioning coach it's crucial for you to have the practical and scientific skills necessary to deliver safe, informed, and effective support for athletes.

Many sports science, coaching or rehabilitation graduates develop an interest in strength and conditioning and the training processes of athletes. Despite that, they may lack the technical or scientific knowledge required to deliver this effectively.

When you graduate from our Applied Strength and Conditioning Science degree you will have the skills needed to be successful within the industry.

You'll be taught by experienced coaches and scientists who coach (or have coached) across a variety of levels and sports. includes rugby, football, golf, cricket, and Olympic and Paralympic programmes. All teaching staff on the programme develop their work within the industry into research that then informs how coaching of their sport is delivered.

Modes of study

The degree can be completed in a year if studied full-time and can be studied as an MSc, PGDip or PGCert.

Assessment methods

A wide variety of assessment modes are employed including practical coaching observations, critical essays, scientific reports, and presentations. No formal written examinations are included, however, there will be a large written component to the research project final report.

Modules are taught two or three hours per week in addition to an intensive teaching period at the start of the first semester.

Career opportunities

A considerable strength of our Applied Strength and Conditioning Science degree is its links to industry.

At undergraduate level, there are around 30 placement providers that periodically provide opportunities for students, ranging from six-week placements, to year-long positions.

These opportunities may include professional football, rugby, tennis, cricket and a range of other sports, as well as schools/colleges, local gyms and Crossfit boxes and much more.