Strength and Conditioning MSc

Program Overview

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Strength and Conditioning MSc

Key Facts

• Level: Postgraduate PG MSc
• Duration: Full Time: 1 year, Part Time: 2 years
• Starting: September
• Fees UK 25/26 >: Full Time: £8,500, Part Time: £945 (per 20 credits)
• Fees International 25/26 >: Full Time: £17,495
• Location >: Waterside

Overview

The University of Northampton’s Strength and Conditioning MSc course is designed to help you in your development to becoming an effective strength and conditioning coach. Based in Northampton, we have three professional sports clubs in the town and the University is surrounded by Olympic and Paralympic feeder clubs enabling you to develop skills and experience as an applied practitioner. This Master’s in Strength and Conditioning will facilitate your accreditation from relevant strength and conditioning awarding bodies (UKSCA and NSCA). Our staff are actively involved in providing support to a range of elite athletes and clubs, enabling you to apply your practice and develop your network.

Highlights

• Benefit from purpose-built strength and conditioning studio and dedicated laboratories.
• Take your strength and conditioning career further with our UKSCA designed course content.
• Strong industry links with Northampton’s professional sports teams

Entry Requirements

To apply for MSc Strength and Conditioning course at the University of Northampton, you will need a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area. Related subjects include: sports science, sports performance and coaching, physical education, physiotherapy, or an honours degree in another discipline which includes anatomy and physiology.

Some flexibility in requirements is possible for those achieving lower degree classifications where they can demonstrate substantial industry experience and that their current commitment to study has progressed from the time of their first degree.

For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

• English Language Requirements

All International and EU students applying for applying for our Strength and Conditioning Master’s course must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

• IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at master’s level.

For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

Course Details

The MSc Strength and Conditioning masters program will examine advanced and current aspects of strength and conditioning – exploring the science behind S&C – such as the development of strength, speed and power. The practical training sessions are designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge required to become an applied practitioner. The course will culminate with you conducting a research project, allowing you to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the research process. You will complete the project with the intention of submitting your findings to relevant conferences and journals for publication.

Find out what it’s like to study on the Strength and Conditioning MSc course at UON:

Schedule and Methods of Learning

The first trimester of the masters in strength and conditioning focuses on S&C techniques, the underpinning theory of training and programming, the assessment and management of injuries. The second trimester allows you to develop your understanding of these specific training methods and apply them to a real-life case study as part of the applied training methods module.

Classes are delivered in a variety of means – lectures, seminars and practical – our aim is to provide opportunities for you to become actively involved in your learning. All sessions are supported by our online learning environment, NILE. You can expect three hours of contact time each week for each module. There are no additional costs for strength and conditioning courses however, you will need sports clothes (trainers, shorts, tops) when participating in the practical sessions.

Placement Opportunities

There are multiple opportunities, via the University’s industry links, to develop your applied practice across a range of local and national sports organisations. Sport links include professional cricket, rugby, football, England Dodgeball, GB Carriage Driving and many more.

For example, successful candidates that secure work placements at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club (NCCC), will be under the supervision of S&C coaches and medical staff. You could potentially assist with the physical preparation of first team players and will have access to a variety of on-going applied learning opportunities to supplement continued education and academic studies.

Modules

Please note that modules on the Master’s in Strength and Conditioning run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

• SPOM015 S&C Specific Athletes – 20 credits – 2nd trimester
• SPOM016 S&C Techniques – 20 credits – 1st trimester
• SPOM017 S&C Science – 20 credits – 1st trimester
• SPOM019 Applied Practice – 40 credits – 2nd and 3rd trimester
• SPOM029 Research Methods – 20 credits – 2nd and 3rd trimester
• SPOM024 MSc Dissertation – 60 credits – 1st and 2nd trimester

Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

Stage 1

• Strength and Conditioning for Specific Athletes (20 Credits)

Module code: SPOM015

Status: Compulsory

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of strength and conditioning provision for specific athletic groups such as children, adolescents, injured, female, and disabled athletes. The module will introduce students to specific athlete issues with reference to the biological mechanisms and issues underpinning the development of key performance qualities, with reference to contemporary training methods and techniques.

• Strength and Conditioning Techniques (20 Credits)

Module code: SPOM016

Status: Compulsory

This primarily practical module seeks to develop professional competencies of strength and conditioning coaches. It will enable students to effectively demonstrate strength and conditioning strategies that are used to facilitate performance enhancement.

• Strength and Conditioning Science (20 Credits)

Module code: SPOM017

Status: Compulsory

The purpose of this module is to provide students with a detailed understanding of the physiological and mechanical principles that govern effective strength and conditioning training. Students will also learn how to analyse training data to identify performance trends that can be fed back to coaches and athletes. In addition, this module will enable students to develop an evidence-informed approach to strength and conditioning practices to support current training recommendations.

• Applied Practice (40 Credits)

Module code: SPOM019

Status: Compulsory

Applied Practice provides an opportunity for students to apply complex theoretical knowledge, innovative ideas and strategies to autonomously investigate a novel idea/proposition to a real world setting relevant to their chosen pathway through engagement in a work-based learning environment. The module will provide opportunities to develop and consolidate skills in evidence-based practice and engages the student in critical thinking, enquiry and analysis, including research and critical appraisal skills.

• Sport Dissertation (MSc) (60 Credits)

Module code: SPOM024

Status: Compulsory

The module provides an opportunity for the student to apply knowledge, concepts, and research techniques to a question or problem in a specific discipline within their studies. The module builds and expands on students' prior knowledge and aims to develop expertise and understanding of the scientific process including research methodology, skills to execute planning, conducting, analysis and writing up of their research. It will develop the student's ability to work independently and to reflect on the subject-specific research process.The assessment undertaken will reflect the specific pathway of the student.

• Research Methodologies (20 Credits)

Module code: SPOM047

Status: Compulsory

This module will advance the students understanding of the foundations of quantitative and qualitative methodologies and analyses commonly used in research projects. It will also provide the student with an understanding of the approaches and reasoning to study design, data collection and analysis

Accreditation

Our MSc Strength and Conditioning course is aligned to the guidelines set out by the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA). The module content and a number of assessments have been designed to align with the content and assessments associated with UKSCA accreditation.

Student Story

"I really enjoyed the fact that the lectures always related to real-life situations in professional sport, rather than learning something from a book – there was always context."

- Jack -

Read Jack's story

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted for the MSc strength and conditioning masters relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

• UK – Full Time: £8,500
• UK – Part Time: £945 per 20 credit module.
• International: £17,495

Additional costs

You will need to wear suitable sports kit for practical sessions as part of the Strength and Conditioning Master’s course. You can purchase Sport and Exercise kit (polo shirts and hoodies) but these are not compulsory. The exact cost of kit will be provided at the start of the course.

Scholarships and Bursaries

For information on the scholarships available to you, please see ourscholarships page.

For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

Master's Loan

If you are starting a master’s course in 25/26 either full-time or part-time* you may be able to apply for a Master’s Loan through Student Finance England.

*The maximum period of study allowed for part-time courses is two years

2024/25 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted for the strength and conditioning masters relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

• UK – Full Time: £8,250
• UK – Part Time: £920 per 20 credit module.
• International: £16,995

Staff

• Associate Professor of Sport & Exercise Physiology Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology
• Professor of Biomechanics Strength and Conditioning MSc
• Senior Lecturer in Sports & Exercise Science Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Careers and Employability

A Strength and Conditioning MSc qualification opens the doors to a number of exciting career paths. Opportunities exist as a Strength and Conditioning coach with the governing bodies, with organisations such as the English Institute of Sport, professional clubs and schools.

Graduates with a master’s degree in strength and conditioning will also be capable of establishing their own consultancy business or progressing on to additional study.

Related Courses

• Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning BSc (Hons) The Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning BSc (Hons) will develop you with the skills to prevent, assess,...
• Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) Our course is practical-based, stimulating, well-structured and research-informed, covering a range of topic areas including biomechanics,...

Program Outline

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MSc Strength and Conditioning - University of Northampton

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Degree Overview:

The University of Northampton's MSc Strength and Conditioning course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective strength and conditioning coaches. The program emphasizes practical application and aims to facilitate accreditation from relevant strength and conditioning awarding bodies like the UKSCA and NSCA. The program's objectives include:

• Developing a deep understanding of the science behind strength and conditioning.
• Gaining practical experience working with a range of athletes.
• Mastering training techniques and coaching skills.
• Learning applied training methods.
• Acquiring proficiency in the assessment and management of injuries.
The program leverages the University's location in Northampton, which boasts three professional sports clubs and is surrounded by Olympic and Paralympic feeder clubs, providing students with opportunities to develop their skills and experience as applied practitioners. The staff are actively involved in supporting elite athletes and clubs, allowing students to apply their knowledge and build their professional network.

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Outline:

The MSc Strength and Conditioning is a practical-based program, stimulating, well-structured, and research-informed, covering a range of areas.

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Course Structure:

• The program is delivered over one year full-time or two years part-time.
• The first trimester focuses on strength and conditioning techniques, the underlying theory of training and programming, and the assessment and management of injuries.
• The second trimester allows students to deepen their understanding of specific training methods and apply them to real-life case studies as part of the applied training methods module.
• The program culminates in a research project, allowing students to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the research process and potentially submit their findings for publication.

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Course Schedule:

• Students can expect three hours of contact time each week for each module.
• Classes are delivered through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, and practical sessions.
• All sessions are supported by the University's online learning environment, NILE.

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Modules:

• SPOM015 Strength and Conditioning for Specific Athletes (20 Credits): This module explores strength and conditioning provision for specific athletic groups, such as children, adolescents, injured, female, and disabled athletes.
It delves into specific athlete issues, biological mechanisms, and contemporary training methods.
• SPOM016 Strength and Conditioning Techniques (20 Credits): This primarily practical module focuses on developing professional competencies of strength and conditioning coaches.
Students will learn to effectively demonstrate strength and conditioning strategies for performance enhancement.
• SPOM019 Applied Practice (40 Credits): This module offers students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and strategies to real-world settings relevant to their chosen pathway through work-based learning.
It emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and research skills.
• SPOM024 MSc Dissertation (60 Credits): This module allows students to apply knowledge and research techniques to a specific question or problem within their chosen discipline.
It develops expertise in the scientific process, including research methodology, planning, conducting, analyzing, and writing up research.
• SPOM029 Research Methods (20 Credits): This module focuses on examining a specific area of interest chosen by the student, developing their understanding of the research process, and designing a valid research proposal.
It also advances students' understanding of quantitative and qualitative statistical analyses commonly used in research projects.

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Placement Opportunities:

The program offers multiple opportunities, through the University's industry links, to develop applied practice across a range of local and national sports organizations. These include professional cricket, rugby, football, England Dodgeball, GB Carriage Driving, and many more. For example, successful candidates who secure placements at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club (NCCC) will work under the supervision of strength and conditioning coaches and medical staff.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and practical sessions.
• The University's online learning environment, NILE, supports all sessions.
• The program is taught by experienced faculty actively involved in supporting elite athletes and clubs.

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Careers:

An MSc Strength and Conditioning qualification opens doors to a number of exciting career paths. Opportunities exist as a Strength and Conditioning coach with governing bodies, organizations like the English Institute of Sport, professional clubs, and schools. Graduates with a master's in strength and conditioning are also capable of establishing their own consultancy business or pursuing further study.

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Other:

• The program makes use of purpose-built strength and conditioning gyms and laboratories to develop students' knowledge, understanding, and skills.
• The module content and assessments are designed to align with the UKSCA accreditation requirements.

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2024/25 Tuition Fees Fees quoted for the strength and conditioning masters relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UK – Full Time: £8,250 UK – Part Time: £920 per 20 credit module. International: £16,995 2023/24 Tuition Fees Fees quoted for the strength and conditioning masters relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UK – Full Time: £8,010 UK – Part Time: £890 per 20 credit module. International: £16,500