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Are you highly motivated with an interest in strength and conditioning and sport science? Looking to have a real impact on sport and athletic development? This course gives you the knowledge and practical competencies to go on to further studies or a career in strength and conditioning.

You’ll focus on the practical aspects of the discipline, covering topics including the physiology of strength and conditioning, applied strength and conditioning, contemporary issues and professional practice for the benefit of athletes in the sporting industry.

It’s inspiring. You are constantly surrounded by individuals with a very high level of knowledge and experience within the industry. Sam Bacon MSc Strength and Conditioning

You’ll be working in some of the best campus sports facilities in the UK, including sport and exercise science labs accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), and learning useful skills thanks to course recognition by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years, part-time
2 other options available

Department
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

Discover more / Strength and Conditioning

Get an insight into studying Strength and Conditioning at Northumbria from Masters students James and Nick.

Discover more / Explore Northumbria University

Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.

Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships How to Apply Study Options

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

The minimum entry requirement for students is a first degree, normally in the Upper Second Class category in a relevant discipline (such as sports science, sports performance and coaching, physical education, physiotherapy etc).  Applicants from other disciplines may be admitted where they can demonstrate a strong anatomy and physiology knowledge as determined by the Programme Leader. 

Plus one of the following:

  • International/English Language Requirements:

    International applicants are required to have one of the following English language qualifications with grades as shown below.

    • A British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 6.0
    • Pearson Academic score of 62 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 54.

    The University also accepts many other English language qualifications and if you have any questions about our English Language requirements please contact the International Admissions Office and we will be glad to assist

  • Additional:

    Applicants may be required to submit a professional portfolio to demonstrate their suitability for the course.  Non standard entry through APEL / APL will be considered on an individual basis through negotiation with the admissions tutor.

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: TBC

Full EU Fee: TBC

Full International Fee: TBC



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK, EU and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

How to Apply

Please use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to submit your application.

Certain applications may need to be submitted via an external application system, such as UCAS, Lawcabs or DfE Apply.

The Apply Now button will redirect you to the relevant website if this is the case.

You can find further application advice, such as what to include in your application and what happens after you apply, on our Admissions Hub Admissions | Northumbria University



Modules Overview 2024/25

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

SP0735 -

Applied Strength and Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)

On Applied Techniques in Strength and Conditioning you will critically engage with the scientific underpinning to a range of training modalities and interventions that are routinely used in the athletic development process. This will include study of the physiology and biomechanics underpinning training and adaptation in resistance training, ploymetrics, multidirectional speed and agility training, endurance training and others. You will apply this knowledge to the athletic development process through engagement with the prescription and coaching of key aspects of each training mode/intervention, with a specific emphasis on the coaching of the key technical aspects.

More information

SP0736 -

High Performance Coaching in Strength & Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)

In “High Performance Coaching in Strength & Conditioning” you will study the long-term planning process in strength and conditioning, and the “art and science” of effective coaching delivery. Through study on the module you will learn about the history of periodization and long-term planning, the approaches coaches can take to planning training for athletic performance enhancement, and how to critically analyse and apply evidence to deal with the challenges faced by S&C coaches in the long-term planning process. You will also study how your behaviour as a coach impacts on the acquisition of skill and the prevailing motivational climate of your own practice, and critically reflect on your own coaching behaviour with the aim of improving how you interact with your athletes.

More information

SP0737 -

Physiology of Strength and Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)

You will critically engage with contemporary issues relating to the physiology of strength and conditioning, and will apply this knowledge to conduct an assessment and report for a real athlete/client. Indicative content includes examination of; training responses and adaptations, energy systems (physiology & training), training and competing in extreme environments, exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery from training, and exercise preparation.

More information

Year two

SP0733 -

Sport and Exercise Science Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of an aspect of practice in the vocational area and to develop skills in communication, argument, critical thinking and independent enquiry.

The research dissertation provides the opportunity for an ethically sound independent study in an area of relevance to practising professionals in the area of degree study. You are expected to use skills and knowledge acquired in prior modules as the basis for an in depth appreciation of specific issues in sport and exercise science. The main body of the research dissertation coming at the end of the taught phase focuses on specific core/option units.

More information

SP0738 -

Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn a range of research approaches and data analysis methods applicable to your subject of study as well as a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how these approaches can be applied in the planning of an experimentally-rigorous and ethically-sound research study.

More information

SP0753 -

Contemporary Issues in Strength and Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)

The module will take a problem-based, research-process approach to answering questions in strength and conditioning. You will decide on the questions you wish to pursue and will answer them in collaboration with your peers. You will be encouraged to take ownership of your own learning, preparing you for your career beyond academia where you will be required to work as an individual and in teams to ask and answer questions pertaining to the athletic development process. Concurrent to this you will study material around the professional domain of strength and conditioning, and the employability skills required of a successful graduate in strength and conditioning.

More information

SP0754 -

Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)

On SP07xx Professional Practice you will engage in activities that further your professional development, and enhance your employability as a Northumbria graduate. You will be challenged to apply the knowledge and skills you are learning on your degree programme to real-world contexts. You will select and complete a range of activities aimed at furthering your skills and experience as a practitioner. You will be challenged to develop your own philosophy of support, and to use reflective practice to help your continued professional development

More information

Modules Overview 2025/26

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

SP0735 -

Applied Strength and Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)

On Applied Techniques in Strength and Conditioning you will critically engage with the scientific underpinning to a range of training modalities and interventions that are routinely used in the athletic development process. This will include study of the physiology and biomechanics underpinning training and adaptation in resistance training, ploymetrics, multidirectional speed and agility training, endurance training and others. You will apply this knowledge to the athletic development process through engagement with the prescription and coaching of key aspects of each training mode/intervention, with a specific emphasis on the coaching of the key technical aspects.

More information

SP0736 -

High Performance Coaching in Strength & Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)

In “High Performance Coaching in Strength & Conditioning” you will study the long-term planning process in strength and conditioning, and the “art and science” of effective coaching delivery. Through study on the module you will learn about the history of periodization and long-term planning, the approaches coaches can take to planning training for athletic performance enhancement, and how to critically analyse and apply evidence to deal with the challenges faced by S&C coaches in the long-term planning process. You will also study how your behaviour as a coach impacts on the acquisition of skill and the prevailing motivational climate of your own practice, and critically reflect on your own coaching behaviour with the aim of improving how you interact with your athletes.

More information

SP0737 -

Physiology of Strength and Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)

You will critically engage with contemporary issues relating to the physiology of strength and conditioning, and will apply this knowledge to conduct an assessment and report for a real athlete/client. Indicative content includes examination of; training responses and adaptations, energy systems (physiology & training), training and competing in extreme environments, exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery from training, and exercise preparation.

More information

Year two

SP0733 -

Sport and Exercise Science Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of an aspect of practice in the vocational area and to develop skills in communication, argument, critical thinking and independent enquiry.

The research dissertation provides the opportunity for an ethically sound independent study in an area of relevance to practising professionals in the area of degree study. You are expected to use skills and knowledge acquired in prior modules as the basis for an in depth appreciation of specific issues in sport and exercise science. The main body of the research dissertation coming at the end of the taught phase focuses on specific core/option units.

More information

SP0738 -

Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn a range of research approaches and data analysis methods applicable to your subject of study as well as a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how these approaches can be applied in the planning of an experimentally-rigorous and ethically-sound research study.

More information

SP0753 -

Contemporary Issues in Strength and Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)

The module will take a problem-based, research-process approach to answering questions in strength and conditioning. You will decide on the questions you wish to pursue and will answer them in collaboration with your peers. You will be encouraged to take ownership of your own learning, preparing you for your career beyond academia where you will be required to work as an individual and in teams to ask and answer questions pertaining to the athletic development process. Concurrent to this you will study material around the professional domain of strength and conditioning, and the employability skills required of a successful graduate in strength and conditioning.

More information

SP0754 -

Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)

On SP07xx Professional Practice you will engage in activities that further your professional development, and enhance your employability as a Northumbria graduate. You will be challenged to apply the knowledge and skills you are learning on your degree programme to real-world contexts. You will select and complete a range of activities aimed at furthering your skills and experience as a practitioner. You will be challenged to develop your own philosophy of support, and to use reflective practice to help your continued professional development

More information

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.



Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support




All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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Find out about our distinctive approach at 
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* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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