Strength and Conditioning MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  The Strength and Conditioning MSc course 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.

  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 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 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • 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 Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPOM029

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will focus on examining a specific area of interest chosen by the student, to develop their understanding of the research process and designing and developing a valid research proposal. It will also advance the students understanding of concepts, principles and techniques associated with quantitative and qualitative statistical analyses commonly used in research projects.

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• Entry Requirements

  To apply for MSc Strength and Conditioning 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 a course with us 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 postgraduate level.

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

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• Fees and Funding

  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

  Additional costs

  You will need to wear suitable sports kit for practical sessions as part of the 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.

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £7,650
  • UK – Part Time: £850 per 20 credit module
  • International: £15,000

  Additional costs

  You will need to wear suitable sports kit for practical sessions as part of the 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.

  Postgraduate Loans

  If you are starting a postgraduate Master’s course in 23/24 either full-time or part-time* you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan through Student Finance England.

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

   

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

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• 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.

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