Applied Strength and Conditioning Science

Entry requirements

A 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in sport science, exercise science, health science, physical education, sport rehabilitation, physiotherapy or a related field.

Additional requirement information

Non-degree or professional entrants

Applications may be considered from students without an undergraduate degree (or in a different discipline) if they can demonstrate significant professional experience in a related sector (such as personal training or military training). These applications will be considered by the Programme Director.

Professional applicants who cannot commit a full year (MSc – 180 credits) to the programme are able to study Applied Strength and Conditioning Science for academic credit leading to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert – 60 credits) or a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip – 120 credits).

Months of entry

September

Course content

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.

Why St Mary's

In 2007 St Mary’s University created the UK's first undergraduate strength and conditioning degree. Since then, the strength and conditioning industry has grown dramatically. We are now recognised internationally as a leading strength and conditioning education provider.

You'll have access to our outstanding facilities for athletic training. This consists of our industry-leading strength and conditioning suite and a range of other training facilities.

You'll be taught with equipment used within the industry to ensure you have the skills needed to hit the ground running in your new career. This includes GPS units, Force Decks, Nordboard, GymAware, and many more.

We have excellent links with industry partners thanks to our location and reputation within the industry. Through these links we can provide a range of work placement opportunities in sports and exercise settings. We have connections with local schools and colleges, university sports teams, as well as within professional football, cricket, rugby and international tennis (to name a few).

Our staff hold a range of industry qualifications. This includes United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) accreditations.

Our programme benefits from having staff attached to it that are UKSCA tutors and accredited members. You will learn the skill required for the UKSCA accreditation process.

The programme is also seeking to become accredited through the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

Information for international students

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section (or equivalent).

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.