Entry requirements

A 2:1 in an undergraduate degree, preferably in Sport Science or a related field.

Experience in the strength and conditioning field amounting to at least ten hours per week is also required. This can be either paid or voluntary work.

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.

Non-degree entrance

There's also a non-degree entrance pathway for those meeting one of two entry requirements:

  • At least five years of experience working in sport in roles related to physical preparation of athletes.
  • Full-time employment and at least five years of experience in a role relating to the physical preparation of military personnel.

Suitability for non-degree entrance is assessed through the completion of two entrance essays that should be completed and submitted along with your application. Details of the entrance essays can be downloaded here.

If you're offered a place on the non-degree entrant's pathway, you'll be restricted to two modules in your first year (meaning that the quickest you can complete the degree is in three years). In addition, you will study a non-credit bearing study skills module designed to help you quickly upskill in the areas necessary for Master's level study.

Months of entry

September

Course content

To be an excellent strength and conditioning coach requires a wide knowledge across several domains and a number of different skill sets. These include:

  • An extensive "toolbox" of training exercises and interventions
  • An understanding of movement and the ability to teach movement
  • An understanding of how the body adapts to training and how to organise training to maximise desirable adaptations
  • An ability to coach
  • The ability to understand various sources of evidence (including scientific evidence) and use it to inform your practice

Our Master's degree in Strength and Conditioning has been designed with these demands in mind and aims to support students in developing as excellent strength and conditioning coaches.

We're widely recognised as an international leader in strength and conditioning education. We were the first UK institution to offer an undergraduate degree in strength and conditioning, and this Master's programme was the first part-time, distance learning strength and conditioning course in the UK.

In recent years the University has invested £250,000 in a state of the art Performance Education Centre, which is unrivalled as a facility for strength and conditioning education.

Information for international students

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. English language requirements also apply.

Fees and funding

For information about fees - along with information about financing your studies - please check the Fees & Funding section of our website.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    24-60 months
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24-60 months
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification
  • PGDip
    part time
    18 months
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification
  • PGCert
    part time
    12 months
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Dr Dan Cleather
Email
strength@stmarys.ac.uk
Phone
020 8240 4323