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Focus on the scientific principles of strength and conditioning

1 year full-time
Bishop Otter Campus (Chichester)

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Overview

Focus on the scientific principles of the strength and conditioning process

Our MSc Strength and Conditioning course provides you with the knowledge and skills to prepare you for accreditation with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) enabling you to embark on your strength and conditioning career.

Understand the key aspects of strength and conditioning performance

You will focus on the scientific principles of the strength and conditioning process, their practical application, and assessment using both laboratory and field-based measurement systems.

In addition, you will explore the practical application of biomechanical and physiological concepts, contemporary performance analysis and coaching techniques, as well as applied data and research skills.

Gain vital experience ahead of your professional career

Our dedicated Work Placement module allows you to develop your practitioner skills by undertaking a period of work experience with appropriate athletes or clubs.

The employability record has been excellent with many graduates securing full-time employment as strength and conditioning coaches within professional environments, such as local sports clubs/teams with others progressing to study on to PhD programmes or opening their own business.

The Course

Understand the science, practice, and application of strength and conditioning

Throughout the course, you will study both modules that will give you the theoretical foundations upon which you will apply practical skills through placement opportunities.

The degree will culminate in a final assessed project, either in the form of a research dissertation, or a supervised experience portfolio. The Supervised Experience Portfolio option enables you to experience a more vocational rather than research-based assessment culmination of your degree.

This list is indicative and subject to change.

Advanced Applied Research Skills

You will learn and apply innovative and cutting-edge methods of analysis evident in psychology literature.

Applied Measurement Techniques

You will learn how to develop and implement an effective performance testing battery to athletes from a range of sports.

Applied Research Skills

An introduction to quantitative and qualitative methodology for biomechanics using practical and real-world examples to illustrate how we make sense of data.

Planning, Programming & Application

Successful strength and conditioning relies on a sound comprehension of the principles governing program design, planning and application. Therefore, the emphasis of this module is to develop a robust theoretical understanding, practical skills and competencies that will make you an effective strength and conditioning practitioner.

Strength & Conditioning Theory & Practice

The strength and conditioning process is underpinned by the fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science. the ability of a system to adapt to training-based stimulus relies on a physiological response to biomechanical demand. the effectiveness of this demand is often dependent on efficient transference of correct and safe movement technique, whether strength or conditioning. Therefore, strength and conditioning practitioners should have sound and applied insight into applied human physiology and biomechanics and the aim of this module is to provide this.

Supervised Experience Portfolio

This module provides you with the opportunity to plan, implement, and evaluate discipline specific sport and/or exercise science support within a real-life setting. You will gain insight into applied sport and exercise science, and prepare for the type of reflective and academically grounded experience that is a central demand of candidates seeking Support Accreditation via BASES. the module has been designed to provide the opportunity for you to learn and develop in a real world setting whilst having access to identified support and training mechanisms.

The Research Dissertation

This module is the culmination of previous learning and is the major element of your independent enquiry on your programme.  The module requires that you reflect on, and utilise the knowledge base, context, and application of taught modules, as well as placement experiences. It is designed to encourage you to generate and explore your own ‘problem’ assisted by supervision from a tutor.

Work Placement

This double module provides invaluable experience working as a performance analyst within a sporting organisation. It will enable you to foster an acute understanding of how performance analysis is used within sport, offer insight into organisational culture, develop essential professional knowledge and skills, facilitate reflective practice, and develop a network of professional contacts.

Experience

Discover a wide range of excellent sporting facilities that support your learning

Teaching and Assessment

Innovative teaching methods that focus on practice

Teaching

Our team of principal lecturers ensure innovation, enthusiasm and expertise combine to deliver the excellent standards that give our institution its high reputation.

When you come to Chichester, you will join a community of students and lecturers working in partnership to ensure that your learning experience reflects best practice and embraces the opportunities presented by new, interactive technologies.

Each module is delivered differently depending on its content and focus of study.

In most modules you can expect lead lectures to introduce core content, but the majority of your time will be spent working in small groups with tutor support in seminars, workshops or laboratory sessions.

Many sessions will require you to have completed some preparatory work and you will also be given structured follow-up work after a session to further progress your learning, often reading or an individual/group task. As you progress through your degree you will be expected to take more and more ownership over your learning and development, directing your study into areas of most interest to you.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, examinations, portfolios, practical assessments, lab reports, and oral presentations.

Our course includes a mix of assessments, so that you may develop a wide range of transferable skills. Modules are assessed at every stage of the course, offering cumulative assessment of your progress.

You can monitor your own progress, allowing you the opportunity to discuss and plan your development with your lecturers throughout the course. Where appropriate special arrangements can be made for students with an identified need.

  • To gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning, you need to complete three modules.
  • To gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Strength and Conditioning, you need to complete six modules.
  • To gain an MSc in Strength and Conditioning, you need to complete six modules, and a dissertation of 12,000 words or a supervised experience portfolio.

Careers

Acquire the skills and knowledge required to gain employment as a sports coach

We understand the importance of ensuring that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to compete successfully in today’s challenging jobs market.

Given its emphasis on combining scientific, vocational and academic expertise within a range of different sporting areas, this programme serves as an excellent platform for a number of professional careers within sport.

Typical careers include:

  • Coaching in professional clubs (academies, centres of excellence, community coaching)
  • Personal training
  • Coaching in amateur clubs
  • Sports science support with sports governing bodies
  • Teaching
  • Sport development
  • Sports management
  • Coaching within the private school sector

Course Costs

Course Fees 2024/25

UK fee
£8,838
International fee
£16,722

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.

For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

Entry Requirements

  • An honours degree at 2:1 or higher in a related discipline. Applicants with lower degree classifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Evidence of coaching experience, normally with a minimum of UKCC Level 2, or equivalent, qualification.
  • You will be required to attend an interview.

If English is not your first language then English language proficiency required is IELTS 6.5 (with no element less than 5.5) – or equivalent qualification.

Find out more

For more information about this course, please contact Dr Jason Lake at j.lake@chi.ac.uk

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