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Strength and Conditioning (Distance Learning) MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Start date

September

Previous degree

2:2

Distance learning available

Yes

Student visa accepted?

No

Duration

2-5 years (full-time)

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The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 10 for Student ExperienceThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 5 for Teaching Quality

Boost your coaching potential with our innovative Strength and Conditioning Master’s

  • International leader in strength and conditioning education
  • Course designed to allow full-time coaches to study around their busy schedules
  • Gain a PGCert qualification with three modules and a PGDip with six modules
  • Unrivalled £250,000 performance education centre facility

Learn practical and coaching skills to further your career with our practical Strength and Conditioning Master’s. In this degree you will cover topics like:

  • coaching skills
  • training exercises and interventions
  • the biomechanics and physiology of human performance
  • short and long-term training programming
  • evidence-based research skills.

This Master’s programme is perfect for those already working full-time in industry and wish the further their Strength and Conditioning coaching and programming knowledge to further their career.

Pioneers in strength and conditioning

We are 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 an online part-time Strength and Conditioning MSc.

Study around your commitments

The delivery of this course is designed to allow full-time coaches to study around their busy schedules. This degree is taught online through pre-recorded lectures and online seminars.

We have only two onsite periods a year. We have our induction weekend (two days in late August or early September) where we introduce students to the course and their modules. We also have our summer onsite (mid-June) which consists of all our onsite lectures, practicals and onsite assessments. This can last from five to 10 days depending on which modules you are taking.

PGCert and PGDip

You can achieve the following qualifications by taking the following number of modules:

PGCert – 3 modules

PGDip – 6 modules

These modules cannot include the dissertation module SAC7107 Independent Project.

State-of-the-art facilities

We have recently invested £250,000 into a Performance Education Centre unrivalled as a strength and conditioning education facility.

You’ll also access our world-class sporting facilities, including our:

phil-price

Dr Phil Price

Senior Lecturer - Strength and Conditioning Science, and Biomechanics

Upcoming webinars and events

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Postgraduate events

Join us at a postgraduate event

Course content

Modules

Modules are studied in the order listed below:

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Entry requirements

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

2:2

Previous degree

Additional requirement information

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.

For non-degree entrance, you will also have to write an essay and submit this along with your application. Find out more about the entrance essays.

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.

 

International Requirements

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.

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

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Fees & funding

September 2025

Home

£11,910

International

£11,910

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage

Alumni discount

A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.

Funding

You can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.

Home and international students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.

How the degree is taught

Assessment methods

Non-traditional modes of assessment include the posting of video blogs, practical coaching vivas, lab report (timed) and production of a website. Traditional modes of assessment include essays, case studies, presentations and viva voce examination.

Career opportunities

With our online Strength and Conditioning master’s, you will develop essential transferrable skills, such as teamwork, strategy, and resilience.

Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Strength and Conditioning (Distance Learning) MSc, PGDip, PGCert include:

coachphysiologistpersonal trainerathletic directorphysical therapist

Apply now

PGDip applications for 2025/26 are not yet open. Register your interest now.

September 2025

More from St Mary's

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We have a range of webinars and events to help you decide whether St Mary's is the place for you.

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Discover what life is like on our London campus.

Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.