Study our applied strength and conditioning science master’s and gain the practical skills required to be a successful strength and conditioning coach
Develop your skills as a strength and conditioning coach with our applied strength and conditioning master’s. You’ll focus on building practical skills while covering topics like:
- coaching skills
- athlete monitoring and testing
- programming training
- effective coaching in the workplace.
Pioneers in strength and conditioning
We were the first UK institution to create a degree in strength and conditioning. As a result, we are widely recognised as an international leader in strength and conditioning education.
World-class facilities and equipment
During your applied strength and conditioning science MSc, you’ll access our unrivalled sporting facilities, including the Performance Education Centre.
You will also learn using industry-relevant equipment, such as:
- GPS units
- Force Decks
- NordBord
Exceptional teaching and support
Our academics are experienced coaches and scientists whose research informs course content. The majority of staff are also accredited by the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Work placements: build professional experience
A considerable strength of the Applied Strength and Conditioning Science degree is our links to industry. You can complete work placements with one of our industry links. You could work with:
- professional sports teams and clubs
- schools and colleges
- local gyms
- CrossFit boxes / rowing clubs / scholarship athletes etc.
Alex Bliss
Subject Lead - Strength and Conditioning Science
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Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2023/24 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2024/25.
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
2:2
Previous degree
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).
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
£18,750
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
A wide variety of assessment modes are employed including practical coaching observations, critical essays, scientific reports, and presentations. No formal written examinations are included, however, there will be a large written component to the research project final report.
Modules are taught two or three hours per week in addition to an intensive teaching period at the start of the first semester.
Career opportunities
With our applied strength and conditioning science master’s, in addition to your coaching and science skill development, you will also gain essential transferrable skills, such as project management, data-handling and analysis, and interpersonal communication.
The Careers Service has more information on graduate careers and part-time work available during your course.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Applied Strength and Conditioning Science MSc include:
Apply now
September 2025
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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