Strength and Conditioning (Distance Learning) induction information

About your programme

Module information

You’ll complete your course one block or ‘semester’ at a time. In each semester you’ll study modules. Some are core modules you have to take – others you’ll be able to choose between when you arrive, personalising the course to your interests.

In your first semester you will study the following modules:

• Biomechanics and Skill Acquisition in Strength and Conditioning 

Biomechanics and Skill Acquisition in Strength and Conditioning

The aim of this module is for you to critically evaluate the application of biomechanical and skill acquisition principles and evidence to strength and conditioning practice.

Lectures include:

• Force and Motion
• Elastic properties
• Joint Biomechanics
• Speed, Acceleration, and Maximal Sprinting
• Economy of Movement
• Theories of Motor Control
• Models of Motor Learning
• Constraints-led Approach.
• Physiology of Training 

Physiology of Training

Provide you with advanced theoretical knowledge and understanding of the physiological consequences of athletic training and how this information may be applied to enhance specific performance characteristics.

Lectures include:

• The physiology of:
  • The weightlifter
  • The sprinter
  • The Team-sport athlete
  • The Endurance athlete
• Adaptations to strength and endurance training
• Recovery Strategies
• Concurrent training
• Environmental physiology.
• Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice 

Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice

This module will equip you with the necessary tools to independently examine scientific literature, critically evaluate information, make judgements based on incomplete evidence and understand the scope for evidence to inform practice. 

It will give you a deep understanding of the complexities of research design, data collection, analysis and dissemination and the extent to which these issues influence the meaning and value of evidence.

Lectures include:

• What is Science?
• Hierarchy of Evidence
• Descriptive research and statistics
• Cause and Effect
• Hypothesis Testing
• Storytelling with Data.
• Credits: 20
• Programme Design, Planning and Monitoring 

Programme Design, Planning and Monitoring

This module will critically evaluate the principal issues in designing and monitoring strength and conditioning programmes for enhancement of sports performance. This includes a multidisciplinary approach to programme design and evaluation.

Lectures include:

• Needs Analysis
• Testing and Monitoring
• Injury Risk screening
• Planning the week
• Annual Plan
• Tapering
• Case Studies.
• Topical Issues in Strength and Conditioning Science 

Topical Issues in Strength and Conditioning Science

The aim of this module is to develop a broad and critical understanding of the wider areas of knowledge and current research that may have a direct impact on athletic performance and consequently also strength and conditioning practice.

Lectures Include:

• Rehabilitation
• Aetiology of Injury
• Blood Flow Restriction
• Nature versus Nurture
• Velocity-Based Training
• Eccentric Training.
• Independent Project 

Independent Project

In this module, you will apply advanced independent critical thinking to a specific topic in strength and conditioning, to enable the development of new knowledge.

It will give you the requisite knowledge and skills to plan and design an original high-quality research study independently, and communicate the findings to others.

Please note: this is a core module for MSc students, but is not available to PGDip and PGCert students.

• Credits: 60

Further information about the structure of your course can be found within the programme specification document.