Strength and Conditioning MSc
Study level: Postgraduate
This exciting Master’s focuses on an evidence-based approach to understanding the science of strength training and the application of strength and conditioning in enhancing human performance.
Year of entry
2023-24
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Online/Blended
Duration
1 year full-time
Course code
HLST205
Start date
September 2023
The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.
Course overview
This exciting Master’s focuses on an evidence-based approach to understanding the science of strength training and the application of strength and conditioning in enhancing human performance.
Successful completion of the MSc in Strength and Conditioning course will equip you with the key underpinning scientific knowledge, skills, and professional competencies commonly required to be a Strength and Conditioning Coach.
- Designed to enable you to evidence attainment of the professional standards required by a Graduate Strength and Conditioning Coach.
- Aims to provide you with the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required to enhance human performance across a range of domains (sport, occupational, health) using exercise training.
- Develop expert knowledge, understanding and practical ability to develop strength and conditioning programmes and monitor and evaluate their effectiveness on the human body.

Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this course
This course is designed to equip you with the advanced knowledge, understanding and skills to become a professional strength and conditioning coach. You should be able to use exercise training to enhance human performance across a range of domains – sport, occupational and health.
- Upon success completion, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to apply for accreditation with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA), as well as certification with the USA based National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) upon graduation (additional fees are payable to UKSCA and NCSA for accreditation/certification)1.
- Expert guest lecturers (subject to availability), which in the past have included sports medicine, health and wellness, sport psychology and sport performance complement staff expertise2.
- The current staff team teaching this course include people who provide strength and conditioning support to professional sporting organisations and/or hold positions within UKSCA and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
- This course has a strong practice-based element; you will have the opportunity to engage in practical application of strength and conditioning in individual and team sport settings.
Accreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute
The course currently includes the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited1 module, Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Please visit the CMI website for full details on the CMI accreditation.
More than just a degree
The course has proved to be engaging, challenging and real-world applicable. The tutors and support network here at Coventry University have been excellent at providing help towards internships and future prospects. If I or my classmates ever have any queries or questions, they are always on hand to give answers and help push you to know more.

What you'll study
Core subject areas covered in the course include: performance physiology, biomechanics, sports injuries, corrective exercises, recovery strategies, and strength and conditioning practice.
Through the course of your year’s study, you will be provided with the opportunity to develop several key skills you will need to be an effective strength and conditioning practitioner. This will include the ability to be an effective communicator. In addition, you will be encouraged to take an analytical and flexible approach to problem-solving.
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
Our aim is to effectively prepare you for professional employment, so we focus on providing enhanced practical and professional skills through a combination of methods:
- Face-to-face lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Practical lab work
- Field sessions
- Case studies
You will also be supported through a range of online activities such as:
- Online tutorials
- Discussion boards
- Online lectures
- Online problem-based learning
Teaching contact hours
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 16 contact hours per week.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Coursework assignments
- Oral presentations
- Video presentations
- A practical portfolio
- Dissertation
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
2023/24 Tuition fees
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £11,200 per year | Not available |
International | £18,600 per year | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
As part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, this course will take place at our Coventry University main campus and has access to the state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building which features a number of innovative classrooms and facilities4.
The Alison Gingell building features an indoor running track, a custom strength and conditioning facility and extensive exercise science laboratories.
Careers and opportunities
This course aims to equip you with knowledge and professionalism for a variety of health and fitness related careers such as: Strength and Conditioning Coach, Fitness Manager for sports teams, Performance Manager, Exercise/physical activity referral officer, Health and fitness industry and Health Promotion.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of strength and conditioning as a profession, including its theoretical scientific underpinning and limitations.
- Design, deliver, and continuously evaluate strength and conditioning programmes to enable a broad range of individuals to achieve their performance-orientated goal.
- Critically apply evidenced-based practice to ‘real world’ questions, different multi-disciplinary situations, and global contexts.
- Understand the current professional context, ethical issues, and impact of diversity, as they affect current practice within the strength and conditioning industry.
- Employ evidence-based reasoning to examine practical, theoretical, and ethical issues associated with strength and conditioning.
- Find, critically analyse and present scientific information to both expert and non-expert recipients.
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates have secured employment in a range of professional sports clubs including Ospreys Rugby, Aston Villa FC, Kent County Cricket, West Bromwich Albion FC, Coventry City FC, Swansea City FC or Wasps Rugby. Others have worked on the WTA Tennis Tour. Previous graduates have also worked for Institutes of Sport, completed a PhD and work in research and higher education or work in business in the health and fitness sector.
How to apply
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UK students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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International students
Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
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