Strength and Conditioning

• This course will prepare you for a wide range of strength and conditioning careers as you will gain knowledge on programme design and delivery, data handling and hands-on experience with specialist equipment
• Be taught by staff with a strong expertise in this area, with various strong industry links that will aid your learning
• Embedded with real-world learning, you will be able to put theoretical and technical knowledge into practice
• The course content reflects industry requirements from the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and International University Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA) accreditation criteria, so you can work towards accreditation as an applied practitioner

Stand out from the crowd

Throughout this course, you will gain skills and knowledge related to the scientific underpinning of strength and conditioning training practices, as well as experience using a range of specialist equipment, developing programme designs and delivery, and data handling skills. You will be exposed to real-world learning environments to provide first-hand experience of how these can be applied when working directly with clients.

A key element of the programme is the hands-on experience that you will get with a range of specialist equipment in and around the Human Performance Unit in line with industry requirements. Due to the applied nature of the course, you will become proficient in the use of force plates, linear positional transducers, surface electromyography, GPS monitoring, performance testing, and data handling.

Professional mentors experienced at working in applied settings will support you during your studies as you gain experience as a practitioner in your chosen discipline.

The programme brings in modern elements of technology so that you graduate with the most up-to-date information, and is committed to continually reviewing how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) may potentially influence the role of the strength and conditioning practitioner and consider how AI-related tools may be ethically used within the profession.

By the time you graduate from this course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective design, communication and implementation of strength and conditioning interventions underpinned by scientific theory in a practical setting
• Demonstrate data processing, analysis and reporting skills using a range of systems and techniques
• Evidence a practical understanding of the implications of research and/or theory in the field of applied strength and conditioning
• Show comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current theories and contemporary issues in applied strength and conditioning.

Expert Staff

You will be taught by academics who have a range of industry-specific expertise, including operating as strength and conditioning practitioners within professional sport, for the emergency services, and working privately on a self-employed basis. Our teaching team are research active, helping to ensure that taught content is evidence-based and industry relevant. Their teaching will be supported by a range of high-quality physical resources that will facilitate effective applied practice across the programme, including specialist spaces like the Human Performance Unit.

Benefit from strong industry links

The needs and opinions of employers have been taken into consideration in the design, content and delivery of this programme. You will have the opportunity to gain valuable industry-relevant work experience with a range of external and in-house placement opportunities to further develop your applied skills and to evidence experience to potential future employers. You will be able to use our organisation links to find a placement opportunity and also employment post-programme. The following list of organisations provides examples of where previous internship and placement opportunities have been offered to Sport and Exercise students:

• Leicester Tigers RFU
• Derby County FC
• Nottingham Forest FC
• Hull City FC
• Sheffield United FC
• West Bromwich Albion FC
• Aston Villa FC
• Derbyshire County Cricket Club
• Nottingham County Cricket Club
• Derventio eXcel Elite Swimming
• Active Derbyshire
• Derbyshire Institute of Sport
• University of Derby Human Performance Unit

Excellent Facilities

You will develop skills and conduct research in our exceptional sport and exercise facilities, boasting the latest equipment and software for measuring performance, movement, health and fitness. Our laboratories are of such a high standard that they have even been used by Derby County FC for pre-season training programmes.

Our facilities include physiology laboratories, a strength and conditioning facility and a performance suite for biomechanics.

In order to obtain the MSc award, you must complete 180 credits. If you are interested in graduating with a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), you can after completing 60 credits of your choice via the selection of three out of the four 20 credit module. To obtain the Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) award, you would need to complete 120 credits by studying all modules except the Independent Research in Sport and Exercise module.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

The programme focuses on both students’ professional and personal development and, therefore, the next generation of creative, effective, and well-prepared practitioners who will positively impact the industry. The programme also opens doors as it represents an integrated learning opportunity that supports students to build on their prior knowledge through postgraduate study, and beyond to applied training.

Some modules use a more traditional method of learning and teaching however there will be many practical sessions based in our specialist laboratories and sports centre. All modules offered on the programme are based on the standard 20 credit module, or multiples thereof, where 20 credits reflect 200 learning hours encompassing engagement with study materials, participation in interactive activities, directed reading, self-directed reading, reflection and preparation for assessment.

The Independent Research in Sport and Exercise module forms a considerable part of the programme. Conducting the project will provide you with practical, technical and analytical skills. By being largely self-directed, you will develop a number of skills transferable to employment, such as project management, independent thinking, the exercise of initiative and decision making.

Upon enrolment, you will be allocated an academic tutor who will act as an academic counsellor to provide support and guidance throughout your studies.

How you will be assessed

You will be required to demonstrate advanced knowledge, systematic understanding, critical awareness, a comprehensive understanding of techniques, critical evaluation and/or original application of knowledge. Assessments will require you to integrate knowledge and skills acquired in taught sessions with substantial additional information and evidence they have identified using your research literacy skills.

Learning and teaching methods will vary between modules and could include:

• written essays
• reports
• case studies
• oral presentations
• viva-voce examination
• practical skill assessments
• formative assessments including peer reviews, self-tests, class discussions and presentations

The programme offers an industry and research-informed curriculum designed to develop your knowledge, technical capacity, and applied skills as a strength and conditioning practitioner, incorporating both placement activity and a significant research project. The breadth and depth of content will prepare you for further training and a variety of careers within strength and conditioning.

Once you graduate from this programme, you will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of roles within sport and exercise science and strength and conditioning. Potential roles include that of an applied sport scientist or strength and conditioning coach with a professional athlete or sports team, or those within exercise and health i.e., promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles in the wider society.

The programme will also develop research skills, meaning you are ready for a career in research and understand the importance of research in applied practice. You could pursue a doctoral programme of study, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.  You will also build competencies in data processing, analysis, and interpretation using specialised software and the use of digital platforms like Microsoft Teams, to ensure your skills are in line with contemporary expectations for digital requirements in sport and exercise science.

The programme has been developed with industry-level qualifications in mind, and you may wish to pursue accreditation with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and/or the International University Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).

Entry requirements for UK students: You will usually need an upper second class honours degree at undergraduate level, in a related subject. You may be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to commencing your placement should it be required for the nature of the work conducted. Information regarding this requirement will be provided in the applicant’s offer letter and it is their responsibility to obtain the DBS check (or international equivalent) if needed before placement activity can commence.

Entry requirements for EU/international students: International students should have the above or an international equivalent. If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS qualifications of 6.5, with no lower than 6.0 in each category. We also recommend that if you are an international student that would like to undertake placements with organisations like the NHS, working with vulnerable populations, that you obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct before arriving in the UK. If you're an international student and want to improve your English language skills before you start your course, the Derby English Language Centre's pre-sessional English course can help you.

If you're an international student and want to improve your English language skills before you start your course, the Derby English Language Centre's pre-sessional English course can help you.

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you'll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.