MSc Strength and Conditioning

Overview & facilities

The Strength and Conditioning Masters at Middlesex in London gives sports graduates the opportunity to distinguish themselves by gaining a detailed understanding of evidence-based, sport-specific training interventions. Based at our Hendon Campus in London, students benefit from some of the UK's most innovative teaching and equipment, receiving coaching in areas ranging from plyometrics to weightlifting, speed and agility.

The Strength and Conditioning Masters at Middlesex in London aims to facilitate accreditation from reputable awarding bodies including the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA).

Course highlights

• Excellent preparation for UKSCA Accreditation; students already accredited will be able to claim accreditation for prior experiential learning (APEL)
• Teaching staff are highly qualified and experienced within the field of Strength and Conditioning and currently provide athlete support across a range of sports.
• The University boasts an impressive research laboratory and new Strength and Conditioning gym for athlete testing and training.

Listen to the course introduction

Content & modules

This will include the assessment and evaluation of athletes and athletic performance; and the evaluation of the physiological, biomechanical, nutritional and psychological demands of sports in relation to training and the development of strength and conditioning programmes. The programme will not only focus on evidence based practice, but also the application to a range of sports.

Full-time (12 months) October-May one day per week; June- September Research and Dissertation.

Students will be expected to complete additional independent study and Research

Students will be assessed by a range of modes including practical assessments, case studies, critical reviews, essays, presentations, examinations and a dissertation.

Modules

• Year 1

  Advanced Strength and Conditioning Training (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide the students with a detailed understanding of the physiological mechanisms and principles of training used within strength and conditioning programmes. It also aims to develop the students research skills so as they may critically analyse research in order to design and justify their conditioning programmes and remain abreast of scientific advancements. The module also aims to develop the student s practical skills essential to communication, coaching and technique demonstration. Finally, this module aims to facilitate the students through the certification requirements of the UKSCA and NSCA

  Applied Physiological and Biomechanical Assessment (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide the students with the ability to critically evaluate the validity and reliability of a wide variety of tests across the many parameters of athletic performance. In addition, it aims to facilitate the student s ability to select and administer these tests, demonstrating a high level of accuracy and mastery in interpretation of data. Finally, it aims to develop the student s ability to design sport-specific testing circuits and subsequent training programmes based on the collected data.

  Biometric Modelling and Performance Profiling (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide the students with the ability to undertake a technical analysis of sports performance. Students will also learn how to design and analyse technique in relation to an applied problem. With experience of a number of different software platforms they will have a good understanding of the different analysis techniques possible and know which software packages are suitable for undertaking different types of technique analysis.

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  To support students to undertake research, with a focus appropriate to their programme and area of practice and building upon the research proposal formulated in SES4430. To create a peer learning community for students to critically support each other in the research process To provide guidance, additional to that provided by the students supervisors, on matters of ethical application, research methods, data collection, analysis and writing-up.

  Movement Analysis and Corrective Exercise (30 Credits) - Optional

  Facilitate the students with the ability to critically assess movement impairment and construct validated corrective exercise programmes. Assist students to develop a critical analysis of research pertaining to corrective exercise and movement impairment. To offer the student the opportunity to become a Corrective Exercise Specialist CES through the National Academy of Sport Medicine NASM

  Psychology of Elite Performance (30 Credits) - Optional

  Research Methods (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is designed to provide a critical overview of the main methods and approaches used for research into topics areas related to psychology and performance analysis, and to equip the student to apply this knowledge in the planning a research proposal. The module affords students opportunities to appraise the strengths and weaknesses of published work in their specialist area, or in health care in general. Students will learn in groups and will explore philosophical, ethical and methodological differences which underpin various approaches to knowledge generation that can inform health care work. Interprofessional workshops will allow the student to develop a research proposal, to consider its adequacy and limitations, and justify the approach taken.

 Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree (2.2 or above).

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

Applying

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. Apply now

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MSc Strength and Conditioning for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £6,000
Part-time students: £50 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students:£93 per taught credit

Careers & placements

Opportunities exist as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the governing bodies of most sporting organisations along with organisations such a The English Institute of Sport. Graduates will also be capable of establishing their own consultancy business or progressing on to additional study/research including MPhil/PhD.