This course is ideal if you are currently working with athletes and are looking to develop your professional and academic skills-set. You'll gain highly employable skills such as assessing, monitoring, interpreting and presenting performance data as well as being able to engage coach and athletes.
This course is ideal if you are currently working with athletes and are looking to develop your professional and academic skillset. The distance education mode provides the advantage for those who have limited availability to attend classes on a regular basis.
You will learn the skills you need to construct and deliver evidence-based strength and conditioning programmes and be taught how to assess, monitor, interpret and provide feedback in relation to changes in physical performance. Content delivery and assessment will enable you to competently undergo domestic and international professional accreditations within the industry, such as the UKSCA and NSCA.
Our academics are active in coaching and research as well as currently working in the high performance sport industry. This ensures that all content has been specifically designed to have practical relevance within the industry, meaning you'll be fully prepared to advance your career.
You will be learning from experienced academics who currently work in high performance sport and consult with professional organisations and national governing bodies such as; the UKSCA, Men’s and women’s Premiership football and rugby, and British Weightlifting, to name a few. This ensures that all content has been specifically designed to have practical relevance within the industry, meaning you'll be full prepared to advance your career.
You'll gain hands-on experience during a 10-day residential at the StoneX Stadium, home of the Saracens Rugby Club which will help contextualise the online content in our world-class performance laboratories.**
***Please note that the residential is optional and has no affect on your grades. The residential is planned for June 28th 2022 to July 7th 2022 (10 days).
It is strongly suggested that students attend the residential where possible, providing government restriction do not hinder attendance. Should you be unable to attend the residential for the above reason it will NOT impact your ability to complete the course and meet the learning outcomes, therefore providing you with the opportunity to graduate.
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During this master's degree, you'll undertake two core modules specific to strength and conditioning:
The core modules will cover physiological and biomechanical principles relating to developing athleticism and reducing injury. During these modules you will have an opportunity to develop your ability to critically analyse the available literature within specific topics and develop your own philosophy as to how these principles can be applied to training.
In addition to covering theoretical principles of strength and conditioning, you'll develop both inter-personal and methodological skill-sets during online seminars and residential (subject to Covid-19), which is further supported through online resources. Practical competency in the analysis and coaching of movement screening, weightlifting and speed, agility and plyometric exercises will be developed throughout this course, through various methods of interaction.
Finally, an understanding of the methodological processes behind laboratory and field-based performance testing and analysis, will also be developed.
By the end of the course, you'll be able to effectively design an evidenced-based strength and conditioning program, as well as select, administer and analyse performance testing. You'll also develop a mastery of communication and delivery of a programme to varying athletic populations for gym and field-based exercises.
This module will give you with a detailed understanding of the physiological mechanisms and biomechanical principles that govern strength and conditioning training. You'll develop your research skills so you can critically analyse journal articles, in order to design and justify your training programmes and remain abreast of scientific advancements. Finally, you’ll develop your data analysis skills so you’ll be able to investigate trends and differences in testing results and assess the reliability of protocols.
This module will support you as you critically assess athlete movement competency, both objectively and subjectively, using these skills to develop strength and conditioning programming for athlete performance. In addition, you'll gain the ability to demonstrate and coach a range of weightlifting, agility, speed and plyometric exercises.
This module will give you the relevant knowledge and skills to undertake appropriate research in strength and conditioning. You’ll learn search strategies to identify relevant literature and methods on how to critically appraise it. You’ll also cover topics such as research design, as well as selecting and conducting suitable statistical tests appropriate to the subject area.
This module gives you the opportunity to learn from practical experience. You’ll gain further knowledge and comprehension of the programme content through the application of theoretical principles. This experience will also help to develop specific competencies such as using and applying specific software and to help develop interpersonal skills.
(If you’re not already working within a field relevant to your programme of study, programme staff may be able to advise of suitable work placements, but this is not guaranteed. Should it be impossible to undertake placement due to the coronavirus, students will work towards a reflective essay aided by discussion with the mentor and theoretical learning materials which will be available on MyLearning.)
This module will utilise the skills developed from the research methods module and require you to undertake a research project, appropriate to the programme and area of practice.
This module will give you with a detailed understanding of the physiological mechanisms and biomechanical principles that govern strength and conditioning training. You'll develop your research skills so you can critically analyse journal articles, in order to design and justify your training programmes and remain abreast of scientific advancements. Finally, you’ll develop your data analysis skills so you’ll be able to investigate trends and differences in testing results and assess the reliability of protocols.
This module will support you as you critically assess athlete movement competency, both objectively and subjectively, using these skills to develop strength and conditioning programming for athlete performance. In addition, you'll gain the ability to demonstrate and coach a range of weightlifting, agility, speed and plyometric exercises.
This module will give you the relevant knowledge and skills to undertake appropriate research in strength and conditioning. You’ll learn search strategies to identify relevant literature and methods on how to critically appraise it. You’ll also cover topics such as research design, as well as selecting and conducting suitable statistical tests appropriate to the subject area.
This module gives you the opportunity to learn from practical experience. You’ll gain further knowledge and comprehension of the programme content through the application of theoretical principles. This experience will also help to develop specific competencies such as using and applying specific software and to help develop interpersonal skills.
(If you’re not already working within a field relevant to your programme of study, programme staff may be able to advise of suitable work placements, but this is not guaranteed.)
This module will utilise the skills developed from the research methods module and require you to undertake a research project, appropriate to the programme and area of practice.
See the course specification for more information:
Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we've learnt in recent years by enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning.
As part of the course, there will be a 10 day residential at the StoneX Stadium, home of the Saracens Rugby Club. This will cover essential laboratory and field-based practical skill development.
The rest of the course is delivered through online lectures, forums and tutorials with further resources provided to assist your learning.
You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including online presentations, written assignments, laboratory data reports, unseen examinations and practical demonstrations.
We have developed new approaches to teaching and learning for the 2021/22 academic year.
We are currently reviewing our approach to teaching and learning for 2022 entry and beyond. We've learned a lot about how to give you a quality education - we aim to combine the best of our in-person teaching and learning with access to online learning and digital resources which put you more in charge of when and how you study. We will keep you updated on this throughout the application process.
Your timetable will be built around on campus sessions using our professional facilities, with online sessions for some activities where we know being virtual will add value. We’ll use technology to enhance all of your learning and give you access to online resources to use in your own time.
The table below gives you an idea of what learning looks like across a typical week. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.
This information is likely to change slightly for 2022 entry as our plans evolve. You'll receive full information on your teaching before you start your course.
Learning structure: typical hourly breakdown in 2021/22 | |||
1. | Live learning | Contact time per week, per level: | 3 hours |
2. | Self-paced learning time | Average hours per week, per level: | 6.5 hours |
3. | On demand resources | Average hours per week, per level: | 3 hours |
Outside of these hours, you’ll be expected to do independent study where you read, listen and reflect on other learning activities. This can include preparation for future classes. In a year, you’ll typically be expected to commit 1200 hours to your course across all styles of learning. If you are taking a placement, you might have some additional hours.
Definitions of terms
Support
You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.
Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.
You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
This Strength and Conditioning master’s degree opens doors to a number of exciting career path, with excellent career progression opportunities.
With the ever-increasing focus in the sporting world on achieving the best results possible, strength and conditioning coaches are in high demand.
We take great pride in our graduates having found success at professional and elite organisations such as:
We continue to sustain and develop our links with professional organisations to enhance the potential career opportunities for our graduates. Further to this, you'll also be capable of establishing your own consultancy business or progressing on to additional study in the form of a PhD.
Xiang ‘Tyler’ Yao
PhD student and Strength and Conditioning Coach for Saracens Women's RFC
My time during the Strength and Conditioning master’s degree has been invaluable. The lecturers were exceptional in delivering theoretical knowledge and how this can be applied in the field. Because of this I've had opportunity to present at conferences and assist in research at international sporting events. Given the up to date content and stellar reputation of the lecturers, I highly recommend this course.
Darren Stern
Head of Academy Sport Science, Millwall FC
The Strength and Conditioning Masters at Middlesex University was an invaluable learning experience. Having a full-time role within professional football it allowed me to blend the latest research in the field to my practice. All the lecturers were excellent in delivering the theory and practice behind strength and conditioning with the ability to help me apply it within a sporting environment. I could not recommend this course highly enough. Excellent.
Rebecca Fernandes
Sport Rehabilitation Therapist
As a sports therapist, I applied to the Strength and Conditioning master’s degree to help develop my knowledge in training interventions and development of athletes. I knew this was the right place for me due to the boundless knowledge and reputation of the lecturers. From the knowledge gained, I have been able to implement my skills within academy football conducting sessions, physical testing and monitoring of maturation and growth-related injuries. Furthermore, I was privileged enough to have my dissertation accepted for publication in an international journal. I would strongly recommend this course at Middlesex University.
Jermaine McCubbine
U23 Strength and Conditioning Coach, PSV Eindhoven FC
A fantastic master’s program that really gave me the confidence, theoretical and applied knowledge to progress further in my career. The course structure and content were excellent, and I loved how they placed great emphasis on developing well rounded coaches not only with the underpinning scientific knowledge, but with great presentation and interpersonal skills which are imperative when working in a high-performance environment. I would strongly recommend any practitioner to complete their education at Middlesex University.
Josh Faga
Assistant Coach Marshall University Men's Soccer
After a decade of working in elite soccer, I was searching for my next educational challenge. The MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Middlesex University more than delivered. The course content is both extensive and intensive; covering critical topics needed to coach at the highest levels with both scientific rigor and practical application. During the 2020-21 season, our team at Marshall University won the NCAA Division I National Championship for the first time in program history. During the Championship segment, our players played 5 games in 15 days with 100% player availability and the lowest substitution rate of any team in the tournament. The course content and mentorship provided by Chris, Shyam and Sean was a critical piece of keeping our players fit and healthy. I wholeheartedly recommend the MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Middlesex University to any coach looking to improve
Tom Bromley
Lead Strength and Power Coach, Milton Keynes Dons FC
Studying while working full-time presents logistical and time management challenges. At Middlesex, the course structure was perfect for getting that valuable lecturer contact as well as allowing you to continue making ends-meat. The content was a fluid mix of theory and evidence-based practice. This has helped me greatly in real world situations, from advancing on the fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning, preparing reports/presentations, expanding my knowledge base of coaching and even exploring research opportunities. All of this coupled with highly motivated and experienced staff with a strong reputation of self-development and doing everything they can to assist each student, made it a no-brainer for me to do everything I could to get enrolled.
Josh Davies
"The MSc Strength and Conditioning at MDX provided an outstanding learning environment to develop knowledge throughout an array of applied skill sets. I cannot speak highly enough of the lecturers support, which continually ensure you are developing. It’s been truly inspiring being lectured at MDX and has led me to want to further develop into academia and be the upmost best I can be. I start my PhD in January 2022 at MDX, a decision based on the lecturers and a fantastic testament to how they have been. Thank you Middlesex."
When applying for the online distance learning programme, please ensure you choose the second row on the applicant portal
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.
Start: October 2022
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Code: PGB160, PGBA60 (PGDip)
Start: October 2022
Duration: 1 year full-time, Usually 2 years part-time
Code: PGC600
Start: September 2022
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Code: PGC60C
