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Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) BSc Honours

Gain the specialist skills, experience and contacts to pursue a career in elite-level sports
Code
CQ00
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Michael Edwards

The London Sport Institute is top in London for Sport Exercise Science and Rehabilitation – Guardian League Tables 2023.

This means we'll help you thrive in a variety of professional sports coaching roles. this course is taught by active sports professionals involved in coaching, sports rehabilitation and performance.

Why choose Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) BSc Honours at Middlesex?

Our strength and conditioning course is the ideal route into the booming sports industry. We'll equip you with the specialist skillset, self-discipline, experience and valuable industry contacts to help you find success. You’ll follow in the footsteps of graduates who have won Olympic medals and are now making an impact for organisations including Nike and Brentford FC.

In our partnership with Saracens Rugby Club, you’ll have access to the fantastic resources at StoneX Stadium, including the brand new £23 million redevelopment project of the West Stand which offers state-of-the-art facilities as a top educational and high-performance centre for teaching and research excellence. With some of the most advanced equipment in the UK, you will be able to utilise the new specialist spaces, simulation suites, specialist labs, plus much more.

What you will gain

Guided by tutors who are active sports professionals, you’ll gain an expert understanding of sports and exercise theory.

You’ll learn what it takes to push athletes to their peak potential and develop strength and conditioning programmes for sportspeople who are at the top of their profession. You’ll get to grips with everything from performance analysis and rehabilitation to strength and conditioning and physical development.

You’ll spend 50 hours each year gaining hands-on experience and developing your professional experience through work experience placements in the industry.

Our partnerships with professional sports teams such as Tottenham Hotspur and Saracens Rugby Club mean you’ll be able to build valuable professional contacts while you study.

This course offers a broad programme of study, preparing you for a range of sports and exercise science careers working with both sports teams and elite athletes, as well as with people across all levels of fitness, including young people and the elderly.

What you will learn

As well as gaining an in-depth understanding of the scientific methods of training and performance, necessary to becoming a successful Strength and Conditioning Specialist, you will also have a detailed understanding of:

  • Human structure and function with reference to exercise performance, health or movement
  • The psychology of working with those in sport
  • Techniques and procedures used to assess physical fitness and well-being
  • Research methods and processes in relation to exercise and health
  • Nutritional needs of the physically active and professional sportspeople
  • Techniques and procedures used to assess physical fitness and well-being.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • High satisfaction for staff
    97% of students were positive about the level of support from teaching staff – National Student Survey 2023 (NSS)
  • Use a range of equipment and facilities
    Our modern facilities at StoneX Stadium include research labs, rehabilitation, conditioning, and health and fitness suites
  • Learn from industry experts
    Our staff are active sports professionals. Many are involved in coaching, sport massage and sport performance and maintain close links with industry

Study at our world-class facilities: The London Sports Institute


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You will study the full spectrum of sport and exercise science theory, including the methods of enhancing sports performance, the scientific methods of enquiry and knowledge of the human response to exercise. A large part of your studies will be practice-based at our StoneX Stadium, home of Saracens Rugby Club, and you will take part in 150 hours of clinical practice throughout your degree (50 hours per year).

Year 1

This aims to supply you with fundamental sports and exercise science knowledge. You'll achieve this through gaining a range of specialised practical and laboratory skills, underpinning the ability to plan, develop and implement solutions to a variety of sporting problems.

Year 2

This year aims to build on core theories and examine your ability to apply knowledge in a variety of practical tasks. An emphasis on research skills will support critical thinking and support you to formulate an individual research project.

Year 3

You'll work collaboratively with peers, industry professionals and athletes to apply advanced sports and exercise science principles. To be effective, you'll have to critically review literature independently, applying best practice to holistically improve sporting performance.

The opportunity to gain industry-specific work placements during this year will develop essential skills in the professional domain.

Modules

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Fundamentals of Research Methods in Sport & Exercise Science (15 credits)

      This module will provide a broad understanding and the fundamental knowledge of the key academic skills required for you to successfully complete your undergraduate degree. You will know the underlying core and theoretical frameworks for research methods and academic writing by demonstrating your understanding of data collection and analysis, literature, sourcing literature, the components of research and by identifying strengths and weaknesses.

    • Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning (15 credits)

      On completion of this module, students will gain an understanding of aspects of strength and conditioning for a range of sports performers. Students will develop their knowledge by examining the principles and concepts of training theory from a variety of sources. By understanding these broad principles, students will become proficient in training, planning and practically be able to execute a simple movement screen to highlight functional strengths and weaknesses, as well as performing weightlifting derivatives and plyometric exercises.

    • Movement Analysis (15 credits)

      This module aims to provide students with a broad knowledge of anatomy to develop an understanding of the principals of movement. Students will explore the function of the skeletal system and identify the joints range of movement and type structuring the human skeleton. This will provide a platform to understanding how bones interact with muscles in order to produce primary movement at joints. Students can then utilise the knowledge gained and apply this to advancing their coaching skills across a wide range of sports.

    • Fundamentals of Training Principles in Sport and Exercise (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to introduce the underlying theoretical frameworks of health and fitness, to provide students with the confidence and practical skills to deliver effective training sessions. Students will develop their coaching knowledge through a variety of topics, ranging from the benefits and risks of physical activity, the development and maintenance of health, fitness, and understand how to optimise and monitor sports performance. The theoretical sessions will support students to undertake complex and routine practical performance tasks, orientated around developing effective coaching skills, both on an individual and group basis.

    • Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)

      To introduce and apply key scientific concepts and principles across the three main sports science disciplines of physiology, psychology and biomechanics. Students will gain a broad understanding of human movement, physiological mechanisms that underpin these movements and core psychological concepts that affect health and sporting performance. Students will learn how to work effectively in a team by carrying out practical investigations in all three sport and exercise disciplines.

    • Made in Middlesex Expansion Module (Cognitive Me) (15 credits)

      This module is aimed at transforming the personal and professional outcomes of undergraduate students at Middlesex University. By working in partnership within and beyond sporting disciplines, learners will be challenged to transfer skills and harness free-thinking knowledge from a range of inter-related sectors. Utilising multi-department collaboration, students will harness expansive information from experts within Support and Wellbeing, Employability, Learning Enhancement and the Students Union through a practice-oriented educational environment. Through applying broader educational principles, students will have new opportunities to develop innovative skills that inspire a life-long aptitude for individually and co-operatively solving problems within inclusive socio-economic development, the sustainability of communities and the underlying concepts of equity, health and wellbeing.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Research Methods (15 Credits)

      This module will provide the students with the skills to analyse a range of academic information, comparing alternative methods and techniques. This will involve them collecting and synthesising this information to inform a subject specific research question. The student will have knowledge of well-established research methods and concepts evidenced by the awareness of inconsistencies, gaps, and limitations within literature.

    • Applied Strength and Conditioning (30 credits)

      This module will provide students with a detailed knowledge of well-established concepts within human movement and programming skills. This allows them to identify and produce effective training programmes from a range of sources to allow athletes to be monitored, tested and communicated to appropriately.

      Furthermore, an understanding of how to collect and synthesise information related to movement patterning to avoid injury and maximise performance are key skills. This allows students to interact effectively with a team and provide feedback applicably to athletes and coaches.

    • Applied Sport and Exercise Science (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to provide detailed knowledge of key biomechanical, physiological and psychological theories and concepts that can affect sport and exercise.

      You will explore the mechanical basis of human movement, develop your understanding of the chronic physiological adaptations to sport and exercise and learn how to optimise performance through psychological techniques.

      You will interact effectively within a team to gather data and be required to interpret and analyse their findings in the form of a scientific report.

    • Applied Performance Analysis (15 credits)

      This module will provide students with a detailed theoretical knowledge of performance analysis concepts and practical skills to prepare them for work in an applied performance analysis environment.

      Learning to collect, analyse and present relevant performance-related data to understand how performance analysis can be utilised in sport.

      They will learn the roles and responsibilities of the performance analyst developing and adapting interpersonal and communication skills to a range of sporting scenarios and audiences.

    • Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition (15 credits)

      The aim of this module is to provide detailed knowledge of key concepts and theories of sport and exercise nutrition that can influence sporting performance.

      You will explore the physiological and biochemical basis of sport and exercise nutrition and develop your understanding of applied strategies to enable an adaptation in sporting performance.

    • Made in Middlesex Expansion Module (Associative Me) (15 Credits)

      This module builds on the personal and professional outcomes of undergraduate students that were secured at level 4. By continuing to work beyond sporting disciplines, learners will be challenged to provide opinions and back this up with reasoning and evidence throughout a range of inter-related sectors. Utilising multi-department collaboration, students will appraise, assess and critique the information from subject experts within Support and Wellbeing, Employability, Learning Enhancement and the Students Union.

      Through comparing broader educational principles, students will further develop innovative skills that inspire a life-long aptitude for individually and co-operatively solving problems within inclusive socio-economic development, the sustainability of communities and the underlying concepts of equity, health and wellbeing.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Dissertation (30 credits)

      This module aims to synthesise existing learning from the students' undergraduate programme, providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth.

      It fosters academic curiosity; requiring students to use an inquiry-based approach, for the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of higher level of theorising.

      Students will select a topic relevant to their degree on which they wish to undertake a substantial in-depth study. Students will judge the reliability, validity and significance of the evidence to support conclusions and/or recommendations.

    • Advanced Strength and Conditioning (30 credits)

      This module will develop student’s systematic understanding through a wide knowledge base of principles used within the strength and conditioning field. Equally, students will seek to apply knowledge to use up to date equipment and techniques, which can be used to critically analyse performance and evaluate the outcomes. Students will analyse data using a range of established subject-specific techniques and provide output data that is effective in various professional situations.

    • Work Based Practice (30 credits)

      This module develops the student’s ability to apply the in-depth knowledge and skills gained from prior learning in relation to a professional practice environment. Students will be required to reflect and evaluate their working practice and be able to adopt a problem-solving approach to practice and a working environment. Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation Pathway only There is a compulsory placement module where students will be encouraged to seek short term (minimum of 400 hours) of work experience in a suitable Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation environment; this should be supervised by a suitably qualified practitioner (certified and registered/insured with a professional body; Sports Rehabilitator, Sports Therapist, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Sports Medicine doctor, or equivalent, dictated by the programme leader).

      Sport and Exercise Science (PE&C and S&C) There is a compulsory placement module where students will be encouraged to seek short term (minimum of 100-hours) of work experience in a suitable Sport and Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning,  PE and Coaching environment determined by your programme; this should be supervised by a suitably qualified practitioner. Suitability of the placement and supervisor is dictated by the programme leader.

    • Advanced Sports and Exercise Science (30 credits)

      This module develops advanced sport science concepts in an interdisciplinary method. Students will examine and analyse their role in optimising sports performance and/or health in a field setting. Students must demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of how the theoretical principles of coaching, biomechanics, physiology, psychology and strength and conditioning can be integrated and applied to working with a client in the field. This module will enable students to experience and apply appropriate interdisciplinary knowledge, tools and procedures in working with both elite athletes and general populations.

To find out more about this highly regarded course, please download the Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) BSc (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Coursework and assessment

Facilities

Our sport and exercise science facilities are based nearby to our Hendon campus in StoneX Stadium, offering unique access to elite athletes and coaches.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

An athlete running in front of motion capture cameras

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the BSc Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) support your career?

There is a wide range of career opportunities for our graduates across the spectrum of sport, health and fitness.

Graduate job roles

Upon graduating, you could find yourself working in the following:

  • Health and fitness club management
  • Fitness consultancy
  • Weight management
  • Health promotion
  • Personal fitness training
  • Corporate health advice
  • Sports or physical activity development
  • Medical sales, and the armed forces
  • Teaching and research.

Graduate employers

These are some of the companies are graduates have gone on to work for:

  • Nike
  • Brentford FC
  • KX Gym
  • Manor Health & Leisure
  • Willesden Sports Centre.

Further training

You could also continue your professional studies by taking a British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) training programme to qualify as an accredited sport and exercise scientist.

You can also take further studies to become a physiotherapist or sports rehabilitator.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money 2023 and a top 10 university for producing CEOs (Novuana, 2023).

MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Work placements

Placements are excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience. You will spend 50 hours per year on placement each year. And we will help you secure suitable placements with sports clubs, University sports clubs, local sports development projects, charities, fitness centres and schools. Our specialist employability service will also help you find placement opportunities.

We encourage students to complete relevant CPD courses to enhance their learning which can be used towards their portfolio.

  1. UK entry
  2. International
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

  • Jacob Waldron

    Sport and Exercise Science BSc student

    I have enjoyed the practical elements of the course; like undertaking and learning how to administer laboratory fitness tests. It's also great having the opportunity to choose your own pathway in the 3rd year; to focus your attention on specific areas you wish to specialise in.

    I am passionate about continuing my professional development in the sports industry, working my way up to taking a key role within an organisation such as Sport England. I am currently employed by England Athletics, the National Governing Body for Athletics on a part-time basis, as a 'Run England Activator' for South West London; actively engaging the community into recreational running in line with the National project to get the whole nation running.


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.

Other courses

Sport and Exercise Science BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Code: C615

Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching) BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Code: C60F

Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation BSc Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Code: C604

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