MSc Strength and Conditioning
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MSc
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
School of Health and Society
How long will I study?
One year, Two year, Three year
Overview
This course offers a strong practice-based element, enabling you to develop the necessary skills for leadership roles in the field. Theoretical content is available online, allowing flexibility in your studies. You'll have the opportunity to apply your learning to your current job, utilizing case studies from your area of practice. Our staff are experts in strength and conditioning, often collaborating with professional sports teams and individual athletes.
This programme was the first postgraduate programme in Europe to receive international recognition through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP).
You will:
- Gain a higher degree that will qualify you for a lead role in strength and conditioning.
- Develop the ability to critically evaluate the scientific principles and theories of athletic screening, and a clear understanding of the science behind performance measurement.
- Develop a critical understanding of the current scientific principles, concepts and theories of strength and conditioning and its real-life application.
- Undertake an in-depth, evidence-based exploration of a key area relevant to your own practice.
Course recognition
This is for you if...
You want to take a lead role in the field of strength and conditioning.
You are a strong communicator with great interpersonal skills.
You want to help improve the lives of others.
How you learn
Future careers
With the skills you'll learn in this course, you can take a lead role in strength and conditioning and make a difference in the training of your clients. This course will significantly increase your chances of getting a high-profile role in a top-flight sport.
Graduates are now employed in Premier League and Championship football and Paralympic weightlifting. Some graduates have also progressed to lecturing and doctoral-level study.
Jessica studied the MSc Strength and Conditioning after graduating from our BSc Sports Science course. She is now a strength and conditioning coach at Cheadle Hulme School, where she leads the elite sports and high-performance programmes. She is also the lead strength and conditioning coach and sports scientist at Manchester City Women's FC U14 and U16s.
Career Links
This course has been developed to include the key competencies identified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA).
Modules
The MSc course is offered on both a full-time (one year) and part-time (two or three years) basis.
The full-time course runs over three academic semesters (October through to September the following year), while giving you the chance to exit with the following awards:
- Postgraduate Certificate: completion of one module
- Postgraduate Diploma: completion of two modules
- Master's: completion of two modules plus a dissertation
The part-time course can be studied over two or three years, with the final module of the two-year option taught over the summer.
Two-year option
- Year 1 (Semester one and two): Postgraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (60 credits)
- Year 2 (Semester one and two): Postgraduate Certificate in Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement (60 credits)
- Year 2 (Semester three - summer): Research Project (Dissertation)
Three-year option
- Year 1 (Semester one and two): Postgraduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (60 credits)
- Year 2 (Semester one and two): Postgraduate Certificate in Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement (60 credits)
- Year 3 (Semester one and two): Research Project (Dissertation)
In order to achieve an award of MSc Strength and Conditioning, you must successfully complete the modules Strength and Conditioning and Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement, along with producing a thesis for the dissertation module.
Modules
Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement – 60 credits
You will develop the ability to critically evaluate the scientific principles and theories of athletic screening and gain a clear understanding of the science behind performance measurement, along with appropriate interpretation of those measurements.
You will learn to apply these in a real-world context. You will experience carrying out a systematic and structured group or individual project. This will further develop your critical evaluation and research skills in relation to your own professional practice and includes dissemination of research and good practice.
Strength and Conditioning – 60 credits
You will develop a critical understanding of the current scientific principles, concepts, and theories of strength and conditioning and its real-life application. Through a series of keynote lectures and online material, you will gain greater insight into all aspects of athletic development, including nutritional and psychological considerations.
This course also considers long-term athlete development and special populations. This will include ‘real-life’ practical application in relation to optimising athletic development.
Research Project – 60 credits
You will undertake an in-depth, evidence-based exploration of a key area relevant to your own practice; this is a substantial, independent research project. Many of our students have gone on to publish their research with the support and guidance of our expert staff.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicant profile
This course is aimed at a wide range of sports professionals, including sports science graduates, chiropractors, osteopaths, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, sports therapists, sports rehabilitators, sports medicine physicians, and physical education teachers.
This course has been developed to be accessible to individuals already working within the field of strength and conditioning, or those working towards full-time employment within the field. It is essential that you have access to athletes so that you can effectively evaluate their training and performance and implement appropriate interventions, as this forms part of the assessments for some modules.
You will need access to an athlete or group of athletes to use as case studies to apply the theory you have learned to practice. You will need to be able to effectively evaluate their treatment and training and implement appropriate interventions, as this forms part of the assessments for some modules.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
BSc (Hons) graduates with an appropriate sports or exercise related subject area (Physiotherapy, Sports Rehabilitation, Sports Therapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Sports Medicine Physician). Prospective students will normally be required to have achieved a 2.1 Honours degree, but consideration will be given to students with a 2.2 Honours degree with appropriate experience and satisfactory references.
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Fees and funding
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,360 per year |
| Part-time | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,520 per year |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
How to apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: