MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers an cutting-edge MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science program, designed to cultivate successful strength and conditioning coaches with both practical expertise and scientific acumen. Recognized as a front-runner in strength and conditioning education, St. Mary's was the first UK institution to offer an undergraduate degree in the field and has an international reputation for excellence. This postgraduate degree provides students with in-depth knowledge of human performance, focusing on areas such as coaching skills, athlete monitoring, testing, and programming training. The program places a strong emphasis on practical application and evidence-based approaches, leveraging the university's state-of-the-art £250,000 Performance Education Centre and industry-standard equipment, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for elite sport and other high-performance environments.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science is highly practical and scientifically rigorous. Core modules typically include "Coaching Skills for Strength and Conditioning," a double-credit module focusing on developing practical coaching skills for various movements (sprinting, agility, plyometrics, Olympic lifting, resistance training); "Applying Strength and Conditioning in Industry," a placement-based module; "Testing, Programming, and Monitoring for Strength and Conditioning," another double-credit module covering scientific skills for applied sport, including assessment methodologies and training monitoring using equipment like GPS units and Force Decks. Other core components include "Advanced Statistics" and a significant "Research Project," allowing students to develop advanced research skills and conduct independent, publication-suitable research.
Research Focus: The research focus within the MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science program is directly informed by the active research of the faculty in the Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science. Academics are experienced coaches and scientists whose research underpins the course content. The university boasts BASES accredited physiology laboratories and environmental chambers, alongside biomechanics and human movement science labs, which facilitate research into areas like performance and recovery, musculoskeletal mechanics, and the physiological adaptations to training. The program's emphasis on a "Research Project" allows students to engage in applied research, exploring issues that enhance both scientific understanding and practical application in strength and conditioning, directly contributing to evidence-based coaching methodologies.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University excels in industry engagement for its MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science students. The program leverages strong links with a wide range of industry partners, providing crucial work placement opportunities. These can include professional sports teams (e.g., Crystal Palace FC, London Irish RFC), national governing bodies, schools/colleges, local gyms, and CrossFit boxes. The "Applying Strength and Conditioning in Industry" module is a dedicated placement component, allowing students to gain extensive vocational experience in a real-world S&C environment. Students also benefit from learning using industry-relevant equipment (GPS units, Force Decks, GymAware) and are taught by experienced coaches who often work across various levels and sports, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.
Global Perspective: The MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science program incorporates a global perspective by preparing graduates for careers in the international sports landscape, where strength and conditioning principles are universally applied. While the accreditation aligns with UK professional bodies (UKSCA) and also allows eligibility for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) qualification in the USA, the scientific principles of human performance and training adaptation are globally relevant. The program's emphasis on evidence-based practice means students learn approaches that are validated internationally. Furthermore, the diverse experience of the teaching staff, some of whom have coached at Olympic and Paralympic levels, provides insights into high-performance sport settings that transcend national boundaries, preparing students for roles with international teams, organizations, or athletes.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18750
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MSc in Applied Strength and Conditioning Science from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, equips graduates with advanced practical and scientific expertise crucial for a thriving career in elite sports and various high-performance environments. As a university with an international reputation for excellence in strength and conditioning education, St. Mary's provides comprehensive training in human performance, coaching methodologies, athlete monitoring, and innovative programming. The program's strong emphasis on applied learning, facilitated by state-of-the-art facilities and extensive industry connections, ensures that graduates are not only scientifically literate but also possess the hands-on coaching skills necessary to support athletes and individuals in achieving peak physical potential.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Working with athletes and sports teams at various levels (professional, amateur, collegiate, youth) to design, implement, and supervise strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance training programs.
Performance Director/Head of Performance: Overseeing the entire physical preparation strategy for a sports club, organization, or national governing body, leading a team of strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and medical staff.
Sports Scientist (Applied): Working within professional sports teams or organizations to provide scientific support, including physiological testing, performance analysis, athlete monitoring, and injury prevention strategies.
Rehabilitation Specialist (Sports Context): Collaborating with physiotherapists and medical teams to design and deliver strength and conditioning programs for injured athletes, facilitating their return to play and preventing re-injury.
Personal Trainer / High-Performance Coach (Private Sector): Providing bespoke strength and conditioning services to individual clients, athletes, or small groups, often specializing in specific sports, populations, or fitness goals.
Sport and Exercise Physiologist: Conducting physiological assessments, interpreting data, and designing exercise interventions for athletes or clinical populations, often in laboratories or sports science support roles.
Lecturer/Researcher in Strength and Conditioning: Pursuing further academic study (e.g., PhD) and contributing to teaching and research in strength and conditioning science at universities or colleges.
Fitness Center Manager/Director: Overseeing the operations, programming, and staff of fitness centers, health clubs, or sports performance facilities, leveraging expertise in exercise prescription and human performance.
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach: Working with military personnel, police forces, or other tactical professions to optimize physical readiness, reduce injury risk, and enhance performance for demanding operational roles.
Sports Technology Specialist: Utilizing knowledge of strength and conditioning to work with companies developing or applying sports technology, such as GPS tracking devices, force platforms, or wearable sensors, to analyze and enhance athletic performance.
