MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning Science
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning Science at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a highly respected three-year undergraduate degree that delves into the scientific principles and practical application of physical preparation and coaching for sports performers. Recognised as a front-runner in strength and conditioning education, with the first course of its kind in the UK, St. Mary's offers a rigorous curriculum that integrates anatomy, neuromechanics, exercise physiology, and advanced coaching techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on learning within its state-of-the-art 5,000-square-foot Performance Education Centre and world-class facilities, including Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology Laboratories. Taught by accredited and highly experienced coaches, the degree is specifically designed to build crucial transferable skills such as resilience, critical thinking, and communication, preparing graduates for elite sport environments and a variety of roles requiring scientific understanding of physical performance. The program is accredited by both the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), making graduates eligible for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) qualification in the USA, and it has also received Degree Accredited status from the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning Science program at St. Mary's is structured to provide a deep and progressive understanding of the scientific and practical aspects of strength and conditioning. In the first year, students establish foundational knowledge through core modules such as "Introduction to Research," "Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning," "Field-Based Training Techniques," "Strength Training Techniques," "Physiology of Exercise," 1 and "Introduction to Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition." These modules involve significant practical involvement in various training techniques including weightlifting, plyometrics, speed, agility, and conditioning. The second year advances practical understanding and theoretical application with modules like "Research Methods," "Science in Practice," "Muscle Physiology," "Physiology of Training," "Sports Biomechanics," and "Skill Acquisition I." The curriculum in the second year is aligned with the core topics required for UKSCA and NSCA accreditation processes. The final year culminates in a significant "Research Project" and includes modules such as "The Organisation of Training," "Management of Specific Populations," and "Science in the Workplace," with optional modules like "Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology," "Experimental Biomechanics," or "Skill Acquisition II," allowing students to specialise their learning.
Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning Science program at St. Mary's University is driven by a strong research ethos, with its curriculum and practical applications being informed by the active research interests of its academic staff. Many lecturers are leading experts and practitioners in the field, conducting research that directly impacts contemporary strength and conditioning practices. The department's research interests often span areas such as advanced training methodologies, injury prevention and return-to-play strategies, optimising physical performance in various sports, the physiological and biomechanical adaptations to training, and the application of sport science in elite environments. The final year "Research Project" is a cornerstone of the program, providing students with the opportunity to undertake original scientific inquiry under expert supervision, utilising the university's state-of-the-art Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology Laboratories. This focus on research ensures graduates are equipped with a strong evidence-based approach to strength and conditioning.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a fundamental component of the BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning Science program at St. Mary's University, designed to provide invaluable practical experience and significantly enhance graduate employability. St. Mary's maintains exceptional links with numerous professional sports clubs and organisations, allowing students to gain crucial coaching experience. These partnerships include collaborations with elite football clubs like Crystal Palace FC and Fulham FC, premier rugby clubs such as London Irish RFC, as well as the University London Boat Club, Sutton Tennis Academy, and even the world-renowned Royal Ballet Company and School. Students have opportunities for work placements both locally and across London, working in professional and amateur sports teams, schools, colleges, university sports programmes, and private gyms. The program also benefits from staff who are UKSCA tutors and accredited members, ensuring students learn the skills required for UKSCA and NSCA accreditation and preparing them for immediate entry into the professional strength and conditioning field.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning Science program at St. Mary's University integrates a strong global perspective, recognising that the principles of physical preparation and athletic development are universally applicable across diverse sports and cultures. The curriculum draws upon international research, coaching methodologies, and athlete development models from around the world. Students are encouraged to consider global best practices in strength and conditioning and understand the physiological and psychological demands of international competition. The program provides opportunities for students to study abroad for a semester in their second year, offering invaluable exposure to different approaches to learning and coaching, including potential experiences in college American Football and Lacrosse, which are rare opportunities in the UK. This global outlook, combined with the program's international accreditations (UKSCA, NSCA, IUSCA) and its reputation for producing coaches who work with elite athletes on the global stage (including Olympians), prepares graduates to pursue careers with international sports organisations and contribute to the worldwide advancement of strength and conditioning science.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some 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.
The BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning Science at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a leading three-year undergraduate program dedicated to the scientific and practical aspects of physical preparation for sports performers. This highly regarded degree, the first of its kind in the UK, offers a robust curriculum integrating anatomy, neuromechanics, exercise physiology, and advanced coaching techniques. Students benefit from extensive hands-on learning in St. Mary's state-of-the-art Performance Education Centre and world-class Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology Laboratories. Taught by accredited and experienced coaches, the program develops crucial transferable skills, preparing graduates for elite sports environments and a variety of roles demanding a scientific understanding of physical performance.
Professional Strength and Conditioning Coach: Graduates are highly sought after by elite sports clubs, academies, and national governing bodies to design, implement, and oversee physical preparation programs for athletes across various sports, aiming to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. The program's UKSCA and NSCA accreditations are paramount for these roles.
Sports Scientist (Performance Support): Working within multi-disciplinary teams in professional sports, graduates provide scientific support encompassing physiological testing, performance analysis, and data interpretation to inform training strategies and optimise athlete development.
Athletic Development Coach (Youth/School Sport): Focused on long-term athletic development, these coaches work with young athletes in schools, colleges, or youth academies, implementing age-appropriate strength and conditioning programs to build fundamental movement skills and prevent injury.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist/Rehabilitation Specialist (Sports Focus): Graduates can apply their knowledge of exercise physiology to design and deliver exercise interventions for individuals recovering from injury or illness, often within sports rehabilitation clinics or hospitals, aiding return-to-play protocols.
Personal Trainer (Specialising in Strength & Performance): While broader than just S&C, graduates can leverage their scientific expertise to offer high-level personal training, working with individuals seeking advanced physical preparation, general fitness improvement, or athletic performance enhancement.
Lecturer/Researcher in Strength and Conditioning: For those interested in academia, the program provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study (MSc, PhD), leading to careers in universities or research institutions, contributing to the scientific understanding and teaching of strength and conditioning.
Sports Biomechanist (Applied): With a strong understanding of human movement, graduates can work in sports laboratories or with elite teams, analysing movement patterns to improve technique, identify injury risks, and optimise equipment for enhanced performance.
Fitness Centre Manager/Health & Wellbeing Coach: Graduates can manage and operate health and fitness facilities, applying their understanding of exercise science to create effective training environments and lead teams focused on improving general population health and fitness.
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach: An emerging field involves working with tactical athletes in the military, law enforcement, or emergency services, designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs to enhance physical readiness and performance in high-stress environments.
Sports Technology Specialist: Graduates can work for companies developing performance monitoring tools, wearable technology, or analysis software, contributing their expertise in exercise science and data interpretation to improve athlete tracking and performance insights.
