MSc Strength and Conditioning

Program Overview

The MSc in Strength and Conditioning program with a January start at the University of Greater Manchester provides a focused and advanced postgraduate education in the scientific principles and practical application of strength and conditioning for athletic performance enhancement, consistent with the September intake. This alternative start date offers flexibility for students while maintaining the program's rigorous academic standards and learning outcomes. The program aims to develop graduates who are equipped with the specialized knowledge and coaching skills necessary to work effectively with athletes of all levels and across various sports. It combines theoretical study with significant practical application and often includes supervised placements.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the MSc in Strength and Conditioning (Jan Start) is designed to provide a strong theoretical foundation alongside practical skill development, mirroring the September intake. Core modules generally cover advanced exercise physiology, biomechanics of sport and exercise, sports nutrition for performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation, advanced strength and power training methodologies, conditioning for endurance and speed-agility, and program design and periodization. A significant component of the program typically involves practical coaching sessions, laboratory work, and a research project or dissertation, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world or simulated settings, regardless of their start date.

Research Focus: The MSc in Strength and Conditioning program, including the January start cohort, benefits from the active research environment within the University of Greater Manchester across various fields related to sports science and athletic performance. Faculty engaged in research areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports nutrition, and the effectiveness of different strength and conditioning interventions often contribute to the program's content and supervise student projects. The January start students have the same opportunities to engage with current research trends and methodologies within the field, fostering a culture of inquiry and evidence-based practice in their learning.

Industry Engagement: The University of Greater Manchester maintains strong links with the sports performance industry, and this engagement extends to students starting in January. Opportunities may include guest lectures from experienced strength and conditioning coaches working with elite athletes, visits to high-performance training facilities, and potential for supervised practical placements within professional sports teams, academies, or other sporting organizations. The program aims to equip graduates with the practical skills and industry insights that are highly valued by employers in the strength and conditioning field, regardless of their intake date. Networking opportunities with industry professionals are also typically available throughout the academic year.

Global Perspective: Strength and conditioning is a global profession, and the MSc program, regardless of the start date, incorporates a global perspective. The curriculum may examine different training philosophies and practices used in various countries and sports, explore international research in the field, and consider the impact of cultural and environmental factors on athletic performance. The diverse student body, including international students, also contributes to a broader understanding of global perspectives within the field of strength and conditioning, regardless of their intake date.