SP5034 - Principles of Strength and Conditioning

What will I learn on this module?

This module will introduce you to the discipline of strength and conditioning, and the requirements of a career as a strength & conditioning coach. You will learn about the role of a strength and conditioning coach and the development of the discipline and it’s place within the sport science support services in the UK. You will study the physiological and biomechanical underpinnings to a range of training modalities in strength & conditioning, and identify, analyse, and coach the key technical aspects of these modalities, with the ultimate aim of enhancing performance in sport.

How will I learn on this module?

The module uses a mixture of online, classroom, and practical delivery to teach the key concepts under study. The module takes a “flipped” classroom approach to learning: each topic is prefaced by pre-session material, which may include a mix of online lectures, readings from peer-reviewed journals, books, podcasts, and blogs. Classroom sessions work to extend and consolidate this material, and practical sessions with accredited practitioners will apply this new knowledge and understanding to practical contexts in order to facilitate an understanding of the delivery of strength and conditioning activities. Post-session material will be provided to extend your learning and allow you to explore areas of interest in more depth.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

An introductory lecture will put the module into context with the rest of your degree programme, explain how your study will progress on the module and describe how, through engagement in the module, you will begin to learn and acquire the skills required of a strength and conditioning coach. Ongoing formative feedback will be provided in practical sessions, which will be supported by provision of post-session online teaching material to reinforce what is taught in practical sessions.

If this module is in option pot two for your programme, you will receive advice and guidance at a module options event to help you make an informed decision about how it fits with your own academic and professional development. Online pre-learning material will be made available to help you prepare for the module.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Analyse and apply knowledge from physiology and biomechanics to the study of athletic training modes;
2. Apply knowledge to solve problems in strength and conditioning contexts

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Apply the skills of an independent learner to the study of strength and conditioning

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Communicate clearly and effectively to athletic and academic audiences in oral format;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical standards in strength and conditioning contexts

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through means of a practical coaching session (30%; 15 minutes), and a written exam (70%; 2 hours) consisting of multi-choice and short answer questions. The practical session will require you to design and deliver an appropriate warm-up, coach a speed, agility or plyometrics drill, and verbally explain your rationale for exercise selection in response to questioning (15 mins). The written exam will consist of a range of multiple choice and short answer questions that will cover the range of content studied on the module (2 hours).

The practical assessment will address K&U 2, IPA 3, PVA 4,5. The written exam will cover K&U 1,2, IPA3 and PVA 5. This assessment strategy is designed to align with the requirements of UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA), and National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Accreditation.

Formative assessment:
Throughout the module you will engage with the scientific underpinning and technical instruction of the training modalities under study. Scheduled sessions will include peer and tutor reviewed practise attempts at tasks similar to what will be required in the summative assessment. Comprehension tasks consisting of MCQ’s and short answer essay style questions on the topics under study will be provided each week, followed by model answers for students to self-reflect on their work.

Summative Feedback
You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

On this module you will study the discipline of strength and conditioning, and the role of the strength and conditioning coach within the performance enhancement process in sport. You will study a range of training modalities, including resistance exercise, speed and agility, and plyometrics, with an emphasis on technical instruction and the application of physiological and biomechanical principles to understand the modality under study. The module will be of particular interest to students interested in learning more about a career in strength and conditioning.

Course info

UCAS Code C610

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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