Strength and Conditioning MSc
2 Years Part-Time | September Start
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Option for Extended Degree
Strength and Conditioning MSc
Are you highly motivated, driven and passionate about sport science and strength and conditioning? Would you like to have a real impact on sport and the development of athletes? This Masters course gives you the knowledge and practical competencies to train elite athletes or pursue your own research studies at PhD level.
MSc Strength and Conditioning focuses on the practical aspects of the discipline, covering topics such as: the physiology of strength and conditioning, applied strength and conditioning, contemporary issues and professional practice for the benefit of athletes in the sporting industry.
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria is ranked 5th in the UK for research power (REF 2021).
The course is focused on delivering industry specific knowledge and is supported by a world class BASES-accredited teaching and research environment. Your future employment opportunities across the sports science industry will also be enhanced.
You can expect a professional, hands-on learning experience. Our practical sessions involve laboratory and field-work to develop the range of skills required of a strength and conditioning practitioner, including measurement of key physical capacities, the execution of appropriate training methods, and the coaching of individuals and groups.
Throughout your Masters, you’ll be working in our Sport Central laboratories; a £30 million state-of-the-art facility that offers a strength and conditioning suite and sprint track, nutrition laboratory, nutrition kitchen, body composition laboratory, exercise physiology laboratory, integrated performance laboratory, and biomechanics and gait laboratory.
"It’s inspiring. You are constantly surrounded by individuals with a very high level of knowledge and experience within the industry."
- Sam Bacon, former student, MSc Strength and Conditioning
Graduates of the programme have gone on to work as strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists and performance managers across numerous high performance environments within sport and private organisations. Other graduates have also progressed to doctoral level study in the field of sports science
Course Information
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
2 years Part Time
1 other options available
School
Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2027
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
At Northumbria's School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, we are here for everybody, for every life.
Northumbria University offers a wide range of sports masters, hear from our world class academics on the study options available to you.
Our current Sport students provide an overview of what studying Sport at Northumbria is like - whether you want to get involved in management events, using our fantastic sport facilities, or play for a Northumbria Sport team, we have it all.
Teaching Staff
Facilities / Explore the outstanding facilities available at Sport Central.
Research / School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Discover more / Explore Northumbria University
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Entry Requirements 2027/28
Standard Entry
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as sports science, strength and conditioning, sport coaching, physiotherapy or sports and exercise nutrition; or an honours degree in another discipline which includes anatomy, physiology, or biomechanics. Work experience in a relevant field and/or a professional qualification may also be considered.
International qualifications
If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language requirements
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Fees and Funding 2027/28 Entry
Full UK Fee: £11,565
Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
*if your course is longer than one year
Full International Fee: £21,500
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
The core sport professional practice module requires you to attend a short external placement for which there may be travel costs incurred. Students may choose to undertake additional qualifications, for example professional qualifications, coaching qualifications, ISAK course, etc. which can vary between approximately £200 and £700.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Modules Overview 2027/28
Modules
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
Year one
SP7007 -
Applied Strength & Conditioning (Core,20 Credits)
On Applied Strength and Conditioning you will critically engage with the scientific underpinning to a range of training modalities and interventions that are routinely used in the athletic development process. This will include study of the physiology and biomechanics underpinning training and adaptation in resistance training, plyometrics, multidirectional speed and agility training, endurance training and others. You will apply this knowledge to the athletic development process through engagement with the prescription and coaching of key aspects of each training mode/intervention, with a specific emphasis on the coaching of the key technical aspects.
More informationSP7008 -
Strategic Interactions in Performance Sport (Core,20 Credits)
This module focuses on the complex social and interactional nature of sports work across a range of professional roles (e.g., sport coach, video analyst, strength and conditioning specialist, sport scientist etc.). You will explore key challenges and opportunities facing sport professionals who are tasked with leading, influencing and supporting diverse webs of stakeholders that span highly dynamic organisational contexts. This module will help you to critically reflect upon and develop the intrapersonal, interpersonal and analytical skills necessary to negotiate the demands and dilemmas inherent in contemporary sports work. You will engage in inquiry, interpretation and explanation of your own strategic interactions and those of other people, as well as their complex situated interrelationships, and you will learn to locate and apply your knowledge through socio-pedagogical theorising at the forefront of academic and professional practice in sport.
More informationSP7010 -
Physiology of Sport Performance (Core,20 Credits)
You will critically engage with contemporary issues relating to the physiology of sport performance and will apply this knowledge to conduct an assessment and report for a real athlete/client. You will study the physiology of training from an assessment and adaptation perspective, in order to understand how exercise interventions can be designed to target specific physiological adaptation, and how these adaptations can be quantified through appropriate physiological assessment. You will also study the long-term planning process and how knowledge of adaptation can be applied to the prescription of training.
More informationYear two
SP7006 -
SER PG Project (Core,60 Credits)
This module provides you with the opportunity for independent study in an area of relevance to your degree. You are expected to use skills and knowledge acquired in modules as the basis for an in depth investigation of specific issues in the discipline. The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to carry out an extensive, empirical investigation related to a topic of your own choice, where you will develop skills in communication, critical thinking and independent enquiry.
More informationSP7009 -
Sport Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)
On Sport Professional Practice you will engage in activities that further your professional development, and enhance your employability as a Northumbria graduate. You will be challenged to apply the knowledge and skills you are learning on your degree programme to real-world contexts. You will select and complete a range of activities aimed at furthering your skills and experience as a practitioner. You will be challenged to develop your own philosophy of support, and to use reflective practice to help your continued professional development.
More informationSP7013 -
Applied Sport Nutrition (Optional,20 Credits)
The focus of this module will be on sport and exercise nutrition interventions that aim to improve athlete performance and wellbeing. You will learn what the current guidelines are, and critically review the underlying evidence base for these guidelines. Then you will apply your knowledge to adapt the recommendations for different situational (e.g. time of season, competition schedule, environment, and travelling) or personal contexts (e.g. demographic, other lifestyle commitments, special dietary requirements, and ethical and cultural beliefs). The module will take a food first approach but discuss ergogenic aids and supplements for individual needs where appropriate in the context of current anti-doping advice.
More informationSP7019 -
Working with Elite Performers (Optional,20 Credits)
The module “Working with elite performers” aims to support coaches and practitioners who aspire to or already work with athletes of high potential to reach their goals. This module connects the latest in research and theoretical developments with applied practice and reflection and is designed to dovetail harmoniously with your current coaching and applied sports science practice. You can shape the module to suit your current or aspirational needs and will enjoy the benefits of accessing our world class learning facilities throughout your degree. Your learning will be supported by academics who are active researchers and practitioners in this area, alongside tutors, who are, or have been active Coaches, Coach Educators and Trainers for National and International federations. You will undertake research yourselves to develop key skills and deepen your overall learning experiences. These skills can then be applied in your own context to support the performance improvements which are desired.
More informationSP7023 -
Sponsorship and Strategic Sport Brand Management (Optional,20 Credits)
In this module you will develop knowledge of the key principles and practice relating to strategic sport brand management and sponsorship, presenting an innovative approach that helps you build a framework for the initiation, development, planning, implementation and evaluation of partnerships and communications strategies. The module is underpinned by global examples and case studies to demonstrate the importance and intricacies of sports brands and partnerships from an international perspective, exposing you to many of the modes of practice used to affect the perception of value and behaviour through directed communication in the context of sport. Students will be encouraged to appraise the breadth of current and emerging digital communication platforms, understanding their role in reaching consumers, and they will develop a critical understanding of the essential role sustainability plays in creating successful sports brands.
More informationSP7030 -
Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn a range of research approaches and data analysis methods applicable to your subject of study as well as a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how these approaches can be applied in the planning of a methodologically-rigorous and ethically-sound research study.
More informationStudy Options
The following alternative study options are available for this course:
Full Time
Sep start
Any Questions?
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
Accuracy of information
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
How your course is delivered
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.
Changes to your course
Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.
If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.
Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.
Contact time
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.
Images and video
The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.
The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.
Accessibility and Student Inclusion
Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.
We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.
You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.
We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:
Page last reviewed: 19 October 2026
