Strength and Conditioning MSc

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Areas of study

The strength and conditioning masters degree offers varied content that brings together strength and conditioning and applied physiology.

Modules will help you develop:

• Olympic technique, coaching and advanced analysis using force platforms, bar path analysis and power analysis, velocity-based training and other training methodologies
• coaching understanding from a theoretical perspective and by working with a special population and applying coaching theory to practice
• the science underpinning strength training, covering topics such as blood flow occlusion training, GPS tracking and analysis, fatigue, electro stimulation and electromyography analysis.

Syllabus 

Modules are usually taught on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the rest of the week providing opportunities to engage in placements and data collection.

The degree is flexible in that it allows you to exit with a postgraduate certificate at the end of one semester (three 20-credit modules) or a postgraduate diploma at the end of two semesters (six 20-credit modules).

You must complete the 60-credit final research project to qualify for the MSc.

You will study seven core modules, including your final project.

Modules

• Practical Applications of Training Theory

  This module develops the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to be an evidenced-based strength and conditioning practitioner. You will develop a critical understanding of training theory and how to apply it in practical settings, covering areas including developing muscular strength, developing explosive power through plyometric training, practical techniques to develop and evaluate physical performance, biomechanical analysis of performance and velocity-based training.

• Skills for Physiological Assessment

  During this module you will develop the critical awareness, knowledge and skills associated with physiological assessment, including health and safety, equipment, test types and physiological profile determinants. The module is heavily based on practical demonstration and hands-on experience, and considers measurement reliability, accuracy and sensitivity when testing the exerciser. You will work in small groups on pre-designed experiments and problem-solving.

• Science in Practice

  This module uses a problem-based learning approach which enables you to develop a critical insight into sophisticated research methodologies used within sport and exercise physiology. By questioning complex research enquiries with active researchers, you will become a better scientist and learn new research methods.

• Science of Physical Performance and Training

  This module will develop your understanding of the theories behind physical performance and training, including the physiological, nutritional and biomechanical principles. You will learn to assess research in this area and apply evidence-based methods in your work as a strength and conditioning coach.

• Pedagogy for strength and conditioning

  This module introduces the key areas of knowledge required for strength and conditioning coaches, including teaching methods, training environments, skill development, and the physical and mental factors affecting participation and performance. It starts with a general overview and then explores more in-depth theory and practical applications for different groups. Content includes coaching knowledge, learning theories, skill acquisition, motor learning, expert practice, youth populations and coach behaviour.

• Personal and Professional Development

  Through a combination of contact with others already set on a career in sport and exercise science, reflection on your personal, academic and professional skills, and effective communication and planning, this module will help you assess your learning and professional needs. You will undertake a 100-hour work placement in order to gain professional experience and meet learning objectives. This placement may be volunteering, professional practice and/or employment, engagement with local community and university partnerships or professional mentoring.

• Final Research Project

  This module enables you to use the skills, knowledge and interests you’ve developed throughout the course to design and carry out an independent research project on a topic relevant to your programme of study. The module will further develop your critical thinking and understanding of research methodologies and techniques.

Equipment and facilities 

As a Brighton student you’ll use our sport science facilities which include:

• biochemistry lab
• biomechanical lab with running track and 3D motion analysis
• blood analysis lab
• data analysis room
• exercise rehabilitation gym
• kinanthropometry lab
• neuromuscular lab housing our isokinetic dynamometers
• psychology lab
• physiology lab
• research lab
• strength and conditioning suite
• environmental physiology lab which houses a dual temperature and hypoxic environmental chamber
• VR screen room with Igloo 210 screen.

You may also use our extensive Falmer campus sport facilities as part of your studies. These include outdoor grass football pitches, floodlit synthetic pitches and courts, indoor swimming pool, large fitness suite and sports hall with netball, volleyball, basketball and badminton courts, and cricket nets.

You can view our facilities when you visit us. You can also get a feel for them by watching the short video and checking out our Falmer campus information.

 Take a tour of our labs with technician Bill.

Meet the team

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you’ll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out about sport scholarships.

Brighton Cricket Academy

Develop your cricketing skills in the UK’s largest indoor cricket facility alongside studying for a degree. Whether you can already play or you’re new to the game offers the opportunity to train with top coaches in our world-class training environment. 

Find out about the Brighton Cricket Academy.

Course fees

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

Maps

Support and wellbeing

Sport at Brighton