Intro

Our Strength and Conditioning masters degree is for students who have undertaken a sports science, sports coaching or related undergraduate degree and who wish to continue their studies and progress to working within elite athletics.

The degree is designed to meet the knowledge and standards required to become a UKSCA Accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach (ASCC) through experiential learning on the professional enquiry placement module and key core modules such as practical applications to performance training, strength and rehabilitation science and effective coaching.

The University of Brighton’s sport and exercise laboratories are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). There are also extensive fitness and sport facilities on campus which include a teaching and research gym.

The course leader, Flo Pietzsch, was a strength and conditioning coach with the Lawn Tennis Association and at the English Institute of Sport. He is an accredited member of UKSCA and has advised and worked with UKSCA on curriculum development on their recent coaching science content. 

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location  Brighton: Falmer

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2–6 years

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience
Relevant science honours degree – minimum 2:2 – in sport and exercise science, or a relevant science-based degree such as medicine, biomedical sciences, physiology, biological science, or health science.

Applicants who do not have the minimum qualifications may also be considered, providing they can demonstrate they have the appropriate background and foundation knowledge.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Course content

Areas of study

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

The University of Brighton is unique in offering Effective Coaching as a core module. This module is aligned with curriculum guidance from UKSCA, the national governing body.

The professional enquiry module is also compulsory and provides the opportunity to undertake practical experience in a work environment and gain invaluable first-hand knowledge. It is designed to help you engage with the process of planning and delivering expertise in practice, and to reflect upon and take steps to improve your academic, personal and professional skills. Opportunities exist with a range of organisations whom we partner with.

Other 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 apply coaching theory to practice.
  • the science underpinning strength training and covers topics such as blood flow occlusion training, GPS tracking and analysis, fatigue, electro stimulation and electromyography analysis.
student lifting weights

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 research project to qualify for the MSc.

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

Modules

  • Science of Physical Performance and Training
  • Practical Applications of Training Theory
  • Pedagogy for Strength and Conditioning Coaches
  • Skills for Physiological Assessment
  • Science in Practice
  • Personal and Professional Development
  • Final Research Project
Student on sports science testing cycle

Equipment and facilities 

From September 2024 this course will be taught at our Brighton, Falmer campus. The Falmer campus is being redesigned, renovated and upgraded and will have lots of new facilities for sport and health science students.

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 housing our DEXA Scanner
  • neuromuscular lab housing our isokinetic dynamometers
  • psychology lab
  • physiology lab
  • research lab
  • strength and conditioning suite
  • two environmental labs which will house our dual environment chamber
  • VR screen room which will house the Igloo 210.

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 won't be able to view the new facilities until autumn 2024 but you can get a feel for them by watching the short video, and checking out our current facilities and Falmer 2024 information.

 

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube.

 

Placements 

The professional enquiry module will involve 160 hours within a quality assured placement which includes mentoring by the host supervisor and via close guidance from University of Brighton staff. 

Previous hosts have included Sussex County Cricket, Brighton and Hove Albion, University of Brighton – Sport Brighton scholarship programme, Eastbourne College, Brighton College, and several other local sporting clubs. 

Those already in employment within the strength and conditioning sector have the opportunity to complete this module within their own employment setting.

Sports science student measuring body fat

Meet the team

Flo Pietzsch, Course Leader

Flo Pietzsch is a former strength and conditioning coach for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). His role initially supported the development of all top junior British tennis players across the country; later he went on to work within the women's team and, in particular, the Fed Cup team. He also coached Heather Watson, who went on to achieve a world ranking of 39 WTA and won a WTA event, breaking a 24-year drought of British female success at that level.

Before his role at the LTA, and after graduating with an MSc sports science degree, Flo was a strength and conditioning coach for the English Institute of Sport working within sports such as cricket, hockey, modern pentathlon, sprint cycling, triathlon and squash. He was also the lead strength and conditioning coach for the Academy boys at Sussex County Cricket Club.

Flo returned to the University of Brighton from the LTA in 2014 to lecture on the sports coaching, strength and conditioning, performance analysis and physiology modules.

Find out more about Flo.

Flo Pietzsch

Dan Howells

Dan has worked at the highest levels of professional sport in both the UK and US.

Much of Dan's work has been in the field of rugby union, including being Head of Physical Performance for England Rugby Union GB7s, as well as leading strength and conditioning programmes for England Women RFU and London Wasps Premiership team. He was also closely involved in performance programmes for young players from Under-13s upward for England Women's Rugby.

His coaching successes include Olympic Silver at Rio 2016 and the 2018 World Cup Silver Medal for the GB7s men, plus the 2010 World Cup finalist medal for the women's team.

Dan also spent three years working in Major League Baseball in the USA, where he was Director of Strength & Conditioning for the Houston Astros until last year. He has also brought his expertise to a wide array of other sports, including Wheelchair Rugby, England Squash, GB Cycling, England Netball, GB Hockey, GB Adaptive Rowing, British Fencing and GB Judo.

Dan Howells

Other key members of the teaching 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 more 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 more about Sport Scholarships.

A group of people throwing frisbees in the air

Careers

The degree is designed to facilitate accreditation with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) - many graduates from our programme are now UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coaches (ASCC).

Employment prospects for graduates are extremely good. The strength and conditioning industry has expanded considerably and many professional sports organisations employ strength and conditioning coaches. This degree is specifically designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge bases to undertake such a role.

Since the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) was founded in 2004 there has been significant investment and development in elite sport provision. A 2015–16 annual report from UK Sport indicates an industry net expenditure of £41 million.

The University of Brighton has expert, accredited strength and conditioning staff who have an international reputation in its applied provision. A degree from Brighton will help ensure you are fully equipped for a successful career in this expanding industry.

Many of our graduates have gone onto work in professional sport clubs including Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Arsenal FC, Bradford City FC, Cardiff City FC and Crystal Palace FC.

Others have worked for the English Institute of Sport, UK Sport Institute or with national governing sports bodies. 

We also have graduates working in educational establishments including Brighton College and Hurstpierpoint College.

lifting weights during an exercise

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time)8,400 GBP

International (full-time)14,900 GBP

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 2024–25.

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

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Sport and Health Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • Where health course includes a placement
    • UK students – travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by the NHS learning support fund.
    • Overseas students are not covered by the NHS scheme, this means that any additional travel or accommodation costs for this course will be your responsibility. Travel to placement may be up to 90 mins each way/ travel on public transport at peak time cost, and you may incur additional accommodation and living costs if staying away from your usual home base for the length of your placement.
  • An initial set of specialist clothing and uniforms, where required, are included in the course fees.
  • DBS checks and occupational health checks, where required, are included in the fees.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £100 if buying your own copies.
  • In sport courses, UK-based field trips are available in some option modules in the final year. You do not have to take these option modules to complete the degree programme. Where a field trip is present costs are covered but you are expected to make a contribution towards food. Typically this is £50.
  • For sports courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your living costs and travel. Physical Education (QTS teacher training) students can claim travel costs to their school placement.
  • The school runs a number of day trips which students do not pay for. There may be some food and drink costs and you should budget around £30 per year.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. Students based here study a range of subjects – from 2024 these will include education studies, teaching, sport and exercise, nursing and midwifery, allied health professions and medicine. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes and the students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources, and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. New facilities are being developed ready for September 2024 when all of our sport and health students will be based here. Learn more about the changes at Falmer.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

Newly refurbished atrium in the Checkland Building

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you applied for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Falmer

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

  • You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:
    • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls offer a range of rooms on our Falmer campus, minutes from your classes, and on the edge of the South Downs.
    • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Falmer campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

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 more 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 more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Meet our graduates  

Ben Sayer

"The facilities were amazing – they were well kitted out and I knew I would get more time in them with a smaller cohort. The brand-new weights, duel force plates and iso-rig made going to the gym lectures very fun.

"I continued my studies straight after my undergraduate degree. I had developed strong relationships with the staff and had built quite a solid reputation so I thought I would use this to maximise what I got out of my MSc. I have kept within arms reach of staff since graduating – if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have the job I have, so I owe them!

"I was employed by Wycombe Wanderers FC on a part-time basis after graduation and was promoted to a full-time role within six months. I have stayed at Wycombe Wanderers FC the entire time.

"I use what I learnt on the strength and conditioning degree when working with the players on a daily basis.

"I would seriously recommend this university for anyone who is looking for a complete package."

Ben Sayer sport science graduate

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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