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Institute of Human Sciences

Strength and Conditioning

BSc (Hons) Part-time 6 years, Full-time 3 years

Strength & Conditioning (S&C) is the application of various sport and exercise sciences, which has at its heart the preparation of sports people for their varied and distinct activity needs.

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Strength & Conditioning (S&C) is the application of various sport and exercise sciences, which has at its heart the preparation of sports people for their varied and distinct activity needs.

  • Institute Code W75
  • UCAS Code C630
  • Entry Requirements View
  • Fees View
  • Course Specifications View
  • Start Date(s) 20 September 2021
  • Award BSc (Hons)
  • Study Mode Part-time, Full-time
  • Course Length Part-time (6 years), Full-time (3 years)
  • Campus Location Walsall Campus
  • School Institute of Human Sciences
  • UCAS Points Calculator Click here
The University of Wolverhampton has got so many different opportunities that you can plug into and really develop your own skills and different skillsets that are quite rare and unique.
Kristian Thomas, BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning

Why choose this course?

Please note this course is only available for Level 6 (Year 3) entry.

Strength & Conditioning (S&C) is the application of various sport and exercise sciences, which has at its heart the preparation of sports people for their varied and distinct activity needs. If you want to work with sports people to help them develop their readiness for sport or regain condition after a lay off or injury, this course is for you. S&C coaches work alongside a sports coach to assist in designing specific programmes that will address the particular needs of the athlete, team and sport. S&C is therefore about more than lifting weights - it encompasses the entire development of the athlete and what is needed to improve physical performance. This new and exciting course will develop your skills in applying physiology, biomechanics, psychology and aspects of sports medicine to the safe and effective planning and delivery of strength and conditioning sessions for both individual athletes and groups of performers from a variety of sports. You will have access to a wide range of outstanding sports facilities and sports science laboratories, in addition to the state of the art strength & conditioning suite within the British Judo Centre of Excellence on the Walsall Campus.

The course is accredited by Skills Active/Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), and completion of aspects of the course allows you to gain REPs qualifications in addition to your degree. REPs is an independent, public register which recognises the qualifications and expertise of exercise instructors in the UK. REPs provides a system of regulation for instructors and trainers to ensure that they meet the health and fitness industry’s agreed National Occupational Standards. This provides assurance and confidence to the public and employers that all professionals on the Register are appropriately qualified and have the knowledge, competence and skills to perform their role effectively.

The additional qualifications that you will gain alongside your degree are the REPs L2 Gym Instructor and L3 Personal Trainer. You will develop expertise in a range of issues relating to personal training including nutrition, anatomy, advanced training techniques, and designing/delivering personal training sessions. On completion of the BSc (Hons) Strength & Conditioning you will therefore benefit from both a degree, and additional qualifications that are recognised within the health and fitness industry.

Strength and Conditioning suite at Walsall campus

Strength and Conditioning Suite at Walsall campus

The BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning? is just one of an exciting range of courses on offer at the University of Wolverhampton’s Institute of Sport and Human Science. Why not come and visit us at one of our Open Days.
 

What happens on the course?

The course is closely aligned to the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) competencies areas, which are:

  • Scientific knowledge
  • Strength & Conditioning skills
  • Professional competencies

You will begin the course by learning about the core sciences, physiological functions of the body during/in response to training, and applied functional anatomy & movement.

As the course progresses you will develop specific skills such as athlete evaluation and monitoring, how to implement a sports specific training programme, and technical knowledge of weight lifting, plyometrics, speed & agility, aerobic & anaerobic endurance, and flexibility

By the end of the programme you will have developed competencies in designing and planning sessions, delivering Strength and Conditioning coaching sessions, communication skills, and health & safety principles.

Typical module structure:

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Analysis of Human Movement

Introduction to Biomechanics of Human Movement

Motor Learning

Training and Conditioning Principles in Practice

Research Skills for Sport & Exercise Science

Science in Performance Coaching

Principles of Personal Training

Training Principles for Sports Performance

Motor Control & Performance

Analysis of Sport Performance

Research Methods and Analytical Procedures

 

Professional Project

Optimising Training and Performance

Applied Sport Science in Coaching

Professional Practice

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation   

    

 

Who will teach me?

You will be taught by academic staff who are at the cutting edge of their fields. Our staff are active researchers who publish text books and peer reviewed journal articles. Our staff don’t just teach from text books, they’re the people who write the text books!

Amongst the high profile contributing to this course are:

Andy Lane, Professor of Sport Psychology. Andy has authored more than 200 peer refereed journal articles, given numerous keynotes talks, and is on editorial boards of prestigious journals in sport sciences (Journal of Sports Sciences), Sports Medicine (Journal of Sports Science and Medicine), psychology (Personality and Individual Differences) and education (Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism). He has edited five books including the book Case Studies in Sport Science and Medicine), a co-authored work with Prof Greg Whyte, and his recent book on sport psychology and nutrition in running, co-authored with colleagues at the University. Professor Lane is regularly asked for comment on TV, radio, websites and newspapers. For example, he worked with Adidas on videos with Glenn Hoddle and Mathew LeTissier on penalty taking (see video 1 and video 2 for example). He has also led high profile research projects such as the BBC Science Lab “Can you compete under pressure?" project fronted by former Olympian Michael Johnson.

Mark Niemz has worked in the area of athletic development since 2005 after completing his MSc in Strength and Conditioning (S&C) at the University of Edinburgh. Since then he has been involved as a practitioner in the physical preparation of athletes within a number of settings, including working with world class high performance sports programmes as an S&C Coach with the English Institute of Sport, and working with talented student-athletes in school and university environments. Mark is an accredited coach and member of the UK Strength and Conditioning Association, and continues to practice as an S&C coach and consultant alongside his role as lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton.

Mark’s experience of delivering S&C services to elite athletes has included working with several Olympic sporting programmes within the UK high performance system, including GB Triathlon, GB canoeing, GB Water Polo and British cycling. Currently he delivers S&C support to athletes from a range of sports, including triathlon, golf and rugby.  

You can find more information about the Institute of Sport and Human Science staff research on our Research Centre for Sport Exercise & Performance webpage.

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Potential Career Paths

The Government’s ‘Sporting Future’ strategy identified that sport and physical activity is central to life in the UK. It has the power to transform people’s wellbeing and create a fitter, healthier and happier nation. The transformative power of sport has never been more important as the growing levels of health problems and conditions associated with physical inactivity cost the nation over £7 billion each year. Sport and physical activity also contributes approximately £40 billion to the UK economy each year, with one million people employed in the sport and physical activity sectors.

With the significant role that sport plays in the health of the nation, and its contribution to the economy, it is no surprise that supporting this sector is considered crucial by the Government. This is clearly illustrated by Sport England’s ‘Towards an Active Nation’ strategy that will see nearly £325 million invested in increasing sport participation from 2016-2021. The strategy focuses on the benefits that sport can bring to people and to society, with the aim of enhancing physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development and economic development. Investment will target key areas such as:

  • Tackling inactivity
  • Children and young people – increasing children’s basic competence and enjoyment
  • Taking sport and activity into the mass market – increasing mass participation
  • Supporting sport’s core markets – supporting those who already have a strong affinity for sport, (including talented athletes)
  • Local delivery – investing in up to 10 specific areas to pilot new, more joined up approaches to getting people active
  • Creating welcoming sports facilities

As a graduate of the BSc (Hons) Strength & Conditioning degree you will be able to apply the knowledge, practical skills, and industry qualifications you have gained in many of the areas above. The course will prepare you to work in the developing Strength and Conditioning industry, which continues to gain recognition in the UK. There are an increasing number of Strength and Conditioning roles within high performance sport, and with the majority of sports looking at Long Term Athlete Development, there are also many opportunities for Strength and Conditioning coaches to work across the spectrum at all ages and levels of performance. It will also prepare you for working in the private and public sector health & fitness industry. The BSc (Hons) in Strength & Conditioning will also prepare you for UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) accreditation, should you choose to pursue this.

Other career options include areas such as coaching, sports development, leisure management, sports performance, teaching and postgraduate study.

The Institute of Sport works with a number of organisations to maximise sport performance, such as local professional football clubs and British Judo. These organisations offer various volunteering, placement and employment opportunities for suitable students/graduates studying BSc (Hons) Strength & Conditioning.

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Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

As a student on this course, you will be a member of the University of Wolverhampton’s Institute of Sport and Human Science. This gives you a range of exciting benefits/opportunities. Here are just a few:

  • Access to fantastic specialist study and sports facilities.
  • As a graduate you will be very employable. In the most recent annual national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey, over 99% of our Sport graduates reported that they were in in work or further study six months after they had left university.
  • You will have access to our fantastic ‘Career Development Week’. During this week you will have the opportunity to gain additional vocational qualifications at a heavily subsidised cost.
  • Work placement opportunities and the Wolverhampton Enterprise and Employability Award are embedded in all of the Undergraduate Degrees within the Institute.
  • Free set of Sport kit from our official suppliers, Under Armour.
  • Represent your university as part of Team Wolverhampton. Could you be a future winner of one our Sports Awards?
  • Apply for one of our Sports Scholarships worth up to £4,500.
  • Gain ‘real world’ experience through some of our exciting partnerships, such as our work with Walsall Football Club.
  • Free gym membership for students in Halls of Residence.
  • Take part in our Social Sport programme.
  • If you have some qualifications and experience in football coaching, there are opportunities to take a year out as part of our Pass it Forward initiative with West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
  • You will be based on the Walsall Campus which is the home of one of our partners, British Judo.

The Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing series of seminars and lectures spans education, sport, care, psychology health and wellbeing, bringing you a variety of engaging speakers and experts from the University of Wolverhampton and many other UK universities, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/fehw/lectures

REPS logo

This course will ensure that you are ‘Work Ready’ by enabling you to develop a range of skills identified as essential by employers in the Sport & Physical Activity Sector Skills Plan. For example you will gain practical skills such as:

  • Athlete evaluation, exercise testing and exercise prescription
  • Designing, delivering and evaluating exercise programmes for a range of client groups
  • Managing behaviour change to maximise performance and encourage a healthy lifestyle
  • Exercise laboratory skills
  • Clinical skills such as working with athletes in a laboratory setting
  • Customer care, demonstrating empathy, and diversity awareness
  • Working in and leading teams, communication and flexible working
  • Managing time and working independently
  • Research skills including managing a project, collecting and analysing data
  • Laboratory report writing
  • Presentation skills such as: live presentations, video presenting, blogs, vlogs, and through social media
  • IT skills

Location Mode Fee Year
Home/EU Full-time £9250 per year 2019-20
Home/EU Full-time £9250 per year 2020-21
Home/EU Part-time £2975 per year# 2019-20
Home/EU Part-time £3050 per year# 2020-21
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2021-22
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2021-22
International Full-time £12000 per year 2019-20
International Full-time £12250 per year 2020-21
International Full-time £12950 per year 2021-22
International Full-time £12950 per year 2021-22
International Part-time £6000 per year# 2019-20
International Part-time £6125 per year# 2020-21

Additional Course Costs

Mandatory Costs

  • Enhanced DBS required at a minimum cost of £40. The cost of the DBS is determined by the Government and further information can be found here - GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service.
  • Uniform is provided for this course, however the University of Wolverhampton reserves the right to charge for extra uniform should this be required.
  • You will be required to provide appropriate foot wear at a cost of approximately  £50-£60

Optional Costs

  • Various Sporting professional body memberships *prices will vary depending on body.
  • Various certified courses are available via My Course + More, ranging from £0 - £200.

Further information on these additional costs will be provided prior to the start of your studies

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

This course is only available for Level 6 (Year Three) entry only.

  • HND in Sports related subject with Pass grade
  • Foundation Degree in Sports related subject with Pass grade
  • If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

Other Requirements

Students will be expected to demonstrate an interest or enthusiasm for variety of sporting activities.

Entry to this course requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check and an Occupational Health Check.

If you have accepted a Conditional Offer made by the University of Wolverhampton you will receive correspondence asking you to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The charge for this will be a DBS fee of £40.00 and a £6.00 ID check service fee. You will also need to complete a physical activity readiness questionnaire prior to starting the course.

Tuition Fees Loan Home and EU National):

Most students will be able to apply for loans to help pay for these. Depending on where you live, if you have been to University previously and your circumstances, grants, bursaries and scholarships might also be available. Visit student finance on the gov.uk website to find out more.

EU students applying for the 2020/21 academic year:

The UK Government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for 'home fee status' for entry in September 2020, and will continue to have access to financial support available via student loans for the duration of their course. For more information take a look at the gov.uk website to find out more.

Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: see How to Pay. For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund. for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages



You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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