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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.

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

Department
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Discover more / Strength and Conditioning

Get an insight into studying Strength and Conditioning at Northumbria from Masters students James and Nick.

Discover More / Sport at Northumbria

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.

Funding and Scholarships

Discover the funding options available to you.

Postgraduate Loan. Receive a government loan to help cover the cost of your studies. Alumni Discount. Continue your studies at Northumbria and receive a 20% tuition fee discount.

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Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships Study Options

Entry Requirements 2025/26

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 2025/26 Entry

Full UK Fee: £11,000

Full International Fee: £20,950



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK and International applicants.

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.

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* 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 2025/26

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 Year two

Year one

JG7000 -

Academic Language Skills (ALS) for PG Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation students (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.

More information

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 information

SP7008 -

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 information

SP7010 -

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 information

Year two

SP7000 -

Sport 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 information

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 information

SP7009 -

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 information

SP7013 -

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 information

SP7019 -

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 information

SP7023 -

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 information

Modules Overview 2026/27

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 Year two

Year one

JG7000 -

Academic Language Skills (ALS) for PG Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation students (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.

More information

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 information

SP7008 -

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 information

SP7010 -

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 information

Year two

SP7000 -

Sport 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 information

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 information

SP7009 -

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 information

SP7013 -

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 information

SP7019 -

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 information

SP7023 -

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 information

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

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.

 

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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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:

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If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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