Strength & Conditioning

About

The knowledge base that is utilized by strength and conditioning coaches is generally accepted to cut across several domains, such as anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and sport psychology. Through such observations, the knowledge for effective coaching can be identified and coaching shortcomings can be improved through well-rounded education programmes. This course has been developed to reflect the guidelines published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), regarding graduate level study. In addition, key stakeholders from industry have been consulted to help formulate a needs-led curriculum.



Many members of the teaching staff hold a PGCE, PGCHEP, PGCHET, PGCUT or other teaching qualification and are members of the Higher Education Academy. Several of the staff are engaged with the Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute (SESRI). Teaching staff have considerable research and practical experience that informs their teaching. In addition, many staff are qualified members of professional bodies such as the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA).

Full-Time Programme

Year One

Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Optimising Exercise and Load: Effective monitoring and management

Applied Statistics

Programme Design

Principles and Practice of Strength and Conditioning

Research Project in Sports and Performance

Motor Cognition and Performance



Part-Time Programme

Year One

Optimising Exercise and Load: Effective monitoring and management

Principles and Practice of Strength and Conditioning



Year Two

Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Applied Statistics

Programme Design

Motor Cognition and Performance



Year Three

Research Project in Sports and Performance

(i) a second class honours degree or better in sports science or cognate area from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or



(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; and



(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);



In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b) and/or (c), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.es.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date: September 2025.

Career options

Employment opportunities for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches thus exist in government-funded organizations such as schools, colleges, universities, national/state institutes of sport, and privately funded professional organizations and individual athletes.