Strength & Conditioning

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Strength & Conditioning

What is the programme about?

This MSc in Strength and Conditioning (S&C) is intended to provide students with an excellent opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding and knowledge in the fields of strength and conditioning and human performance.

The programme has been designed with a range of specialist modules to develop the knowledge and skills associated in the area of Strength and Conditioning. The balance of theoretical and practical content will examine advanced strength and conditioning methods, fitness testing and sport coaching technology, fundamental movement, entrepreneurship and management.

A unique feature of the programme is the inclusion of a Management and Entrepreneurship module. This is a core module for S&C coaches to embrace relevant skills of enterprise and marketing necessary to build an S&C profile, reputation, and if desired, business. The programme has been designed and developed in conjunction with Setanta College (www.setantacollege.com) and utilises our state of the art Sportslab facility at our LIT Thurles campus.

Programme Aims:

This programme aims to provide students with:

- An advanced understanding of both current and emerging knowledge and practice in Strength and Conditioning

- Practical coaching skills in advanced Strength and Conditioning

- Preparation and encouragement to pursue future directions in either academic study or professional coaching opportunities

- An advanced skill set in business and entrepreneurship

- Higher order creative, critical and reflective thinking skills that encourage research, application and evaluation

- A multidisciplinary approach to working within the discipline of Strength and Conditioning

- A rigorous research understanding including preparation to publish a dissertation

- Skills and confidence to contribute to the development of knowledge and practice in Strength and Conditioning

Entry requirements

Entry Requirement

Master's Degree Admission Criteria

(a) A minimum 2.2 honours bachelor degree (Level 8) in a Strength and Conditioning or Sports Science cognate discipline
or
(b) A minimum 2.2 honours bachelor degree (Level 8) in a Sports non-cognate discipline with considerable (3 years or more) experience and/or ability evidenced by an RPL portfolio of prior experience and learning
or
(c) Equivalent Qualifications. Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European and International frameworks will also be considered. International students must evidence a proficiency in English language for example IELTS 6.0.

Those who do not meet the above criteria may consider applying for the Postgraduate Diploma. Further details are available from the Department of Flexible Learning.

Note: An interview may form part of the selection process for all application routes.

Duration

*On-Campus

This programme is completed over a 12 month period. From September to May students will attend classes at our LIT Thurles campus two days per week (normally Monday and Tuesday). From May to August students complete their dissertation.

Careers or further progression

Jobs Include

This is a practical based MSc programme that will produce graduates capable of coaching, planning, managing and implementing an S&C programme. As such, it is expected that graduates will be well prepared to accept high levels of responsibility within a variety of sport and fitness industry sectors as well as education and business fields. They include but are not limited to:

Elite and Amateur Level Strength and Conditioning in Sport
National Governing Body of Sports (NGB) in Strength and Conditioning
Research and Academia
Education, Health and Public Sector
Health and Fitness Industry
Freelance and Consultancy
Sports Equipment and Exercise Technology
Community Activity

Further enquiries

Course Contact

Dr. Philip Hennessy & Craig Walters
Email: sandc@lit.ie or FLTipperary@lit.ie

Further information is also available from Setanta College at www.setantacollege.com

Subjects taught

Modules

Stage 1

Advanced Strength Training and Conditioning (10 credits)
Advances the understanding of the concepts and principles relating to human development and performance through Strength and Conditioning and their application to a variety of populations across a range of sporting contexts.

Sports Management and Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
Identifies the pursuit of business opportunities, venture creation strategies and managerial concerns within the sporting context.

Performance Testing and Technology (10 credits)
Examines various low to high technology systems, devices and software for assessing athletic and team performance and this application across a range of sporting and general exercise contexts.

Stage 2

Biomedical Aspects and Sport Nutrition (10 credits)
Challenges the literature of contemporary topics in sports health related issues from nutrition and supplementation, therapeutic modalities, psychology, exercise psychology, pre-habilitation, rehabilitation and injury management systems and their operation in the S&C setting.

Human Motion and Movement Analysis (10 credits)
Analyses the functional, fine, natural and rudimentary human movements and their patterns to prescribe corrective strategies that target stability and mobility requirements.

Research Methods and Special Topic (10 credits)

Preparation in research methodology and S&C research themes to carry through to dissertation.

Stage 3
Dissertation (30 credits)
Creates a substantial piece of S&C research based on critical evaluation and independent thought.

Comment

Qualification
Students who complete Stage 1 and 2 successfully will be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Strength and Conditioning. Those who proceed to complete Stage 3 Dissertation will be awarded a Masters of Science in Strength and Conditioning .

Campus: Thurles

Assessment method

Assessment is through a range of continuous assessments for each of the 6 modules. Assignments will involve completion of assignments, research and specific tasks and concepts demonstrated at our state of the art SportsLab in Thurles.

Course fee

On-Campus Delivery Mode:
7,000 for Irish / EU resident citizen;
18,500 for Non-Irish / EU resident citizen (International).

Please note that bursaries are available to Non-Irish/EU Residents (International) students. Those interested in applying for such bursaries should email FLTipperary@lit.ie