Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) BSc Honours

What will you study on the BSc Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning)?

You will study the full spectrum of sport and exercise science theory, including the methods of enhancing sports performance, the scientific methods of enquiry and a knowledge of the human response to exercise. A large part of your studies will be practice-based at our StoneX Stadium, home of Saracens Rugby Club, and you will take part in 150 hours of clinical practice throughout your degree (50 hours per year). (Access will be dependent on social distancing requirements due to Covid-19.)

This course offers a broad programme of study, preparing you for a range of sport and exercise science careers working with both sports teams and elite athletes, as well as with people across all levels of fitness, including young people and the elderly.

What will you gain?

As well as the gaining an in-depth understanding of the scientific methods of training and performance, necessary to becoming a successful Strength and Conditioning Specialist, you will also have a detailed understanding of:

• Human structure and function with reference to exercise performance, health or movement
• The psychology of working with those in sport
• Techniques and procedures used to assess physical fitness and well-being
• Research methods and processes in relation to exercise and health
• Nutritional needs of the physically active and professional sportspeople
• Techniques and procedures used to assess physical fitness and well-being.

Modules

Why study sports and exercise science with us

Our strength and conditioning course is the ideal route into the booming sports industry. We'll equip you with the specialist skillset, self-discipline, experience and valuable industry contacts to help you find success. Youll follow in the footsteps of graduates who have won Olympic medals and are now making an impact for organisations including Nike and Brentford FC.

Guided by tutors who are active sports professionals, youll gain an expert understanding of sport and exercise theory. Here, youll learn what it takes to push athletes to their peak potential and develop strength and conditioning programmes for sportspeople who are at the top of their profession.

Develop your conditioning skills

Using our modern facilities, youll get to grips with everything from performance analysis and rehabilitation to strength and conditioning and physical development.

Youll spend 50 hours each year gaining hands-on experience and developing your professional experience through work experience placements in the industry.

Our partnerships with professional sports teams such as Tottenham Hotspur and Saracens Rugby Club means youll be able to build valuable professional contacts while you study.

Due to Covid-19 we are following guidance from BASRaT and Public Health England regarding SSRs contact with their colleagues during the teaching of practical based skills, this includes full PPE to ensure the safety of all staff and students.

In eventualities where we are unable to be face to face in the laboratory or classroom or other practical clinical settings, we aim to use virtual tools to help you develop key practical skills.

The availability of placements is subject to the co-operating organisation, and we are working closely with our partners to ensure that as many as possible are available although this may be affected by the pandemic.  In the event that placement hours cannot be completed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will encourage students to complete relevant online CPD courses to enhance their learning which can be used towards their portfolio instead.

Qualifications

In addition to qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate, we accept a wide range of international qualifications.

Find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country on the relevant support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office for support.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all components). We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications. For some EU countries, we may be able to accept English language competency evidenced through your high school qualification. If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

Visas and immigration

In order to study in the UK, you will need to apply for a student route visa. Please see our visas and immigration page for further information.

How can the BSc Sport and Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) support your career?

Upon graduating, you could find yourself working in health and fitness club management, fitness consultancy, weight management, health promotion, personal fitness training, corporate health advice, sports or physical activity development, medical sales, and the armed forces. There are also career opportunities in teaching and research.

Previous sports graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of roles such as academy performance analyst, personal trainer, fitness instructor, athlete, graduate management trainee, or analysis specialist in prestigious organisations including:

• Nike
• Brentford FC
• KX Gym
• Manor Health & Leisure
• Willesden Sports Centre.

You could also continue your professional studies by taking a British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) training programme to qualify as an accredited sport and exercise scientist. You can also take further studies to become a physiotherapist or sports rehabilitator.

What support is available?

Our Employability Service can help you to develop your employability skills and get some valuable work experience. We provide workshops, events and one to one support with job hunting, CVs, covering letters, interviews, networking and so on. We also support you in securing 2 work, placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities, and offer an enterprise support service for those looking to start their own business. .