Introduction to the MSc Strength and Conditioning Program

The MSc Strength and Conditioning program at Loughborough University is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to develop athletes across the spectrum of athletic achievement, from participation to high performance. The program capitalizes on the University's sporting strengths to offer hands-on coaching experience, giving students the tools to develop athletic performance at the highest level.

Program Details

• Qualification(s) available: MSc
• Fees: Dependent on start date; see below for details.
• Scholarships available: Yes, several scholarships are available to cover part of the course fees.
• Entry requirements: 2:1 honors degree (or equivalent international qualification) in sports science or a relevant biological science that contains an element of exercise physiology, such as applied human physiology or physiotherapy.
• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: Typically 2 years
• Location: Loughborough
• Start date: October 2025 or October 2026
• Department: Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Fees and Funding

• UK fee: £13,250 Full-time degree per annum (academic year), £13,700 Full-time degree per annum (academic year)
• International fee: £30,950 Full-time degree per annum (academic year), £31,900 Full-time degree per annum (academic year)
• Fees for part-time students: Part-time students should divide the published fee by 180 credits and then multiply by the number of credits they are taking to calculate their tuition fees.
• Scholarships and bursaries: Available to help with funding study, including the Creating Better Futures Masters Scholarship for African Students, Loughborough Sports Scholarship, and Loughborough University Alumni Bursary.

Program Structure and Content

The MSc Strength and Conditioning degree is designed to give students a thorough grounding and hands-on experience of the practical application of sports science principles in maximizing human performance. The program culminates in a summer project that allows students to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired.

Semester 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • Quantitative Research (15 credits)
  • Applied Strength and Conditioning Science (30 credits)
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaching (15 credits)
  • The Science Underlying Performance and Injury (30 credits)
  • Professional Practice for Strength and Conditioning (15 credits)

Semester 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • Neuromuscular Function (15 credits)
  • Professional Practice for Strength and Conditioning (15 credits)
  • Applied Strength and Conditioning Science (30 credits)
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaching (15 credits)
  • The Science Underlying Performance and Injury (30 credits)
  • Research Project in Sport, Health and Rehabilitation (60 credits)

Summer

• Compulsory modules:
  • Research Project in Sport, Health and Rehabilitation (60 credits)
  • Professional Practice for Strength and Conditioning (15 credits)

Assessment and Teaching

• Assessment: Combination of coursework, oral presentations, exams, laboratory reports, and a case study essay.
• Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, independent study, group work, and practical sessions.

Facilities and Resources

• Teaching facilities: State-of-the-art performance and laboratory facilities, including Powerbase, one of the world's largest elite strength and conditioning environments.
• Resources: Access to the country's largest concentration of world-class facilities across a range of sports, including the multi-million-pound Powerbase gym, and free membership to use state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be able to pursue careers in a variety of settings, predominantly working with elite sportspeople and teams, nationally and internationally. Career opportunities may also arise in youth athlete development, health and fitness club management, fitness consultancy, health promotion, personal fitness training, corporate health advice, sports or physical activity development, and the armed forces.

Entry Requirements by Country

A detailed list of entry requirements by country is provided, outlining the equivalent qualifications and grades required for admission to the MSc Strength and Conditioning program.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements, with further details available on the International website.

Our Academics

The program is led by a team of experienced academics and researchers, including:

• Emily Hansell: PG Teaching Assistant in Strength and Conditioning (Exercise Physiology)
• Dr. Bill Haug: Strength and Conditioning Lead
• Dr. Jakob Škarabot: Programme Leader / Senior Lecturer in Neuromuscular Physiology
• Dr. Richard Blagrove: Senior Lecturer in Physiology
• Dr. Tom Balshaw: Lecturer in Kinesiology, Strength and Conditioning
• Prof. Jonathan Folland: Professor of Neuromuscular Performance

Related Master's Degrees

• Musculoskeletal Sport Science and Health MSc
• Sport Biomechanics MSc
• Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences PhD
• Applied Sport Performance Analysis MSc

Loughborough University

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Overview:

Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in sports science, engineering, and business. The university boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong focus on research and innovation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Loughborough University offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and volunteering opportunities. The university has a strong sporting heritage and is home to world-class facilities. Students can also enjoy a vibrant social scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and events happening on campus.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

Loughborough University boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated sports village, a modern library, and cutting-edge research labs.

Strong academic reputation:

The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for its academic excellence.

Vibrant campus life:

Students can enjoy a lively and diverse campus community with numerous opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

Focus on research and innovation:

Loughborough University is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on tackling real-world challenges.

Excellent career prospects:

Graduates from Loughborough University are highly sought after by employers, with strong career prospects in various fields.

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Academic Programs:

Loughborough University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Engineering:

Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and more.

Sport Science:

Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Management, and more.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

Psychology, Sociology, History, and more.

Science and Technology:

Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.

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Other:

Loughborough University has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The university is actively working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promoting inclusivity and diversity within its community.