Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc in Strength and Conditioning
Manchester, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 21,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* full-time fee for EU and Non-EU international students
Key Summary
Whether supporting rehabilitation or driving elite performance, strength and conditioning professionals play a vital role in helping clients train effectively. Our MSc Strength and Conditioning course is designed for graduates and practitioners aiming to excel in this demanding field.
Aligned with industry standards set by the UK’s Professional Body for Strength and Conditioning (UKSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and accredited by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA), our course equips you with the scientific knowledge, coaching theory and practical expertise required for accreditation and career progression.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in labs and performance settings, developing multidisciplinary strategies to enhance performance and reduce injury risk across diverse populations.
Real-world experience is also built into the course, thanks to The Applied Practitioner in Sport and Exercise module. You could find yourself working at leading gyms, sport tech firms, or elite organisations such as British Swimming, Manchester City FC Academy, England Para Football and Sale Sharks.
Features and benefits
- IUSCA accredited
Recognised by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association as an exceptional academic programme, you’ll graduate with an internationally respected, industry-certified qualification. - World-class learning environment
Progress in the modern workplace with hands-on experience. Access specialist facilities in our Institute of Sport – from an environmental chamber and 3D motion analysis to a dedicated strength and conditioning suite. - Your pathway to accreditation
Aligned with leading industry bodies including NSCA, UKSCA and CIMPA, this degree prepares you to pursue professional accreditation, enhancing your career progression. - A global sports city
Home to elite teams, grassroot clubs and top sports organisations, you’ll join Manchester’s vibrant sporting community and grow your professional network. - 6th in the UK for sport research power
Learn alongside world-leading researchers and practitioners whose expertise in strength, power, speed and endurance is shaping the future of sport (REF 2021). - Stand out with professional experience
Graduate with the experience employers value most. Hone your practical skills and put theory into practice on a work placement.
Course information
Our MSc Strength and Conditioning course prepares you to support athletes, clients, and teams at the highest level – from injury prevention and rehabilitation to elite performance enhancement. You'll learn how to positively emphasise training behaviours across diverse populations, developing your coaching expertise in key areas such as:
- Weightlifting
- Plyometrics
- Agility
- Acceleration
- Movement mechanics
You’ll train at two of our premier facilities – the Institute of Sport and Platt Lane Sports Complex. Here, you’ll have access to cutting-edge resources, including:
- Performance labs
- An indoor dome
- Outdoor pitches
- A fully equipped strength and conditioning gym used by athletes and coaches.
Our industry-relevant curriculum is built around inclusive, evidence-based practice. You’ll gain experience using advanced sport science equipment and develop your research capabilities through an independent project. Our teaching team includes internationally recognised experts – including practitioners who have supported Team GB and contributed to over 40 medals at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
You’ll also complete a professional work placement through the Applied Practitioner in Sport and Exercise module. While it’s your responsibility to source a placement, we’ll support you throughout the process. You’ll even get to draw upon our long-standing partnerships with leading clubs and sporting organisations, offering you a range of opportunities to expand your connections and develop skills in the real world.
Year 1
You’ll study six core modules, including work-based learning and an independent research project.
Core modules
- Performance Testing, Monitoring and Analysis
- Scientific Principles of Resistance Training
- Applied Conditioning Strategies
- Scientific Principals of Periodisation and Advanced Training Strategies
- The Applied Practitioner in Sport and Exercise
- Research Project
Strength and conditioning is a dynamic, increasingly specialist field – and demand is rising for highly qualified professionals with both scientific knowledge and applied expertise. This MSc course has been developed with input from industry-active coaches and academics, ensuring you graduate with the skills employers need now and in the future.
Career opportunities span across a range of organisations, including:
- Professional sports clubs
- Universities
- Colleges
- Schools
- Private gyms
- Specialist academies
You could support para-athletes, help clients recover in healthcare settings, or even move into sport tech – contributing to product development or scientific validation in the digital fitness sector.
Whether you’re aiming to coach elite performers, drive innovation, or progress into a research role, this course will equip you with the confidence, experience and professional toolkit to make a lasting impact in the sector.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 10% placement; 70% independent study
- Part-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 10% placement; 70% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination