of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Why should I choose this course?
- EXCELLENT FACILITIES – Our Human Performance Centre includes a 35m sprint track while our purpose-built Human Performance Lab features the latest equipment including an anti-gravity treadmill
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Our strong industry links offer you an extensive range of placement opportunities, helping you build experience within your chosen area of the sector
- EXPERT TEACHING – Learn from both industry and research active staff to develop your academic and practical skills
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – We are an education partner of CIMSPA and, following their partnership work with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA), we are exploring further programme accreditation on their Graduate Strength and Conditioning coach framework
- NO EXAMS - If you are not keen on exams, this course is for you. Unlike many degrees in this field, you will have no written exams during or at the end of the course and will be assessed through practical assessments and coursework only
- AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)
Speak with a lecturer
Our lecturers are on hand to help.
Simply fill in the form with a few details, and we’ll email you with a link
to book an online meeting with them to chat about the course.
Our facilities
Students on our sports courses at University College Birmingham have access to a wide range of excellent facilities. Our campus features a brand new Human Performance Centre, cutting-edge gym and sports injury and massage clinics, while you also have access to the state-of-the-art facilities at nearby Avery Fields, thanks to our partnership with local rugby club Bournville RFC.
Course breakdown
- Postgraduate
Core Modules
Applied Research Methods for Sport
This module will develop students' understanding of the research process, and prepare them to undertake and complete a successful research project. The module will cover all aspects of the research process and provide students with the opportunity to carry out a pilot study and receive staff and peer feedback before commencing their research project. Key stages of the module include applying for ethics approval, developing appropriate studies for hypotheses testing, research design, population sampling, data analysis (and associated software) and reporting findings.
Athlete Management
This module provides you with knowledge and experience of working within a multidisciplinary team in order to provide the best support for the athlete. You will learn a range of concepts including injury screening and rehabilitation; monitoring load and fatigue; performance testing; the athletic diet. By developing an appreciation of these areas, you will be able to identify your roles and responsibilities in a wide range of settings. You will effectively take your 'case studies' through the process of training from screening and referral to monitoring of load and fatigue and performance testing.
Coaching and Enhancing Sports Performance
Coaching and enhancing sports performance builds on the underpinning concepts of human performance and applies them to key areas relating to practical application. Students will look at a number of areas including effective coaching in S&C, training strength, power and endurance and working with team sports alongside nutrition for trainin g adaptation(s), enhanced performance and recovery. This module equips students for many aspects of their stepping into industry and applying the theory in a sports performance environment. Students will develop their practical coaching skills whilst learning methods to enhance sports performance. This module will allow students to gain competence across a range of equipment used in both laboratory and field-based settings.
Experiential Learning
The Experiential Learning module provides students with a vocational opportunity to develop their personal, transferable skills and work specific skills, therefore enhancing future employability. By gaining real world experience in the field of applied strength and conditioning, students will be challenged to link theory with practice. Students will be supported to find suitable vocational practice placements with which to hone their skills as well as building industry networks to support their future career aspirations. The module will also provide students with the opportunity to reflect on evidence-based practice and identify their own learning needs.
Science of Human Performance
This module provides students with the underpinning mechanisms related to human movement and performance with a strong link to practical concepts. Students will look at neuromuscular structure and function, bioenergetics and metabolism, cardio-pulmonary function, endurance performance as well as strength and power. Much of this will take place in our brand new Human Performance Laboratory. Using a range of teaching methods, including podcasts, laboratory-based sessions, lectures and seminars, this module is designed link components of exercise science to the field of human performance.
Sports Research Project
The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to consolidate their learning and undertake a supervised research project, with the option to seek appropriate publication e.g., academic journal, conference etc. Students are able to specialise in an area of interest to them, which could be based out of the Human Performance Centre, Lab or in the field, potentially following on from their work on the Experiential Learning placement.
Strength and Conditioning Practitioner
An effective Strength and Conditioning coach needs to go beyond understanding the science of performance. This module helps practitioners to develop a range of the softer skills required to work in the field of strength and conditioning, for example interpersonal skills, effective communication, empathy, conflict management and resolution. Furthermore, the module introduces the concept of reflective practice, an essential skill for the applied practitioner.
The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
Academic
- A grade classification of 2:2 is required, or international equivalent.
- A subject-related UK or International honours degree from a recognised institution.
Applicants who do not hold a related undergraduate subject will be assessed on a case by case basis by our admissions team and if necessary invited in to attend an interview with the teaching team, after which the evidence from the above selection procedures will be considered. Full details of this procedure will be sent to applicants who have progressed successfully to this stage.
Work-based
We also consider applicants who are currently employed and wish to apply to University College Birmingham.
To apply, you must have five years of relevant managerial work experience, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the sector for the subject matter you are interested in pursuing.
A reference detailing your roles and responsibilities from your line manager and a meeting with the programme team will usually be scheduled prior to a place being offered.
International students
For academic and English entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Please note: As an International Student, when choosing optional placement, a visa extension may be required.
The main reason why I decided to stay on and study my masters at UCB was because of the facilities here and the lecturing staff. The facilities, that include the brand new Human Performance Centre and Laboratory, are of world-class standard and provide a great learning environment.
Sabriya
Strength, Conditioning and Performance MSc
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
The course will be delivered by a variety of methods which include attending lectures, seminar debates, workshops, interacting with guest speakers and leading entrepreneurs from the industry. You will also be expected to engage with independent reading and research to ensure an interactive and personalised learning experience.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a range of methods to encourage the development of relevant skills and competencies. These include case studies, presentations, assignments and laboratory reports. Finally, you will undertake an extended research project linked to your area(s) of interest within the industry.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Uniform and kit costs
We highly recommend that you purchase the course-specific uniform for this postgraduate course, costing approximately £100. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)
Tuition fees
UK students
If you are a UK student or an EU student with settled or pre-settled status enrolling on an MA/MSc course at University College Birmingham, your fee for the academic year 2024/25 will be £9,350. The fee for the PGDip course is £6,350.
View postgraduate fees
International students
If you are an international student enrolling on one of our postgraduate programmes (e.g. MSc, MA) in 2024/25, your fee for this academic year will be £15,000 per year.
Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
As an undergraduate, I undertook placements as a strength and conditioning coach at Birmingham City FC and in a gym as a personal trainer, making me recognise the importance of underpinning academic knowledge. My master’s was perfect for my development to help athletes avoid injury and enhance their performance.
Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Our strength and conditioning master's course features an ‘Experiential Learning’ module with a minimum of 30 hours of placement work required for your assessment. We also fully encourage and will support you in gaining further work experience to match your career aims.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Wasps Rugby Academy
- Bournville RFC
- Gamechanger Performance
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Strength and conditioning coach
Average Salary: £25,090
Exercise physiologist (in the sports sector)
Average Salary: £26,500
Exercise physiology lecturer
Average Salary: £24,000
Head of athletic development
Variable Salary
Jess’s Story
Studying a master's at University College Birmingham has helped footballer Jess make an immediate real-life impact in the sporting sphere.