MSc Strength and Conditioning at University of Derby

Programme overview

Throughout this course, you will gain skills and knowledge related to the scientific underpinning of strength and conditioning training practices, as well as experience using a range of specialist equipment, developing programme designs and delivery, and data handling skills. You will be exposed to real-world learning environments to provide first-hand experience of how these can be applied when working directly with clients.

Faculty: College of Science and Engineering | Department: Sport and Exercise | Duration: Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years | Study mode: full-time (part-time also available) | Intake: September | Location: Derby, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

In order to obtain the MSc award, you must complete 180 credits. If you are interested in graduating with a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), you can after completing 60 credits of your choice via the selection of three out of the four 20 credit module.

Career pathways

The programme offers an industry and research-informed curriculum designed to develop your knowledge, technical capacity, and applied skills as a strength and conditioning practitioner, incorporating both placement activity and a significant research project. The breadth and depth of content will prepare you for further training and a variety of careers within strength and conditioning.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for UK students: You will usually need an upper second class honours degree at undergraduate level, in a related subject. You may be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to commencing your placement should it be required for the nature of the work conducted. Information regarding this requirement will be provided in the applicant’s offer letter and it is their responsibility to obtain the DBS check (or international equivalent) if needed before placement activity can commence.; Entry requirements for EU/international students: International students should have the above or an international equivalent. If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS qualifications of 6.5, with no lower than 6.0 in each category. We also recommend that if you are an international student that would like to undertake placements with organisations like the NHS, working with vulnerable populations, that you obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct before arriving in the UK.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,720 for the whole programme (2026/27). Full-time fee for the full course; UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable Source

International applicants: GBP 17,500 for the whole programme (2026/27) Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years

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