Bachelor of Science (Hons)

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Are you fascinated by the science and methods used to optimise human performance? Are you interested in working in professional sport? Do you aspire to help athletes perform to their highest potential? BNU's BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning degree is the perfect platform to get you there.

Why study this subject?

Buck's BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning course is mapped to the Graduate Strength and Conditioning Coach (GSCC) professional standard and is fully endorsed by Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA). This degree combines underlying scientific principles from the sports science disciplines of physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology and sports coaching with practical strength and conditioning training. By studying this course at BNU, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills you need to become a confident and effective strength and conditioning practitioner.



Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

All of BNU's Sports course students will have the opportunity to look at athlete development and analysis, spending time in their Human Performance Laboratory.

At BNU, they always encourage their students to get as much industry experience as possible. Their strong links with industry partners will enable you to seek volunteering and paid work opportunities, giving you first-hand knowledge of the professional environment that awaits you beyond graduation.

BNU also pride themselves on the amazing opportunities they offer their students to start forming their own networks within industry. This means not only will you have access to first-hand accounts from those on the ‘front-line’ while you study, but you’ll also make valuable connections for when the time comes to jump into your first job.

BNU work with the National Sports Centre at Bisham Abbey which is the home of several governing bodies in sport, Leap (County Sports Partnership), Stoke Mandeville Hospital which is famously the birthplace of the Paralympics, Reading Ladies Football Club plus the National League basketball team, London United.

You’ll graduate being confident in working with all levels and abilities, from the recreational exerciser to the elite athlete. You’ll also have the chance to work in a range of applied settings, including local sports clubs, schools and in the wider community.

What facilities can you use?

You’ll have the opportunity to blend academic study with a professional sports environment. At BNU's Human Performance, Exercise and Wellbeing Centre, the Human Performance Laboratory features an indoor three-lane running track which incorporates 3D motion-capture technology.

BNU's incredible facilities help to enhance athletes’ performance through improved technique and assists with injury prevention and rehabilitation. The Human Performance Laboratory is equipped for assessing a range of physiological, biomechanical and psychological parameters.

What will you study?

Over the three years you’ll spend on this course, you’ll develop a critical understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin strength and conditioning practice.

You’ll learn a wide range of strength and conditioning training approaches including movement skills, weightlifting, resistance, plyometric, speed, agility, aerobic and anaerobic training methods.

BNU will show you how to analyse and evaluate performance needs, design and deliver training programmes with the goals of improving health and wellbeing, optimising performance and minimising the likelihood of injury.

In year one, you’ll study modules that introduce you to the various sports science sub-disciplines and lay the academic knowledge and practical skill foundations that will underpin your future learning. You’ll look at areas like exercise and health physiology, biomechanics and human anatomy.

Year two will further build on these foundational principles with more applied modules that will advance your knowledge and understanding across broad areas like coaching and athlete development, sports nutrition and performance psychology. You’ll also learn about the practical application of strength and conditioning training methods.

In your final year, you’ll develop more in-depth strength and conditioning knowledge and will cover subjects like training programme design, sports injury rehabilitation, exercise referrals as well as looking at contemporary and topical issues facing the industry.

You’ll also work closely with your personal tutor to dive into an area you’re particularly passionate about through your final dissertation project. This will give you an opportunity to develop real expertise that will inspire you for your future career.

How will you be taught and assessed?

By studying BNU's BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning course, you’ll always learn through a combination of theoretical and practical methods.

Their expert academic staff will teach you through lectures, seminars, practical/lab sessions and tutorials, and importantly you’ll also participate in work placements and independent study.

They also offer all their students the opportunity to visit or be visited by external industry partners so you can hear from the professionals currently working on the ‘front line’ of sports therapy.

Each module will have its own assessment criteria, but you’ll largely be working on presentations, vivas, reports and essays, case studies, work-related and practical assessments.

What are your career prospects?

Throughout your time with Buckinghamshier New University they’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. They will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. BNU also help you find employment after graduation. 

BNU's BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, working in:

• Professional sports teams
• National institutes of sport
• Further and Higher Education providers
• Private practice (e.g. personal training)
• Private sport science providers both in the UK and overseas.

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course such as MSc Sports Therapy, MSc Sports Performance, or MSc Physiotherapy.