of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
STRENGTH, CONDITIONING AND SPORTS NUTRITION
BSc (Hons) Top-up
Accredited by University College Birmingham
Award
BSc (Hons)
Duration
1 year FT
UCAS Code
C610
Placement
Included in course
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
£44m invested in flagship facilities, including sport, to support your future career opportunities
93% of students in employment or further study 6 months after graduating*
*DLHE, 2016/17
Do you want to further develop your existing skills and experience around sports nutrition or athlete performance? Our Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition top-up degree combines theory and practical work to help mould you into an effective strength and conditioning coach or an expert in sport and exercise science.
Designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5), our strength and conditioning top-up course uses the latest industry research and evidence to ensure you have the most up-to-date practitioner knowledge. You will combine these disciplines with an ability to manipulate an athlete’s nutritional plan to benefit their performance, as well as knowledge and skills to assess and develop athletic fitness. You will also have chances to put this training into practice in our brand new Human Performance Centre and through work experience in the industry.
This top-up degree is one of only a small number of courses in the UK accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as part of the NSCA Education Recognition Programme. You will also have options to gain further industry-accredited qualifications, as well as the opportunity to apply for UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) accreditation.
Why should I choose this course?
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Test your practical skills working in our outstanding sports facilities on campus, including our state-of-the-art Human Performance Centre and Laboratory
- WORK EXPERIENCE – Boost your industry engagement through a variety of work experience opportunities throughout your course
- ENRICHMENT – Enhance your career prospects with a range of additional professional qualifications, from gym instruction to sports massage
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – Graduate with an NSCA-accredited strength and conditioning degree, preparing you for long-term professional success after your studies
- AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)
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.
Our new Human Performance Centre includes a 35m sprint track (with force plate) and sled track, eight lifting platforms, 7m rig and large screens displaying live analysis data
Our purpose-built Human Performance Laboratory features the latest equipment including an anti-gravity treadmill, isokinetic dynamometer, Monark LC7 cycle ergometer and SECA body composition analyser
Our sports injury and massage clinics on campus provide a variety of services to professional athletes, students and members of the public
The impressive £3m Avery Fields complex – which we share with Bournville RFC – boasts an all-weather pitch, two grass pitches and a clubhouse with function room and modern changing facilities
Course breakdown
- Modules
Core Modules
Applied Strength and Conditioning
Students will apply the knowledge and skills gained from the first and second years' of study to put together an effective programme of exercise for an athlete. This will include long term athlete monitoring strategies.
Nutrition for Performance
You will explore advanced concepts in sports nutrition and look at the application of diet in response to individualised sport specific needs through the assessment of anthropometry and caloric assessment. You will analyse the use of contemporary and emerging diets within sport such as the Palaeolithic diet, ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting practices.
Sport and Nutrition Project
You are required to select a research question or topic aligned to your profession, formulate the best way to answer the question, and present your written findings in both a written and presentation format (poster presentation).
Work Based Learning for Sport
The aim of the module is for students to gain work based experience within the sport and fitness industry. The experience will allow the students to further enhance both their career specific skills and transferable skills. Throughout the work based learning module students will have the opportunity to experience and observe a variety of different practices. The module further aims to develop the student's ability to analyse the work based experience, with the use of reflection models. In addition the module is focused upon ensuring the students are employment ready following the completion of their studies.
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
Entry requirements
Academic: A relevant HND or a foundation degree in the areas of Sport and Exercise Science, with 240 credits.
If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can complete our enquiry form here or call us on 0121 604 1040
International students
Academic: European and International qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered. Applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer).
If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on 0121 604 1040 or complete our enquiry form:
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction.
Teaching
Example of a typical teaching week (up to 15 contact hours):
- Large group teaching – 4 hours
- Smaller group teaching – 9 hours
- Tutorials – 2 hours
- Field trips and sports events
- Work experience
You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.
Assessment
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this top-up degree course:
- Coursework – 73%
- Practical assessment – 27%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Additional qualifications and training
There are opportunities to gain further industry-accredited qualifications throughout the duration of your studies. These include:
- Level 2 Gym Instructor
- Level 1/2 Award in Coaching Weight Lifting (British Weight Lifting)
- Level 3 Sports Massage
Please note extra qualifications may incur an additional fee.
Tuition fees for home students
If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,250. For part-time study, the fee is £4,625.
In 2025/2026, the full-time fee will be £9,535 per year, while the part-time fee will be £4,767.50 per year.
Kick-Start Scheme
As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.
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.
Latest updates
Join the conversation and check out the latest updates from the department of Sport and Nutrition.
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UCB Sports |
This course is accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
University College Birmingham was home of Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
University College Birmingham adopts the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) position that cheating, including doping, in sport is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport and undermines the otherwise positive impact of sport on society. View our Clean Sport Commitment statement here.
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.
70%
Work experience
Work experience is vital for learning how to apply your training in the real world and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and it may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired team can help you find suitable work experience.
We encourage students on our BSc Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition top-up course to gain work experience throughout your studies. The 'Work-Based Learning for Sport' module incorporates a work placement.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- West Bromwich Albion FC
- Wasps Rugby Academy
- City of Birmingham Basketball
- MSC Performance
What I enjoy most is the fact that we do lots of practical sessions in different facilities alongside other students, meaning we all learn from each other. I have never enjoyed any other practical sessions as much as the ones at University College Birmingham - the atmosphere makes them so much fun.
Career opportunities
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Personal trainer
Average salary: £14,000 – £35,000+
Fitness centre manager
Average Salary: £23,000 – £30,000
Nutritionist
Average Salary: £42,500
Exercise physiologist (in the sports sector)
Average Salary: £26,500
Strength and conditioning coach
Average Salary: £25,090
Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BSc (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our postgraduate courses such as Strength, Conditioning and Performance MSc.
Our student-voted awards and accolades
When it comes to student feedback, our university stands out. Our students value their time with us, as can be seen from the outcomes of several nationally-recognised student surveys below.
Meet your lecturers
