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STRENGTH, CONDITIONING AND SPORTS NUTRITION
BSc (Hons) / FdSc
Accredited by University College Birmingham
Choose Award
Duration
3 years full-time
UCAS Code
C610
Placement
Opportunities available
Entry
September
Fees
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Choose Award
Duration
2 years full-time
UCAS Code
C611
Placement
Opportunities available
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
£44m invested in flagship facilities, including sport, to support your future career opportunities
Accredited by leading industry bodies including IUSCA and NSCA
If you are keen on a career as a strength and conditioning coach or working in the field of sport and exercise science, this degree offers you a unique opportunity to combine the study of strength and conditioning with sports nutrition. Featuring a combination of theoretical and practical work, our course uses the latest up-to-date research on strength, conditioning and nutrition to ensure your practitioner skills are based on the latest evidence from the industry.
Our Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition degree is accredited by top industry bodies including the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), preparing you for long-term professional success after graduation. Supported by University College Birmingham’s cutting-edge sports facilities and equipment, along with a range of opportunities for you to gain practical experience, you will learn how to use a broad range of conditioning skills to optimise an athlete’s performance, as well as gaining an understanding of how nutrition can improve results.
Alongside your strength and conditioning course, you will also have the chance to gain a wide variety of further industry-accredited qualifications during your studies. Options range from first aid to gym instruction and coaching weight lifting, while you will have the opportunity to gain the IUSCA's Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP) certification on graduation.
Why should I choose this course?
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – Graduate with an IUSCA and NSCA-accredited strength and conditioning degree, as well as gaining NSCA student membership and access to additional industry resources and opportunities
- WORK PLACEMENT – Boost your hands-on experience through industry placement opportunities – past students have worked with a range of top sports clubs
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Apply your training through practical strength and conditioning work in our state-of-the-art facilities, including our new Human Performance Centre and gym
- ENRICHMENT – Study for additional qualifications during your course, and network with industry professionals at our annual Sports Performance and Rehabilitation Conference
- 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
Students on the FdSc have the option of progressing onto the final year upon completion of the foundation degree.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Core Modules
Academic Development
This module will aim to facilitate your transition from FE or an alternative learning pathway to HE via a structured delivery of academic study skills related specifically to your Strength, Conditioning & Sports Nutrition programme.
Anatomy for Strength and Conditioning
You will be introduced to the basic anatomical structures of the body to include bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Knowledge of the human body will be applied to strength and conditioning activities to develop your knowledge regarding the anatomical structures involved in conditioning.
Exercise Physiology
This module will provide you with underpinning knowledge about the physiological processes that occur within the human body as a result of strength and conditioning training.
Practical Strength and Conditioning Principles I
This module will provide you with an important foundation of practical strength and conditioning activities to build on in the second semester. You will learn to coach basic lifts as well as some speed, and plyometric drills.
Practical Strength and Conditioning Principles II
This module enables you to apply your skills and knowledge gained in the Practical Strength and Conditioning Principles 1 module into coaching individual athletes. You will develop the skills to effectively coach in a one to one setting with the aim of improving an individual's physical capacity and/or motor skills. The skills developed during this module will be key to a successful career as a Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Principles of Nutrition
On this module you will learn some of the fundamental principles of human nutrition. The content will focus on different body systems involved with energy metabolism and the dietary requirements for a healthy individual.
Core Modules
Field-Based Conditioning
Following the gym-based focus of year 1, this module develops the ability to offer effective training in a variety of sport specific settings, i.e. pitch based, running track or sports court. You will develop the skills to administer conditioning activities and monitor athlete progression in both one to one and group scenarios.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
You will explore the use of effective strength and conditioning strategies to help to rehabilitate injury and prevent future injuries from occurring. The primary focus will be on the return to play phase of rehabilitation, making use of knowledge gained in previous modules to effectively analyse sporting movements and prescribe suitable rehabilitation and prevention strategies.
Psychological Priciples of Strength and Conditioning
The aim of this module is to investigate the role of sport and exercise psychology in different sport discilpines and environments. You will be challenged to consider how psychological knowledge, theories, and principles can be disseminated to key stakeholders within strength, conditioning, and nutrition environments within sport. You will analyse and review the area of sport psychology focusing on key areas such as motivation, personality, learning and aggression. Here, you will examine the role of key relationships , such as the coach-athlete, in relevance to psychological concepts.
Research for Sport
You will be introduced to the management and application of research, looking at using primary and secondary research tools and techniques through various research activities. You will establish research aims, objectives, research methods and how to collect both qualitative and quantitative data for use in your own research.
Sport and Exercise Nutrition
You will examine the nutritional needs of athletes and those undertaking substantial exercise programmes, exploring the importance of nutrition in achieving health and performance. Other topics addressed will include exercise and metabolism, energy generation, hydration and vitamin and mineral needs for athletic performance.
Sports Biomechanics
You will develop the skills required to effectively break down key sporting movements into their component parts, enabling you to successfully prescribe suitable conditioning activities to enhance performance.
Core Modules
Applied Strength and Conditioning
You 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
Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition BSc (Hons)
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CCC.
T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component of grade C.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MMM. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition FdSc
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CD.
T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PPP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 48 UCAS Tariff points.
Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry. Please complete our enquiry form here to check your eligibility.
Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.
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.
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 12-15 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 degree course:
- Coursework– 50%
- Practical assessment– 47%
- Written examinations– 3%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Additional qualifications and training
- In Year 1, you will be able to obtain first aid training, Level 2 Gym Instructor and a UKCC 1st4Sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Weight Lifting (British Weight Lifting)
- Between Years 2 and 3, you can work towards a UKCC 1st4Sport Level 2 Award in Coaching Weight Lifting (British Weight Lifting)
Please note extra qualifications may incur an additional fee.
Timetable
We understand that you need to balance study with work, so wherever possible your lessons will be timetabled into 2-3 days a week.
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.
Tuition fees for international students
If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time bachelor's degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £14,000. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.
In 2025/26, the tuition fee for the [Band 1] course will be £16,000 per year.
Uniform and kit costs
This course incurs additional costs of approximately £100 for uniform and kit. (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.)
Scholarships and bursaries
Sporting Excellence Scholarship
Students on our sports courses at University College Birmingham may be eligible to receive one of our Sporting Excellence Scholarships. These are open to applicants from any country who are able to demonstrate ongoing excellence in sporting achievement.
Two levels of support package are available, with awards of up to £3,000 towards competitions, training costs and equipment over three years of study. The scholarship also includes:
- University-branded training kit
- Free gym membership
- Individually tailored programme - may include nutrition, sports psychology, strength and conditioning or lifestyle support
- Weekly sports therapy/massage
To find out more about the levels of support and eligibility criteria, visit our scholarships and waivers page.
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.
This course is accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as part of the NSCA Education Recognition Programme.
This course is accredited by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association.
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.
Hear from our students
Industry spotlight
70%
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.
We encourage students on our FdSc and BSc Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition courses to gain work experience throughout your studies.
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.
Secondary school teacher (physical education)
Average Salary: £29,364
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.
What our students on this course say...
100%
of students on this course say that teaching staff are good at explaining things
100%
of students on this course say that teaching staff support their learning well
100%
of students on this course say it is easy to contact teaching staff when they need to
*National Student Survey (NSS) 2023
**Course statistics relate to the BSc (Hons) degree
Course statistics
BSc (Hons)
FdSc
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