BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Sport University of Lincoln

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Strength and Conditioning in Sports bring together the application of sports and exercise science to maximise the physical preparation of athletes.

This degree offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in applied strength and conditioning, physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition.

It aims to prepare students to provide strength and conditioning support to athletes and work in the University’s Strength and Conditioning Clinic. A number of professional qualifications are integrated into the curriculum that students may choose to undertake alongside their degree at no extra cost. These include Gym Instruction, Personal Training, and Exercise Referrals.

Endorsed by CIMPSA

This programme is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA).

Accredited Programme

The University of Lincoln's BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Sport programme is accredited by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA). You can read about our accreditation online. The IUSCA has been developed to support the growing area of strength and conditioning in the university sector across the world.

Recognised Programme

The University of Lincoln's BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Sport programme is recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

The NSCA is the largest global body in strength and conditioning.

How You Study

The course is designed to develop students' critical understanding of the knowledge and practical competencies required by strength and conditioning professionals. Key concepts are presented over the three years, with deepening layers of complexity.

Applied assessments and work placements provide opportunities for students to experience real-life work scenarios and are designed to develop the skills needed to succeed in a range of sports-related careers.

Modules can include Foundations in Strength and Conditioning; Fundamentals of Human Physiology; Applied Exercise Physiology; Nutrition for Health and Performance; Advanced Strength and Conditioning; and Advanced Biomechanical Analysis.

Modules

First Year

• Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement (Core)
• Foundations in Human Nutrition (Core)
• Foundations in Strength and Conditioning (Core)
• Fundamentals of Human Physiology (Core)
• Research Skills (Core)

Second Year

• Advanced Research Skills (Core)
• Applied Movement Analysis (Core)
• Applied Strength and Conditioning (Core)
• Applied Exercise Physiology (Option)†
• Applied Health Physiology (Option)†
• Exercise Instruction (Option)†
• Nutrition for Health and Performance (Option)†
• Study Abroad (Option)†
• Work Placement Year (Option)†

Third Year

• Advanced Strength and Conditioning (Core)
• Dissertation (Core)
• Advanced Biomechanical Analysis (Option)†
• Advanced Sport and Exercise Nutrition (Option)†
• Advanced Sports Physiology (Option)†
• Exercise Prescription for Health (Option)†
• Personal Training (Option)†

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

How You Are Assessed

The way students are assessed in this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.

Facilities

The University of Lincoln’s Human Performance Centre offers excellent facilities to meet the academic needs of our students. The Centre provides first-class sports and exercises support. Our experienced staff have academic and professional expertise in a range of areas including sport and exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, sports psychology, coach education, and sports nutrition.

Placements

Second-year students undertake a mandatory 10-week work placement providing strength and conditioning support to athletes. Students are encouraged to arrange placements independently, and tutors can provide support where needed. Students are also responsible for associated costs of placements, including accommodation, travel and general living costs.

Industry Partners and Work Experience

The course has strong links with a number of external partners, including British Orienteering, British Canoeing, Active Lincolnshire, Lincoln City Football Club, and Lincolnshire Cricket. Local partnerships with schools, community groups, and sports clubs provide additional opportunities for students to engage in relevant work experience. The School will cover all reasonable costs associated with work placements.

The College of Social Science’s Work Opportunities Hub is available to support students who are seeking to enhance their studies by engaging with a variety of work settings.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can progress to a range of careers in areas such as sports development, coaching, and fitness instruction, and graduate-level employment in uniformed services. Some choose to go on to postgraduate study or teaching.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

• A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
• International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.
• T Level: Merit
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.
• A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc.
• Applicants will also need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and a Science or sport-related subject. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non-UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

Scholarships

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.

"The staff invested a significant amount of time developing my coaching practice, providing an excellent platform in which to develop and use my practical skills in my current role as a full-time tennis coach."



Chris Stock, BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching graduate