Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines applied practice, laboratory‑based science and independent research. Core themes include strength and power development, athlete monitoring, performance testing, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports nutrition and coaching practice. Teaching balances lectures and seminars with regular practical sessions in specialist facilities and supervised work with athlete cohorts.

• Applied Strength and Power — principles and periodisation of resistance training, velocity‑based training, and programme design for different athletic populations.
• Performance Assessment and Monitoring — selection and implementation of field and laboratory tests, reliability and validity of measures, and the use of monitoring tools (e.g. force platforms, velocity transducers, wearable technologies).
• Biomechanics and Movement Analysis — kinematic and kinetic analysis of sporting movements to inform coaching interventions.
• Exercise Physiology and Metabolic Responses — physiological adaptations to training, fatigue management and recovery strategies.
• Sports Nutrition for Performance — nutritional strategies to support training, adaptation and competition.
• Research Methods and Statistics — experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication tailored to applied performance contexts.
• Professional Practice and Placement — supervised practical experience with sports teams or performance centres, stakeholder engagement and reflective practice.
• Major Project / Dissertation — an extended research or applied project on a topic relevant to strength and conditioning, supervised by academic staff.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK undergraduate degree in sport and exercise science, sports coaching, physiotherapy or a closely related subject, typically at upper‑second class honours (2:1) or international equivalent. Candidates with a lower honours degree supplemented by relevant professional experience in strength and conditioning, coaching or sport support roles may be considered.

Practical experience and evidence of competency in strength and conditioning practices (for example workplace experience, coaches’ qualifications or CPD) strengthen an application. International applicants will need to demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test or equivalent qualification where English is not the first language.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles such as strength and conditioning coach in professional and semi‑professional sport, performance coach in academy or community settings, strength and conditioning support within national governing bodies, performance analyst, rehabilitation support practitioner and strength & conditioning roles within military or emergency services. The programme also provides a route into doctoral study and research positions for those pursuing academic careers.

Course graduates benefit from practical placement experience and industry links that help build professional networks and a portfolio of real‑world work, useful when applying for positions in high‑performance environments.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers an applied, research‑led approach with access to dedicated sports science laboratories, a fully equipped strength and conditioning gym, biomechanics and exercise physiology equipment and athlete monitoring technologies. Teaching staff combine academic expertise with industry experience, and the programme emphasises hands‑on learning through practical sessions and placements.

The university’s focus on applied research and strong links with local and regional sports organisations provide students with opportunities to work alongside coaches and athletes. Small cohort sizes allow for personalised supervision on practical skills and the major project, helping students develop the specialist competencies required by employers in the strength and conditioning field.