This modular programme aims to produce postgraduate students with a sound knowledge of both the theoretical and practical aspects of strength and conditioning, as well as the necessary skills to undertake individual and collaborative research. All students take two specialist subject modules, one optional module and a core module in research skills. To complete the Master's programme, students undertake an individual research project.

This programme will blend theory and practice of strength and conditioning to develop individuals with excellent back ground knowledge and practical experience.  This will develop practitioners who will benefit from the 2012 games and their legacy.  The main features of the programme include:

• Sound scientific knowledge
• Development of practical skills and experience
• Links with professional sporting organisations
• State of the art laboratories
• An ‘Applied’ focus throughout
• A broad range of optional modules▪

For entry to this programme, students are required to have a minimum of a second-class undergraduate honours degree from a UK university in a relevant subject area e.g. sport science or an equivalent qualification and/or experience.  Overseas qualifications must be assessed as equivalent to the above by NARIC.  All students admitted to the University are required to have GCSE at grade C in maths and English (or equivalent). 

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then an IELTS score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all components) or equivalent is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to these criteria may be admitted to the programme at the admission tutors discretion, only if they are likely to be successful in gaining an award. This will normally involve an interview.

• One year full time or two years part time for MSc and PG Diploma.
• One year part time for PG Certificate.
• Taught modules are delivered in a semesterised system, with semesters running from September to January and February to June.  The research projects will run through the summer period

• Learning is encouraged through participation in a wide variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory-based practicals, web-based learning  etc.
• In addition all students are expected to read extensively in their own time. Much of this reading will be directed.
• Success at university depends on developing your ability to study independently using library resources, Computer-assisted learning (CAL), handouts and web-based study activities.
• These skills are reinforced in modules in the first semester. These enable us to assess your independent learning needs at university, and also help to develop those transferable skills so important in working life. The skills with which you start the programme may vary considerably between individuals, so your personal tutor will direct your skills development work on an individual basis.

• Students are assessed in practical work and theory.
• The Research Skills module is assessed by coursework involving a variety of forms of presentation.
• The Research Project is assessed mainly by the final written report, with contributions from a poster presentation and portfolio.
• The pass mark for all modules is 50%

• The curriculum is tailored to current demand in this field.
• Emphasis is placed on progression from an understanding of theory to an application of that theory
• Part-time students in relevant employment may be permitted to carry out research projects at their place of work.
• An optional work-based learning module is designed to enhance employability by gaining valuable practical experience that bridges the gap between the higher education and the workplace.

• Project work is an essential component of a Masters degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group work exercises feature throughout the programme.
• The individual research project is the culmination of the programme makes up 33% of the programme.
• Project work encourages students to show initiative in their individual work under supervision, using appropriate analytical techniques to generate and interpret new data.

• Extensive personal support throughout the programme.
• Staff with extensive experience of teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Sound practical as well as academic training.
• Access to modern research facilities.
• Effective careers advice and support available.

Students that successfully complete this degree could follow a range of career pathways.  The programme has been written to enable a diverse set of opportunities for successful graduates.  Students would be well placed to go on to complete the UK Strength and Conditioning Association accreditation and the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist qualification.  Students would be well placed to study for a PhD on successful completion of the programme.  Students would be able to work with professional athletes and teams. Regular job advertisements for the strength and conditioning specialists from the English Institute of Sport and other employers request these qualifications and skills.

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

• When you arrive, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general. Your tutor will be responsible for directing your skills development work, by directing you to programmes which will tackle any areas in which your academic background may be deficient.
• The programme tutor may also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
• The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
• Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
• Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UELPlus Online programme links.
• The placement supervisor for the work-based learning module will give support by helping you negotiate a learning agreement and by discussing with you and your mentor your progress while on placement.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers. Support for students on a University level includes:

• Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
• Careers advice and information
• Counselling and Advice for practical problems
• Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
• Language tuition
• Dyslexia support
• Accommodation

• A small and friendly campus.
• A School with staff and facilities to match to the wide interests and backgrounds of students.
• Good connections with NHS, professional sports clubs and other employers.
• Sports facilities at the Atherton Centre, which is just a few minutes walk away.
• Multiplex cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs a few minutes walk away in Stratford - a major site of new development in East London.
• Central London only 20 minutes away by underground and extensive transport links with all parts of London.