Strength and Conditioning in Sport brings 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 an additional cost. These include Gym Instruction, Personal Training, and Exercise Referral.
IUSCA accredited programme
Undertake scientific sport research in specialist facilities
Partnered with Lincoln City FC and a range of external partners
Learn from our expert academic team members
Subject ranked 3rd overall in the UK*
*Complete University Guide 2025 (out of 56 ranking institutions)
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.
This programme is accredited by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA). The IUSCA has been developed to support the growing area of strength and conditioning in the university sector across the world.
This module seeks to examine the mechanics of human movement, identifying the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects of these forces. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying the theoretical principles of biomechanics to sport and exercise.
The specific objectives are to:
- Provide an opportunity to develop an understanding of the basic principles of biomechanics.
- Investigate the relationship between the theoretical principles of biomechanics and sports performance.
- Introduce students to the basic laboratory techniques for the biomechanical assessment of motion.
This module introduces the key terminology and the scientific principles in human nutrition, metabolism and digestion. Importantly, both structure and function of all essential nutrients are covered alongside recommendations on dietary reference values (DRVs) for the population. Furthermore, basic molecular and cell biology are incorporated to better understand current and future developments in this field. Practical components will explore public health guidance on nutrition including, estimating portion sizing, food labelling and food choice education/skills training.
This module aims to provide an introduction to key concepts within strength and conditioning in order for students to develop a foundation of knowledge. Context for the field of strength and conditioning will be addressed, introducing relevant professional bodies. Course content aims to cover the role, scope of practice and code of conduct of the strength and conditioning coach. Fundamental elements of athlete training will be introduced from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
This module aims to provide the opportunity for students to develop a basic knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. The module seeks to focus on anatomical, biochemical and physiological integration necessary for human movement production.
Initial examination aims to develop an understanding of structures and processes relating to biological energy processing and systems, and the relationship between anatomical structures and physical functions. Students have the opportunity to develop an integrated systems approach to human movement, examining endocrine, neural and muscular functions required for movement initiation.
On this module, students have the opportunity to develop useful study skills for the sport and exercise scientist and benefit from an introduction to the underpinning concepts of scientific study and research methods.
This module aims to enable students to benefit fully from the higher education learning environment and develop their reflective practice, alongside an understanding of the philosophy of science as related to scientific study in sport and exercise.
This module aims to build directly on the key concepts delivered at level 4 through the Research Methods 1st year module. Advancing an understanding of research enquiry and the application of ethical research practice, the module aims to introduce a wide range of methodologies applicable to exercise, physical activity, health and sport performance research. Enabling independent research activities, the development of analytical skills should be evolved through applied evidence-based practice.
This module aims to enable students to build on practical knowledge and skills gained at level one within the Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement module. It aims to include a discussion of how to assess human movement through different kinetic, kinematic and performance analysis techniques and the delivery of application of theoretical concepts to practical sport assessment.
This module aims to build and expand on prior knowledge of the foundations of strength and conditioning. There is an increased emphasis on the application of theoretical knowledge and developing the student’s strength and conditioning coaching skills. Outreach work is ingrained in the form of a placement, whereby students will spend a dedicated amount of time working in the local community with an athlete or group of athletes. This can provide a key insight and experience of delivering athlete support in the applied setting. Please note that students who undertake a work placement are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and meal costs.
This module aims to give students the opportunity to consolidate and expand their knowledge of the foundations of sport physiology developed at level one, by encouraging the application of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology.
There is an emphasis on practical skills development with the aim of enabling students to evaluate responses to exercise in a laboratory and field environment. Students have the opportunity to apply the generic principles of sports physiology to different athletic groups in order to develop an appreciation of suitable methods of fitness development and adaptations to training prescription.
The aim of this module is to examine the relationship between physical activity and health, understanding the health problems that are caused by inactivity and their pathophysiology.
Students can learn both the risks and benefits of physical activity, understanding the contraindications to exercise for a range of special population groups. Students will be supported in the measurement of health-related fitness for sedentary individuals and make suitable recommendations for exercise in order to benefit health.
This module aims to enable students to develop an understanding of the underpinning theory and skills required to be able to competently instruct different modalities of exercise pertaining to free weight exercises and cardiovascular/resistance machines.
The Nutrition for Health and Performance module seeks to further develop the knowledge and skills required for students to effectively assess the diet and nutritional status of a client. The module will explore a range of dietary intake measures, body composition assessment methods and dietary analysis software tools, as well the relative strengths and weaknesses of associated methods and tools. Importantly, the practical elements of this module will allow students to develop the interpersonal/relationship building skills required for effective client interaction in performance nutrition and/or health contexts.
This optional placement year will provide students with the opportunity to practice full-time in a professional sport setting*, with the aim of enhancing the student's practical skills and level of employability. The placement will also provide the student with the opportunity to practically apply the skills and knowledge developed on their prior modules within a 'real-life' sport and exercise science and/or strength and conditioning context. Due to the nature of placement it will be of particular relevance to those students targeting a career in the applied support of professional athletes. *Only a limited number of placements are available
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop an advanced knowledge of concepts within strength and conditioning, promote critical evaluation of current research topics and training methods and further refine and develop coaching practice.
Students will have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the periodisation and planning of strength and conditioning training for athletes, and the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of advanced strength and conditioning training methods and current research trends.
The Dissertation module provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic and to demonstrate original and critical thought.
This optional module provides students with an opportunity to develop their ability to carry out independent research and consultancy activities in the area of sport and exercise biomechanics. Seeking to build upon the knowledge gained at previous levels, this module introduces specialised techniques to assess performance and the wider issues surrounding support work.
The specific objectives of the module are to:
- Provide an opportunity to develop proficiency in the use of advanced quantitative biomechanical systems to analyse and evaluate human performance.
- Provide the opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of the use of biomechanics in supporting and developing performance within elite athletes.
- Critically analyse recent and possible future developments in sports biomechanics.
This optional module aims to draw upon prior knowledge and practical experience in sport and exercise nutrition and sport physiology.
The specific objectives of this module are to:
- Integrate these disciplines to enhance understanding of the demands of sport and exercise and specialist conditions upon nutritional requirements.
- Provide an opportunity to develop understanding of the relationship between the health requirements of daily nutritional intake and optimal sports performance.
- Provide the opportunity to develop practical skills for the assessment of nutritional intake, hydration status, energy balance and body composition.
- Improve ability to translate individual nutritional needs of different sports performers and specialist populations into appropriate dietary strategies and daily nutritional prescription.
This optional module aims to encourage students to apply knowledge and understanding of the physiological systems active during exercise, at fatigue and following training, to the performance and specific requirements of different athletes.
The specific objectives of this module are to: - Provide the opportunity to develop an understanding and experience of physiological intervention and sports science support models as accepted tools for the performance development of the competitive athlete. - Provide the opportunity to gain relevant vocational experience in relation to physiological assessment and training prescription. - Prepare students academically and vocationally for future work in terms of knowledge, planning, understanding, research and assessment.
This elective module aims to explore the prescription of exercise to benefit specific medical conditions. It draws upon the theoretical issues and practical skills delivered at level two when exploring physical activity and health. Students have the opportunity to employ vocationally relevant skills in the health assessment of a client, designing and delivering an exercise programme to benefit a specified medical condition. Students can explore healthcare systems, critically examining roles and responsibilities and the use of evaluation.
This optional module includes a placement that is linked to the module assessment. Students who choose to take this module will be responsible for their travel, accommodation and general living costs during the placement.
This interdisciplinary module is designed to build on prior knowledge of exercise instruction, and the anatomical and physiological processes of sport and exercise physiology related to the planning, prescription and delivery of a specific exercise programme.
† 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.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
The way students are assessed on 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.
This programme is endorsed by The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for Strength & Conditioning Trainer, Gym Instructor, and Personal Trainer. This endorsement demonstrates the University's commitment to ensuring students' teaching and learning is aligned to industry standards. For a student to register with CIMSPA and arrange certification for professional standards gained during this degree, a small administration charge would be required.
This course is also recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the largest global body in strength and conditioning.
During your second year, you'll undertake a mandatory 10-week work placement providing strength and conditioning support to athletes. You'll be encouraged to arrange a placement independently, and tutors can provide support where needed. You will also be responsible for associated costs of placements, including accommodation, travel, and general living costs.
There may also be opportunities to undertake a work placement year as part of the course. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
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) Sport Development and Coaching
This 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 you to engage in relevant work experience.
Our ongoing partnership with Lincoln City FC offers you opportunities to undertake work placement or internship opportunities, as well as providing a potential pathway for full-time employment after you graduate. Many Lincoln graduates are employed within the organisation in roles spanning coaching, physiotherapy, sports science, and performance analysis.
Our Human Performance Centre offers dedicated practical and teaching spaces including physiology laboratories, a psychology laboratory, consultation suites, and specific practical spaces to support exercise instruction and referral work. 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. High-profile sports organisations have used the facilities, including British Canoeing and British Ice Skating.
Our Human Performance Centre offers dedicated practical and teaching spaces including physiology laboratories, a psychology laboratory, consultation suites, and specific practical spaces to support exercise instruction and referral work. 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. High-profile sports organisations have used the facilities, including British Canoeing and British Ice Skating.
Our Human Performance Centre offers dedicated practical and teaching spaces including physiology laboratories, a psychology laboratory, consultation suites, and specific practical spaces to support exercise instruction and referral work. 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. High-profile sports organisations have used the facilities, including British Canoeing and British Ice Skating.
Our Human Performance Centre offers dedicated practical and teaching spaces including physiology laboratories, a psychology laboratory, consultation suites, and specific practical spaces to support exercise instruction and referral work. 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. High-profile sports organisations have used the facilities, including British Canoeing and British Ice Skating.
Our Human Performance Centre offers dedicated practical and teaching spaces including physiology laboratories, a psychology laboratory, consultation suites, and specific practical spaces to support exercise instruction and referral work. 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. High-profile sports organisations have used the facilities, including British Canoeing and British Ice Skating.
Graduates can progress to a range of careers in areas such as sport development, coaching, and fitness instruction, and graduate-level employment in the uniformed services. Some choose to go on to postgraduate study or teaching.
104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of five at grade 4 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 and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We may 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.
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.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
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.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
