Train to coach sports performers with a Strength and Conditioning Science degree at St Mary’s University – the front-runner for strength and conditioning education
Understand how to physically prepare and coach sports performers with our Strength and Conditioning Science degree. You will learn anatomy, neuromechanics, and how to apply your knowledge to the workplace.
Our strength and conditioning science programme is accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Therefore, you’ll be eligible for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) qualification in the USA.
Our course also meets the requirements of the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA).
International reputation
St Mary's is internationally recognised as the front-runner for strength and conditioning education. Our strength and conditioning science course was the first of its kind in the UK, and we have made sure it evolved to be highly successful.
We help students pursue careers in elite sport. Some of our graduates have performed in:
- Olympic and Paralympic games
- shows by The Royal Ballet
- premiership football
- premiership rugby.
Expert teaching and support
You will learn from accredited and highly experienced coaches here to aid your personal and professional development. Our student, Ben, tells us how our lecturers supported him during his Strength and Conditioning Science degree.
Build hands-on, professional experience
You will gain crucial coaching experience with our partner clubs and organisations, such as:
- Crystal Palace FC
- London Irish RFC
- University London Boat Club
- Sutton Tennis Academy
- Royal Ballet Company.
Share facilities with Olympians
You will learn in our 5,000-square-foot Performance Education Centre – part of our world-class facilities used by Olympians.
You’ll also access our state-of-the art:
About the Placement Year
A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.
It will enable you to:
- apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
- build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
- develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
- get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.
Support from St Mary’s every step of the way
Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.
Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.
Chat to us
Chat to us
Applying to university can be daunting, and you may have questions about applying, student life, or your course.
Career opportunities
Our Strength and Conditioning Science BSc helps you build highly valued transferrable skills, including resilience, critical thinking, and communication.
Upon starting your course at St Mary's, you will have access to our Career Services, which provides students and graduates with impartial advice on their career progression and development.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:
Course content
These modules are available in the current academic year and are intended to illustrate what may be offered in future years. Modules are subject to change.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2026 to 2028 entries
Start date
Standard offer
112 UCAS points
Contextual offer
96 UCAS points
About Contextual Offer:
Not sure about your grades? We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria. Read more about contextual offers.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£9,790
International
£17,445
(£1200 during placement year)
*Please note: Tuition fee increases for undergraduate Home students are subject to regulatory control by the UK Government. The above Home fees for September 2026 are confirmed by the UK Government subject to Parliamentary procedure in early 2026. These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
- Contact time
- 18%
- Independent study
- 40%
- Guided learning
- 42%
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Teaching and assessment methods are broad, varied and innovative with a strong support network from staff. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, labs, problem-solving sessions, computer based sessions and peer teaching.
Year one of the programme involves over 140 hours of practical teaching, including a module where students are coached by staff for 50 hours.
Class sizes range from 40 to 60 students per year.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods reflect the skills that are valued by employers in industry and include DVD production, excel programming, oral presentations, laboratory reports, website design, essays, practical vivas and written exams.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Apply now
If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply directly through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information. You will also need to apply directly if you want to study any course part-time.
If you're an international student and you would like to apply for Foundation and Placement Year courses, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
September
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions. Please note: we do not currently accept transfers into our LLB courses.
More from St Mary's
Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
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Discover what life is like on our London campus.