Strength and Conditioning (Distance Learning)
MSc, PGDip, PGCert

I graduated in 2004 with a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Malta and have always had a passion for sports. Having played numerous sports disciplines myself and also represented my country, I was eager to learn more about the physical preparation of athletes so that I could play an active role in developing future athletes in my country.

After having read the course content and seeing how flexible it was to plan modules to be able to fit in with my work, I chose to follow the Masters degree in S&C at St Mary’s via distance learning. The course is very detailed - and although demanding at times - it's very well thought out by key lecturers in the field and definitely recommended.

This outstanding course helped me to get a much deeper understanding of coaching fundamentals and improved my coaching practice. The unique combination of challenging scientific details and insightful practical experiences from the lecturers developed my critical thinking abilities and enabled me to deliver the highest quality of training.

Studying in a foreign language was a huge challenge and very time consuming, however every minute spend on the course was more than worth it. Further, besides the compulsory coursework there is plenty of information available for foreign students to improve their writing abilities.

I would recommend this course to everybody all around the world who wants to be challenged in their views and improve as a strength and conditioning coach.

The course has been a perfect fit for me. The combination of practical applications and assessments - you actually have to lift and coach - as well as the scientific background has been amazing. Entering the program via the non-degree entrance pathway has made it challenging but there is all the support available if you are willing to put in the work. Since you only have to travel to London once per year but may also attend 2-3 times, it is flexible and affordable for international students, which is truly reflected in my current peers. Ranging from Singapore to Canada I have had great conversations (and beers) with many interesting people who have backgrounds from training Olympians to Formula 1 drivers. If you are looking for a challenging and serious degree with high flexibility and close to the actual sports and performance world - you found it. I am looking forward to my second year on the course!

The MSc in Strength and Conditioning Science has enabled me to develop and deliver my own philosophy in strength and conditioning with confidence. This is because the knowledge taught, the experience of the lecturers in the field and the opportunities at St Mary's is without doubt second to none. My work within the EIS would not be at the standard it is today without the applied and thought provoking teaching styles.

I would recommend this course for anyone seeking to work at the front end of elite sport, or who wants to understand and deliver the highest quality of training.

This was the only course I wanted to take and it certainly didn't disappoint! You have to be very organised, but with the right approach to lectures and assignments - and with communication on the forums - you can make major strides as an individual and as a coach.

My S&C network has doubled as a result of this course and it was great to have a large cohort to communicate with. I've left with not only a greater knowledge base, but also more confidence in my own ability, coaching and communication skills.

Working full-time I was searching for an MSc which was flexible in its mode of delivery and this degree ticked all the boxes. The course filled a number of gaps in my existing knowledge and challenged a number of beliefs I had within strength and conditioning.

In turn I am able to think more critically about my coaching practice and am better rounded as a result. Equally I feel the course has enhanced my career progression and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this degree to any strength and conditioning coach.

Having already started a career in professional strength and conditioning with London Wasps prior to commencing the MSc, I was hoping that St Mary's MSc Strength and Conditioning programme would be stimulating, thought provoking and a challenge to my current philosophy.

In all honesty, it did more than that and I can definitely say that this programme has raised my strength and conditioning practices to the next level.

As an international student on the St Mary’s MSc in Strength & Conditioning, I have come to value the truly international educational experience that St Mary’s has to offer. The content and delivery is world class. Learning in this unique environment and during summer on-site periods, I have developed a close connection with professors and peers from around the world.

Classmates with strong backgrounds in rehabilitation have been valuable resources for various questions over the last couple of years. Additionally, I've been host to visitors from Asia coming to Vancouver; and I will similarly look to visit my peers in their parts of the world as well. Overall, it has been a profound experience to meet, network and collaborate with the robust collection of great minds enrolled in and delivering the St Mary’s MSc in Strength & Conditioning program.

In the Netherlands no such course exists. All modules or essays of St Mary's have a direct link with some practical theme - whether it is a sport to analyse or a sport movement to consider. In the Netherlands movement sciences is very scientific (and very interesting), but without any practical approach. The module about programming doesn't exist for instance. Other Dutch courses that have a more practical approach are of lower level or are more pedagogic oriented (teachers' physical education).

The quality of lectures and resources were perfect and although the course is distance based the online services and access to literature made this easy. A great course for me as it allowed me to study and work within the same environment at the same time. 

The course is highly challenging which is driven by the lecturers and also by the students through online discussion and the most important outcome for me from this course was the ability to challenge current strength and conditioning practice and have a greater understanding of the scientific underpinning of this field.

After extensive research into strength and conditioning masters programmes, I chose St Mary's, because I felt no other academic institution offered the same level of both theoretical and practical content along with global prestige - whilst also allowing me to continue working in my current role.

Furthermore, this gave me the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge I gained from St Mary's on a day to day basis with my athletes.

Finally, the opportunity to liaise and network with fellow S&C coaches from across the globe at the summer onsite allows St Mary's students broaden their horizons and make like-minded friends and contacts worldwide.

I have found the MSc at St Mary's excellent as a course and it combines academic theory and practical coaching very well. The flexible option of learning through a modular format reinforces the learning and allows for students in full-time employment to pursue an internationally recognised qualification.