Professional Doctorate in Strength and Conditioning
DS&C

Having worked in sports coaching and personal training for over twenty years, I had gained a breadth of knowledge and experience for training that stood me in good stead. However, although I had undertaken many courses and qualifications over that time, I remained unfulfilled in my professional development by the absence of a Higher Education qualification. The thought of embarking on an undergraduate course at this stage in my career seemed of limited benefit and was restrictive due to the full time commitment required. Upon discovering the MSc in S&C at St Mary’s University, no other course could have fulfilled my desire any better. In fact this course went on to exceed my expectations in every way. I won’t kid for a second and admit to it being the hardest challenge that I have ever undertaken, but so incredibly worthwhile.

Learning to read and reference from original sources of research, learning to write in a style that ensures your training decisions are based upon scientific evidence, and taking this critical approach to session planning and delivery. This course has broadened my understanding and whetted my appetite for continued learning. I have made incredible connections, professional networks and life long friends as a result. And as for my career; after 6 years S&C coaching with junior athletes in a good private school, during which time I gained my MSc, I have just started a new role as the Strength & Conditioning Coaching Professional at Eton College in Berkshire. I highly recommend you take on the challenge, with the desire and determination, the absence of an undergraduate degree need not stop you fulfilling your potential.

As a non-degree entrant, being accepted onto the Masters of Science in Strength & Conditioning (S&C) at St Mary's University (SMU) was a wonderfully life-altering moment for me. I have always loved to read and study, especially in the field of S&C, but up until that point I had not yet been given the right guidance in how to truly live a life of critical thinking and reflective practice.

Dr Daniel Cleather as well as the other leaders and lecturers at St Mary's not only helped me to develop in these all-important areas, but also gave me a much greater understanding of the anatomical and physiological foundation stones upon which my coaching practice exists. I therefore am eternally grateful to SMU and the MSc administration for developing an NDE pathway onto this course, as these have thus far been some of the most transformative years of my life.

As an international student in the St Mary’s M.Sc 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 summer on-site periods, I have developed a close connection with professors and peers from around the world. Several classmates who have strong backgrounds in rehabilitation have been valuable resources for various questions over the last couple of years.

Additionally, I have 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 M.Sc in Strength & Conditioning program.