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.
If you decide to spend a year studying abroad, you will also build coaching experience in college American football and NCAA basketball – a rare experience in the UK.
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:
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Applying to university can be daunting, and you may have questions about applying, student life, or your course.
Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.
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.
How the degree is taught
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.
Entry requirements
2025 and 2026 entries
Start date
Standard offer
112 - undefined 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.
GCSE
Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science is also required.
We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.
International requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
How many UCAS points my grades are worth
A levels
A*
56 pts
A
48 pts
B
40 pts
C
32 pts
D
24 pts
E
16 pts
My qualification isn't listed:
If you can't find your qualification in this list please check the full list of UCAS tariff tables.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,535
International
£17,100
*Please note: 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.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
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.
Career opportunities
Our Strength and Conditioning Science BSc helps you build highly valued transferrable skills, including resilience, critical thinking, and communication.
Please contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Strength and Conditioning Science BSc (Hons) include:
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.
If you are living outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
Interested in applying through Clearing?
Find out more about Clearing 2025 at St Mary's, and register your interest so we can contact you when you receive your grades.
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.
More from St Mary's
Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
Find out more about the extensive support system available to you at St Mary’s.
Discover the many areas in which our academies are currently researching.
Discover what life is like on our London campus.