The Moray House School of Education
Postgraduate Study - Taught Degrees

Strength and Conditioning (S&C) is a subject of increasing focus, particularly in areas of applied scientific study such as sports performance, injury prevention, geriatric and rehabilitating populations. With a primary emphasis on sports performance based issues, the programme combines both the theoretical and practical elements of strength and conditioning to identify and examine a wide range of academic and practitioner needs.

The programme commences with a postgraduate Diploma consisting of six courses. These courses are designed to produce a balanced programme in which, as well as studying areas of pertinence to strength and conditioning, students are encouraged to consider the wider professional skills and issues associated with the application of scientific ideas. In addition to these skills, the programme aims to develop the ability of students to be able to critically appraise and apply scientific literature. For students progressing to masters level (MSc), the study of research methods is extended to the ability to be able to plan, conduct and disseminate their own research following the established principles of rigorous scientific study.

The programme is designed with a practical orientation, towards the application and evolution of theory to practice in varied settings. The major focus of the programme is on performance sport, although other areas such as exercise and rehabilitation are also covered.

Principal aims of the programme:

• Understand and evaluate current research and thinking in strength and conditioning
• Inform design and delivery of appropriate training interventions
• Provide knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of strength and conditioning interventions
• Provide the skills to enable students to operate as a ‘practitioner’ in a sports performance environment

 

Recent developments

Research in the area of strength and conditioning (S&C) has increased dramatically in the last 5-10 years. This research not only includes studies exploring the basic nature of muscle force production but also includes applied scientific studies examining sports performance, the elderly and rehabilitating populations. Evidence of this fact can be found in the increased number of studies devoted to strength training and other aspects of physical conditioning found in peer-review journals. Indeed two peer-review journals (Strength and Conditioning and The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research) are now completely devoted to S&C research or interpretation of research, particularly as S&C impacts upon sports performance. Thus a master's in S&C represents a major step forward for aspiring researchers and professionals who wish to study and practice at the cutting edge in the S&C area.

The programme will be delivered by staff who all have experience of working with sports people of all levels up to international standard, e.g. as consultant providers to the Scottish Institute of Sport and British Rally Elite scheme. In addition, the internationally-renowned Prof. Mike Stone (formerly of the US Olympic Medical Centre) will deliver a core module on physio-mechanical aspects of resistance training. As an adjunct to the course, we are also investigating the possibility of the UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) holding an accreditation weekend in the excellent weights gym in the University of Edinburgh at some point within the time course of the programme, although this is yet to be confirmed and is not part of the MSc programme.

Programme structure

Awards Courses Scottish masters level credits Postgraduate Diploma 1a. Understanding Research Concepts 10 1b. Research Process 10 2. Professional Skills 20 Core 3 Physiology of Strength & Conditioning 20 Core 4 Physio-mechanical Aspects of Resistance Training 20 Core 5 Nutritional Factors & Ergogenic Aids 20 Core 6 Paediatric & Environmental Factors for Training 20 Masters Dissertation 60

Structure of the award:
Students complete 6 prescribed modules (exit award available 'PostGraduate Diploma') each equivalent to 20 Scottish Masters Level Credits and with sufficient achievement, progress to the Dissertation (exit award available 'MSc'), equivalent to 60 Scottish Masters Level Credits.

Progression to Dissertation (MSc) requires an average pass mark of 50% throughout the PG Diploma modules. Students may study full or part time and the timetable arrangements are rotated each year so that student in full time work may complete the taught elements through evening based study over two years (on condition of the Physio-mechanical module - see details below*).

Dates / Duration of awards

Dates for 2008/09:

• Monday evenings and Tuesday afternoons and evenings in Semester 1+2
(except Physio-mechanical module to be delivered condensed in one week, dates TBC)
• Semester 1 and assessment period: 22 Sept - 19 Dec 2008
• Semester 2 and assessment period: 12 Jan - 27 Mar 2009
• Dissertation: completed from 21 April - 28 Aug 2009
NB Monday 20 April is a public holiday

Teaching will take place at the Department of Physical Education, Sport & Leisure Studies, St Leonard’s building (5 minutes walk form Waverley Rail station in the centre of Edinburgh).

Each taught course includes:

• 10 weeks with weekly contact followed by assessment period
• assessment, exam and/or assignments (equivalent to a 4000-5000 word assignment for each course)
• * one core module (Physio-mechanical Aspects of Resistance Training) to be delivered in one week of condensed teaching, as led by Professor Mike Stone who is coming over from the US

Part-time students will be able to complete the MSc in Strength & Conditioning by attending evening sessions only over two years followed by the dissertation, with the exception of the Physio-mechanical module.

Duration of Awards:

• One-year full time, or up to 72 months part-time
• Students must successfully complete all taught modules and the dissertation
• Students successfully completing all taught modules attain the Postgraduate Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
• Students going on to successfully complete the dissertation element attain an MSc in Strength & Conditioning

Entry requirements

Normal entry requirements to the MSc in Strength and Conditioning are a good honours degree in a relevant discipline such as sport and exercise, or equivalent professional qualifications. Where an applicant does not meet these requirements consideration may be given to other equivalent academic qualifications and significant professional training and experience.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL):
Prospective students who have undertaken a programme of study or have undertaken substantial professional development at Masters level through professional experience within the last five years may be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). If granted, APL effectively provides exemption from one or more modules up to a maximum of three.

Tuition Fees:
Current fee levels can be found at: www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/fees-finance

How to apply

Apply Online

For details on how to apply and completing your application form, please follow the link below:

How to Apply and Application Form

Further information

For further information about how to apply, fees and other administrative issues please contact :

The Postgraduate Office
College of Humanities and Social Science
The University of Edinburgh
David Hume Tower (First Floor)
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9JX

Telephone 0131 651 3122
Email educationpg@ed.ac.uk

For academic information about the MSc/PG Diploma in Strength & Conditioning please contact the Programme Co-ordinator:

Useful information is also available on the following websites:

International Office
Disability Office

Note: Some of the links above are Adobe Acrobat files . What is this?