Strength and Conditioning

Qualification(s) available: MSc

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year
UK: £13,700
International: £31,900
Fees for the 2027-28 academic year
UK: £14,000
International: £32,750
Fees
Dependent on start date. See below.
Scholarships available
Entry requirements
2:1
Full-time
1 year
Part-time
Typically 2 years
Location
Loughborough
Start date
September 2026 September 2027
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Our MSc in Strength and Conditioning equips you with the scientific knowledge, practical coaching skills and real-world experience to develop athletes across the full spectrum of performance - from participation and youth development to elite and high-performance sport.

Combining world-leading research with extensive practical application, you'll develop a deep understanding of the science underpinning athletic performance and the principles of effective strength and conditioning practice. Through specialist, research-informed modules, you'll learn how to assess, programme and optimise performance while gaining the critical thinking skills needed to apply evidence in professional practice.

A defining feature of the programme is its emphasis on applied learning. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world's leading high-performance sporting environments, with the opportunity to gain invaluable coaching experience through an extended practice-based learning with Loughborough Sport or one of our external sport partners. These experiences allow you to work alongside experienced practitioners and apply your learning with real athletes, helping you build the confidence and expertise sought by employers.

You'll also complete a substantial independent research project, enabling you to investigate a contemporary strength and conditioning question under the supervision of internationally recognised academics. Previous projects have explored topics including: neural and morphological factors that contribute towards strength tasks and sports performance; the use of strength training to enhance factors that underpin endurance performance; Does chronic strength training change neuromuscular function in females?; The Effects of Oral Contraceptive Use on Markers of Recovery following Exercise in Healthy Females; Plyometric exercise and bone health in postmenopausal women; Investigating Physiological, Biomechanical and Collision Demands of Wheelchair Rugby Gameplay; the effects of single-limb resistance training on the magnitude of inter-limb transfer of strength; Plant-based nutrition and exercise recovery; the physiological bases of task failure during exercise testing and muscular endurance performance; and the use of blood flow restriction in rehabilitation and performance.

By joining this programme, you'll become part of the world's top-ranked university for sports-related subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject) and study within an unrivalled sporting environment that combines world-class facilities, leading researchers, specialist academics, and an outstanding reputation for developing the next generation of strength and conditioning practitioners.

Why you should choose us

1st in the world for sports-related subjects 10 years running QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2026
100% of research impact in Sport and Exercise Sciences rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' REF 2021
Silver Athena Swan Silver Award for Commitment to Gender Equality

Why you should study this degree

  • The programme is delivered by world leading research staff, dedicated specialist teaching staff, and guest lecturers from the strength and conditioning industry.
  • The programme has Educational Recognition from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and will prepare you to take accreditation assessments with UKSCA and the certification examination with NSCA.
  • Develop practical skills during practice-based learning. Previous students have undertaken practice-based learning at Nottingham Rugby, Leicester City FC, NFL Academy, Leicester Riders, Loughborough Grammar School, and Loughborough Sport alongside accredited coaches working with our own elite athletes.
  • You can also add practical experience to your CV by assisting Loughborough Sport strength and conditioning coaches, and volunteering or taking additional practice-based learning with our Coach and Volunteer Academy alongside your studies.
  • Undertake a research project under the supervision of world-leading research staff, with expertise in neuromuscular physiology, the biomechanics of sports technique and strength exercise, disability sport, and female athlete physiology. Collaborative projects with practice-based learning partners are also possible.
  • You will be taught in high-quality teaching environments, including the multi-million pound Powerbase gym, and have access to the country’s largest concentration of world-class facilities across a range of sports.
  • You will have free membership to use our state-of-the-art fitness facilities, including Powerbase and the Holywell Fitness Centre, used by world-leading athletes.
  • Several scholarships are available to cover part of your course fees as a result of our partnerships with several sports clubs and organisations based on or near campus.
A student looking to right of camera

Taewoong

If you’re considering this course, do it! There’s a lot to learn, but you will graduate as a well-prepared practitioner ready to succeed in your chosen field.
Student smiling to camera

Madeleine

My course gave me a strong academic foundation as well as plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience, preparing me to progress into exciting professional roles within the sports industry.
Shivani

Shivani

Being able to learn in an environment that mirrors elite sport creates a seamless connection between theory and practice. What’s more, being surrounded by motivated students, coaches and academics really pushes your learning and development.

Professional recognition

Our MSc in Strength and Conditioning has been approved as a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP). The ERP recognises and distinguishes schools with strength and conditioning or personal training curricula that prepares students for NSCA certification exams.

What you'll study

The following information is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes - revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

The MSc Strength and Conditioning degree is designed to give you a thorough grounding and hands-on experience of the practical application of sports science principles in maximising human performance. The programme culminates in a summer project that allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired. For more information about part-time study patterns, please contact the School/Department.

Compulsory modules

The aim of this module is for the student to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, interpret, and conduct quantitative research appropriate for their field and level of study.

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to programme and deliver professional level strength and conditioning safely and effectively to various athlete groups.

This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the coaching process and coaching/learning environment from a multi-disciplinary perspective and the role of the strength and conditioning coach and others within this. It also aims to promote students' abilities to reflect upon their own coaching practice and methods in relation to relevant coaching theories.

The aim of this module is to provide students with scientific knowledge and understanding underlying athlete performance, injury and health. Pairing with Applied Strength and Conditioning Science, this module provides a deeper level of fundamental scientific knowledge pertaining to physiology, biomechanics, and psychology.

This module aims to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills required to coach strength and conditioning within the sporting environment.

Compulsory modules

This module aims to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills required to coach strength and conditioning within the sporting environment.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of neuromuscular function from the level of the muscle contractile filaments, through to whole-body human function, encompassing skeletal muscle and tendinous tissues, neural control of muscle contraction and joint mechanics, whilst also gaining practical skills assessing human neuromuscular function.

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to programme and deliver professional level strength and conditioning safely and effectively to various athlete groups.

This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the coaching process and coaching/learning environment from a multi-disciplinary perspective and the role of the strength and conditioning coach and others within this. It also aims to promote students' abilities to reflect upon their own coaching practice and methods in relation to relevant coaching theories.

The aim of this module is to provide students with scientific knowledge and understanding underlying athlete performance, injury and health. Pairing with Applied Strength and Conditioning Science, this module provides a deeper level of fundamental scientific knowledge pertaining to physiology, biomechanics, and psychology.

The aim of this module is for students to design, conduct and report on an original research study of an aspect of their MSc programme.

Compulsory modules

The aim of this module is for students to design, conduct and report on an original research study of an aspect of their MSc programme.

This module aims to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills required to coach strength and conditioning within the sporting environment.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed by a combination of coursework, oral presentations, exams, laboratory reports and a case study essay.

How you'll study

In semester 1, you will undertake classroom and practical sessions that cover the science and coaching of resistance training techniques, and in semester 2, these sessions shift to learning about field-based training activities.

In the 'Science Underlying Performance and Injury' module you will take part in weekly seminars that discuss how coaches can understand the performance requirements of a sport and the specific needs of an athlete. In semester 2, seminars build on this foundation of knowledge to address how effective training interventions are designed with both healthy and injured athletes.

You will also learn about neuromuscular physiology in lectures and take part in laboratory-based practicals, before undertaking an independent research project over the summer. You will also complete a professional coaching placement as part of your studies, where you will gain hands-on coaching experience.
 

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Independent study
  • Group work
  • Laboratory work
  • Practical sessions
  • Online tutorials
  • Access to online material

Where you'll study

Teaching is delivered in several state-of-the-art performance and laboratory facilities including Powerbase - one of the world's largest elite strength and conditioning environments.

This world-leading gym space has been equipped with the highest level of training equipment from a variety of sport’s leading gym providers and is fully integrated with the latest technology and training equipment. The venue has been developed in collaboration with partners from PLAE, BLKBOX, Life Fitness, Eleiko, Output Sports, VALD and Technogym.

The facility is not only home to all Loughborough University performance athletes, but also a primary training hub for the English Institute of Sport, and for several national governing bodies of sport.

Powerbase
sport biomechanics lab
Sport Biomechanics Lab
teaching lab
Anatomy and Physiology labs
research lab
Research Lab

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in sports science or a relevant biological science that contains an element of exercise physiology, such as applied human physiology or physiotherapy.

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 95% 85% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) 9.5 8.5 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) 8.5 7.5 6.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum 90% or 3.9 80% or 3.5 70% or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) First Class, 80% Upper Second, 70%, H2A Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) High Distinction (80% or 85%) Distinction (75% or 80%) Distinction (70% or 75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden 60% / B / (or 2) 60% / B / (or 2)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) 4.5 or 90% 4 or 80% 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degrees awarded up to and including 2024 entry:

4 Year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB or BAETE accredited courses only)

All other Bachelor degrees awarded up to 2024 entry also require a Masters (see grading below)		 1st (70%) / 3.5 2nd (60%) / 3.0 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Degrees awarded from 2025 entry onwards:

Any 4 year Bachelor degree from an ECCTIS recognised university		 1st (70%) / 3.5 2nd (60%) / 3.0 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree 80% / 4.0 65% / 3.25 50% / 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College 1st or GPA 3.75 2:1 or GPA 3.5 2:2 or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) 9 7 5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie 80% or 17 70% or 14 60% or 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise 18 15 or Bien 12 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) 85/78 75/66 67/55
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree A or 80% B or 70% C or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei First Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) 6 5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) 18 15/20 (Bien) 12.5/20 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 80% or B+ or 3.5 70% or B or 3.0 60% or C+ or 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage 3.7/85% 3.3/75% 2.7/68%
Out of 9 8 6 5
Out of 12 10 8 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) 6 5.5 5

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses a tiered ranking system to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below.

You can search for your institution (university or affiliated college) via our look-up tool.

First class (70%) Mid 2:1 (65%) 2:1 (60%) Mid 2:2 (55%) 2:2 (50%)
Tier 1 80% 76% 72% 70% 67%
Tier 2 83% 79% 75% 73% 70%
Tier 3 86% 82% 79% 77% 75%
Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 3.75 3.2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado 9 8 or 80 7 or 75
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik 4.5 3.8 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura 5 4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus 8.5 7.0 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr 1 1.5 2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) 12 10 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] 3.8 Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 8.5 / 85% 8 / 80% 7 / 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt 3.5 3.2 2.8
Universities only BA 90%, BSc 85% BA 80%, BSc 75% BA 65%, BSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto 8.5, 85% 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno 6.5, 65% or Bueno
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad 5 or 91% or A 4 or 81% or B 3 or 71% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters (up to 2025) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
4-year Bachelor degree with thesis (from 2024) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
5-year Bachelor degree (from 2025) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur 14 13 11
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) 5 (95%) 4.0 (85%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung 1.5 2.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana 65% / 3.4 GPA 57% / 3.0 GPA 50% / 2.5 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities 8.5 7.0 6
TEI and non-University Institutions 8.5 7 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage A B / 75% C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA 3.6 3.0 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's GPA 4 GPA 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 GPA 5 or 90% GPA 4 or 80% GPA 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree (Honours) 1st or 3.5/4 2:1 or 3/4 2:2 or 2.5/4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor 4.5 3.5 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework 61% 55% 50%
All other Indian institutions 68% 62% 57%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities 3.2 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran 17 15 13
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq 80% 75% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland First (70%) Upper second (60%) Lower second (50%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea 109/110 100/110 90/110
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures 16 14 (Bien) 12 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale 85% or A or 3.5 80% or B or 3.0 70% or C or 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale 4.5 or 90% 4 or 85% 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale 3.9 3.5 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya First / 70% / A Upper second / 60% / B Lower second / 50% / C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.6 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia 9 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
American 85% (3.5) 75% (3.0) 62% (2.6)
French 18 15 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's 4.0 or 90% 3.5 or 85% 3 or 80%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine 85 (3.6) 75 (3.0) 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university 90 (4.0) 85% (3.6) 75% (3.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg 18 (excellent) 16 (tres Bien) 14 (bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau 1st or GPA 3.7 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only MSc 75% MSc 70% MSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification First Class 2.1 GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta 1st (80%) 2:1 (70%) 2:2 (55%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius 1st or 70% 2:1 or 60% 2:2 or 50%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] 8.5 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) 90% or 3.5 80% or GPA 3.2 70% or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies 10 (or 5.0) 9 (or 4.5) 8 (or 4.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree 5 or 85% 5 or 75% 4.5 or 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters 80% or A 70% or B 60% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 -year professional degree or Masters (after 3-year Bachelor degree) 80% or 3.7 GPA 65% or 3.3 GPA 60% or 3.0 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands 8 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 First (7.0) Upper Second (6.0) Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 A+ (9.0) A- (7.0) B+ (6.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale 6 5 3.0 (on 5 point scale)
5 point scale 4 3.4 2.7
4 point scale 3.5 3 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway A / 1.8 B / 2.3 C / 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) A- or GPA 3.7 B or GPA 3.0 C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years) (85%) 3.5 (80%) 3.0 (70%) 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 91 (A) 81 (B) 71 (C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 (85%) 4 (80%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 14 13 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado 18 16 14
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) 1st, 16/20 (80%) 2:1,14/20 (70%) 2:2, 12/20 (60%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.75 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees 16/20 or Tres Bien 14/20 or Bien 12/20 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters 1st (70%) 2:1 (60% or B) 2:2 (50% or C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons) First Upper second Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.0 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier 1.5 or B 2.0 or C 2.5 or C/high D
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study 1st or 75% 2:1 or 70% 2:2 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 3.8 / B+ 3.2 / B 2.8 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 3.8 / B+ 2.9 / C+ 2.7 / C+
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto 8.5 7 6.5
UCM grading 3.0 2.0 1.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree 90%, GPA 3.70 80%, GPA 3.30 70%, GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree 1st, 70%, B+ 2:1, 66% mid 2:2, 60%, B
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) 10 / 5.5 / 1 8 / 5 / 2 6 / 4 / 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study 80% 70% 60%
Private universities 4 years of study 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree 76%
3.0 GPA		 70%
2.8 GPA		 65%
2.6 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.2 2.8 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT 1st or GPA 3.6 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu 16 (tres bien) 14 (bien) 11 (assez bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi 3.3 2.9 2.4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda 1st or 4.4 2:1 or 3.8 2:2 or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) 90% or GPA 4.5 80% or GPA 4.0 70% or GPA 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) 18/20 or 8/9 16/20 or 7/9 14/20 or 6/9
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale 8.0 7.0 6.0
4-point scale 3.2 2.8 2.4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A or 4.0 or 80% B+, 3.5 or 70% B or 3.0 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree 1st or 75% 2:1 or 65% 2:2 or 60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year

UK fee

£13,700 Full-time degree per annum

International fee

£31,900 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the 2027-28 academic year

UK fee

£14,000 Full-time degree per annum

International fee

£32,750 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to courses starting in September 2026 or January 2027. Fees for the 2027-28 academic year apply to courses starting in September 2027.
What's included in your tuition fees Fee status Pay in advance or instalments

The fee stated is for a full-time student undertaking a master’s programme of 180 credits. Part-time students will spread this credit load over two or more years of study as agreed with the School/Department. Fees will be charged for the credit weighting of modules taken in a given year. The tuition fees payable can be calculated by dividing the published fee by 180 and then multiplying by the number of credits to be taken in the specific year.

Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase in subsequent years by a small amount (will not exceed 5%) to take into account inflationary pressures.

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and bursaries are available to help you fund your studies, dependent on year of entry.

Up to 20% off tuition fees

Creating Better Futures Masters Scholarship for African Students

Up to £5,000 per year

Loughborough Sports Scholarship

10% off tuition fees

Loughborough University Alumni Bursary
Master's degree funding

Your development

Our master's in strength and conditioning is designed to:

  • Provide you with a fundamental understanding of the science and practice behind strength and conditioning.
  • Equip you with the practical knowledge and skills to become a strength and conditioning practitioner.
  • Develop your critical thinking linked to the theory and practice of strength and conditioning.
  • Develop an inter-disciplinary approach to problem solving in performance-based settings.
  • Provide you with an understanding of sport injury risk factors and how strength and conditioning practitioners can contribute to rehabilitation.
  • Enable you to understand the unique needs of athletes from groups including para-sport competitors, young performers and elite athletes.
  • Expose you to different software packages to enable effective processing and display of data in different contexts.
  • Cover a broad range of topical issues that impact upon athletic performance and strength and conditioning practice.

Our academics

Jakob Skarabot

Dr Jakob Škarabot

Programme Leader / Reader in Neuromuscular Physiology

Jakob’s research aims to understand how neural signals determine muscle actions, how these signals differ between healthy young and ageing individuals, and how they adapt to different stressors (e.g. training, fatigue). Jakob has also coached and competed internationally in powerlifting.
Richard Blagrove

Dr Richard Blagrove

Reader in Applied Exercise Physiology and Athlete Performance

Richard is a UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach. His research focuses on the use of strength-based exercise to improve the metabolic cost of running and reduce the risk of overuse injury in endurance athletes.
Professor Jonathan Folland

Prof Jonathan Folland

Professor of Neuromuscular Performance

Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and the Royal Society of Biology. His teaching, research and consultancy work is focused on Neuromuscular Performance and the underlying physiology and biomechanics. This topic has applications to athletic performance, sports injury and human health.
Emily Hansell

Emily Hansell

University Teacher in Strength Conditioning and Neuromuscular Physiology

Emily’s research looks at optimising recovery from exercise induced muscle damage and how diet can influence this. Her research is focused on markers of neuromuscular performance, inflammation and nutrient status. It aims to explore nutritional recovery interventions from a ‘food-first’ perspective.
Dr Bill Haug

Dr Bill Haug

Strength and Conditioning Lead

Bill’s research focuses on nervous system adaptations in response to training; he has worked with Olympic athletes at both USOC and AIS as well as Division I NCAA athletes; he also has undertaken post-doctoral training in the area of spinal cord injury research.

Your future career

Graduates of this programme will be able to pursue careers in a variety of settings predominantly working with elite sports people and teams at national and international level. The programme can also lead to opportunities in youth athlete development, health and fitness club management, fitness consultancy, health promotion, personal fitness training, corporate health advice, sports or physical activity development and the armed forces.

In addition to preparing graduates for applied roles in sport and exercise, the programme provides a strong foundation for careers in related fields such as academia, sports coaching, and sport science.

Our graduates have secured strength and conditioning and coaching jobs with: Fulham Football Club, Arete Performance, England and Wales Cricket Board, Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, Cressey Sports Performance, schools and further education institutions.