BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning (with Foundation Year)

Immerse yourself in a performance sports environment, using dedicated gyms and human performance laboratories to perfect your coaching style. Work alongside our student athletes as you develop the knowledge to improve the physical preparation of sports men and women.

This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into a degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc Strength and Conditioning qualification.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 or 5 years full time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: GF0G

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Foundation Year Degrees

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

You’ll have opportunities for placements and work experience through our performance sports academies, as well as our close industry connections locally and nationally. You could work with the likes of Gloucester Rugby and West Bromwich Albion Football Club, as well as a host of local schools and clubs.

Work alongside industry experts and practitioners, covering specialist strength and conditioning modules giving you the knowledge to prepare athletes for performance in various sporting contexts. You’ll also have access to coaches, nutritionists, and therapists, enabling you to gain knowledge and develop a skillset readying you to work in a professional, multidisciplinary environment when you graduate.

The programme follows the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) quality standards. You'll develop essential strength and conditioning knowledge, as well as learning about the other fundamental sports science disciplines including physiology, anatomy, sport psychology and biomechanics.

Make the most of our biomechanics and exercise physiology laboratories to get hands-on experience, developing your skills by undertaking analysis and assessing performance of different athletes. They contain some kit that you won’t find at any other educational institution in the UK.

CIMSPA-endorsement

This course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). On successful completion of the course you’ll hold the professional position of ‘Graduate Strength and Conditioning Coach’. Student CIMSPA membership fees are funded by us throughout your studies, providing you with career advice and further learning opportunities. Once you obtain the ‘Graduate Strength and Conditioning Coach’ title you’ll then need to enter into a professional membership with CIMSPA in order to maintain the qualification.

NSCA-endorsement

This programme is endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, ensuring that everything you're taught is industry-aligned, while providing you with a good platform to take the CSCS exam and adding to your overall employability.

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

You’ll benefit from our strong links with professional sports teams, and industry governing bodies, as well as our own Sports Academy. You’ll have the opportunity to work with elite athletes on campus. If you choose to undertake an optional integrated placement in industry, you’ll gain great experience ready for your professional career upon graduation. Our students have completed placements with Southampton FC, Essex CCC, Gloucester Rugby, the English Institute of Sport, and our own Sports Academy.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices. Recent guest lecturers have included the English Institute for Sport, as well as coaches working in professional clubs.

Graduate destinations

As a sports graduate, you will have opportunities in varied career paths. Your programme focuses on strength and conditioning, exercise physiology and coaching, so you may choose to work in those fields. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role.

Recent graduate destinations have included:

Marlborough College
Dean Close School
Southampton Football Club
Gloucester Rugby
St Albans School
Hartpury University RFC
Bristol City FC

Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

CIMSPA-endorsement

NSCA-endorsement

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

Recent graduate destinations have included:

Marlborough College
Dean Close School
Southampton Football Club
Gloucester Rugby
St Albans School
Hartpury University RFC
Bristol City FC

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

This course covers modules focusing on specific subjects, from exercise physiology, and sports biomechanics to rehabilitation, monitoring of athletes, and coaching. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose modules suited to your interests and career goals.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and final years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Your foundation year will focus on developing academic skills, reviewing literature and more widely foundations in biological principles and sports science.

Compulsory Modules

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Principles of Sports Science

An introduction to central human biology, anatomy and physiology and its adaption to sport training. The module will explore the psychological and physiological factors that impact the performance of athletes.

Business Enterprise and Management

This module covers the learning and understanding of the balance of theory and practice in contemporary business practice; an appreciation of the complexity of modern organisational environments and the critical role of enterprise and innovation.

Your first year will introduce you to key topics relating to your degree. You’ll cover exercise physiology, sports psychology, and sports biomechanics, as well as the fundamental skills linked to strength and conditioning. You’ll also start to learn the key skills you require as a sport scientist, including team and leadership skills, and an introduction to data analysis and research design.

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Functional Anatomy and Sports Biomechanics

Study the basic anatomical structures and functions related to sports.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Begin to understand the biological systems used during exercise.

Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning

Cover the basic principles and methods of strength and conditioning training aimed at developing athletes’ physical qualities.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Learn the key theories in sport and exercise psychology to understand behaviours.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Work with students from other sports science courses to gain research skills. Determine professional needs in preparation for a career in sport and exercise.

Advance your knowledge gained in year one and start to specialise, choosing topics based on your interests. Modules include Applied Strength and Conditioning, Youth Physical Development, and Exercise Physiology. You’ll also discover how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise, as well as begin to develop your research design and analysis skills.

Compulsory Modules

Applied Strength and Conditioning

Learn how strength and conditioning techniques are used within the sports industry.

Exercise Physiology

This module covers how the body adapts - acutely and chronically - to exercise.

Youth Physical Development

Gain the necessary knowledge and skills to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

Optional Modules

Applied Biomechanics in Sport

Students problem-solve issues within sport & exercise, referring to biomechanical principles.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Independent Report

A chance to review an approved topic area in line with your programme of study and develop your independent working skills.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Pedagogy in Action

This module provides students with opportunities to analyse how theoretical concepts can inform coaching and teaching by deconstructing examples from practice.

Sports Nutrition

The basics of nutritional requirements for exercise, including metabolism, carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Placement year (optional)

An optional integrated placement year between your third and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

In your final year, you’ll investigate the demands of different sports, as well as focusing on professional practices in the strength and conditioning industry. Prepare for your career by working with athletes, developing your knowledge of screening, rehabilitation strategies, and physiology.

You’ll also complete a dissertation. It’s a substantial research project that enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing, and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you will be exposed to contemporary challenges in the subject area and more advanced theory and practice including gaining an insight into the focus of current research.

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Professional Practice in Strength and Conditioning

Critically appraise your practices and experiences in the strength and conditioning setting.

Recovery and Monitoring for Sport Performance

Assess competition data and testing techniques for injuries.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology

Understand the application of anatomy in sports conditioning.

Screening and Prevention

This module covers physical screening protocols and injury-prevention methods.

Optional Modules

Biomechanics in Sport Practice

Application and justification of the use of advanced biomechanical analysis within sport and exercise.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Special Populations

Students will develop a critical understanding of how exercise can be used to improve health within special populations as well as develop and implement an exercise programme for a client of their choice.

Sports Conditioning and Return-to-Play

Understanding the relationships between doctors, sports therapists, and strength and conditioning coaches, and understanding return-to-play considerations.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Your foundation year will focus on developing academic skills, reviewing literature and more widely foundations in biological principles and sports science.

Compulsory Modules

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Principles of Sports Science

Business Enterprise and Management

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Functional Anatomy and Sports Biomechanics

Study the basic anatomical structures and functions related to sports.

Introduction to Exercise Physiology

Begin to understand the biological systems used during exercise.

Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning

Cover the basic principles and methods of strength and conditioning training aimed at developing athletes’ physical qualities.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

Learn the key theories in sport and exercise psychology to understand behaviours.

The Sport and Exercise Professional

Work with students from other sports science courses to gain research skills. Determine professional needs in preparation for a career in sport and exercise.

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Applied Strength and Conditioning

Learn how strength and conditioning techniques are used within the sports industry.

Exercise Physiology

This module covers how the body adapts - acutely and chronically - to exercise.

Youth Physical Development

Gain the necessary knowledge and skills to provide strength and conditioning provision to the youth population.

The Sport and Exercise Scientist

Understand how multidisciplinary teams work together in sport and exercise. An introduction to research methods and analysis required for future projects.

Optional Modules

Applied Biomechanics in Sport

Students problem-solve issues within sport & exercise, referring to biomechanical principles.

Health Related Exercise

Focus on the exercise techniques designed to improve health.

Independent Report

A chance to review an approved topic area in line with your programme of study and develop your independent working skills.

New Venture Creation

Pedagogy in Action

This module provides students with opportunities to analyse how theoretical concepts can inform coaching and teaching by deconstructing examples from practice.

Sports Nutrition

The basics of nutritional requirements for exercise, including metabolism, carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Placement year (optional)/Level Six (final year)

Placement year (optional)

An optional integrated placement year between your third and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Sport Research and Knowledge Exchange Project

Independent research and analysis in a related area of your choice.

Professional Practice in Strength and Conditioning

Critically appraise your practices and experiences in the strength and conditioning setting.

Recovery and Monitoring for Sport Performance

Assess competition data and testing techniques for injuries.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology

Understand the application of anatomy in sports conditioning.

Screening and Prevention

This module covers physical screening protocols and injury-prevention methods.

Optional Modules

Biomechanics in Sport Practice

Application and justification of the use of advanced biomechanical analysis within sport and exercise.

High Performing Teams

Evaluate the leadership and management of sport science support within the performance environment.

Special Populations

Sports Conditioning and Return-to-Play

Understanding the relationships between doctors, sports therapists, and strength and conditioning coaches, and understanding return-to-play considerations.

The foundation year includes an internship using Hartpury’s on-site facilities and industry links.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. You're expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level three (foundation year)	24%	0%	76%
Level four (year two)	24%	0%	76%
Level five (year three)	24%	0%	76%
Placement year (optional)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	18%	0%	82%

You'll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given via a mixture of written bullet point-style feedback and/or oral feedback.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level three (foundation year)	15%	35%	50%
Level four (year two)	38%	56%	6%
Level five (year three)	24%	34%	42%
Placement year (optional)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	0%	58%	42%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Scheduled teaching takes place between 9.30am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £150)

Students have an option to purchase sports kits which can be bought as a bundle via our online shop for approximately £150. Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme.

Performance Sports Academy membership

Find out costs and details for joining one of our performance Sports Academy teams.

Explore Sports Academies

Hartpury gym

Find out about costs and details for joining the Hartpury gym.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

CIMSPA-endorsed

This degree programme is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

NSCA-endorsed

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024).

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Sport facilities

Success stories

Ben's story

Success Stories

Ben Keen

“Hartpury's a unique university and I believed it would provide me with the best academic resources and be a great place to study and compete in sports.”

Ben Keen

BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning with Foundation Year

Dan Holloway Bsc Sports Coaching Graduate

"Being immersed in a high performance environment at Hartpury, both academically and practically, you develop a mindset that allows you to push yourself to perform at a higher level. That ethos and culture has helped me to take the path that I'm on now."

Dan Holloway, Nike Football UK Head Coach

Sport matters

When you have passion, you're far more likely to achieve your goals – especially when you study that passion in a place that shares it.

We're home to top-level coaches, sport and exercise scientists, nutritionists, conditioners, medics and athletes, across our Sports Academy programmes and student-led teams. Our students graduate with valuable skills to succeed in a range of different careers.

Watch via YouTube

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

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Key Information

Course information

CIMSPA-endorsement

NSCA-endorsement

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Course information

Overview

CIMSPA-endorsement

NSCA-endorsement

Entry requirements

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

Module credits

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Placement year (optional)

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Placement year (optional)/Level Six (final year)

Placement year (optional)

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Teaching modes

Assessment and Feedback

Timetables

Fees and funding

Further course details

Academies

Accommodation

Finance

CIMSPA-endorsed

NSCA-endorsed

TEF Gold

Teaching quality

Graduate employability

Academic support

Become a game changer

World-class sports facilities

Success stories

Ben's story

Sport matters

Meet our academic team

Important information

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport (with Foundation Year)

BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy (with Foundation Year)