(MSc) Master of Science
Strength and Conditioning
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Part-time
MSC C6S624
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Thomas Ian Gee
Associate Professor in Strength and Conditioning
University of Lincoln
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
The MSc in Strength and Conditioning aims to:
1. Provide students with theoretical knowledge and understanding of key topics in strength and conditioning.
2. Develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the application of theoretical and practical principles in strength and conditioning.
3. Develop the analytical and reflective skills to support a critical understanding of issues in strength and conditioning.
4. Enhance students’ knowledge of research methods and analytical procedures.
5. Enable students to plan and conduct a research project related to strength and conditioning.
6. Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to progress on to further study and/or professional training related to strength and conditioning.
7. Develop a range of transferable skills such as communication, numeracy, IT use, problem solving, working with others, self-evaluation, self-improvement, and autonomous learning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Advanced understanding of how to integrate knowledge of strength and conditioning science from the theoretical into the practical and applied
A2: Understand, design, and implement training plans to develop athletic performance and mitigate injury risk
A3: Knowledge and critical awareness of theories and issues in strength and conditioning
A4: Knowledge of how to assess an athlete's physical performance through testing and monitoring processes so to support decision-making and inform programming
A5: Knowledge of how to analyse and interpret data to inform practice
A6: Knowledge of how to critically appraise research findings and apply research evidence to question routine practice
A7: Understand how to conduct original research including relevant ethical and legal issues
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding. Online lectures, seminars and face-to-face practical’s during the onsite periods will be the principal methods of delivery of A1-A6. These sessions will comprise a blend of lecturer-led delivery, student-led presentations/tasks, discussions of research articles and case-studies, and problem-based learning. To reflect the applied nature of the discipline, practical classes focusing on “real world” scenarios will provide students with a knowledge of skills and techniques relevant to research and applied practice. Across all modules, a variety of online resources will be provided via the virtual learning environment (Moodle) and students will be supported to undertake relevant reading and associated activities. In class activities and the virtual learning environment will facilitate group discussions and peer learning. The completion of a research project will underpin A7 and contribute to A1 through A6 depending on the project topic. The range of teaching and learning methods will support students who learn from, or engage with, material in a variety of formats (i.e., audio, visual and/or kinaesthetically).
Assessment methods
A1-6 will be assessed by written coursework, practical assignments, and oral presentations.
A7 will be assessed through completion of a dissertation based upon original research and an oral presentation.
The University of Essex ensures that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure equality of opportunity for all students. Use of formative assessment in all modules also provides students with the opportunity to receive formative feedback prior to summative assessments. The delivery and assessment for each module takes into account the needs of all students and arrangements for students with special education needs can be met.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Gather, synthesise and evaluate evidence, arguments and ideas from both primary and secondary sources in a self-directed manner
B2: Critically evaluate current research in the area of strength and conditioning and coaching science
B3: Select, apply and evaluate appropriate research methodologies and analytical procedures
B4: Plan, undertake and report an independent research project to a high professional and ethical standard
Learning methods
Online seminars and lectures across all modules will contribute to B1 and B2. B3 will primarily be developed in the modules for ‘Critical Enquiry and Evidence-Based Practice’ and ‘Research Project’ through the use of online seminars and/or lectures, as well tutorials and supervisor support. B4 will be developed through the Research Project module. Across the programme, taught sessions will be complemented by online resources and through the completion of tasks and assessments to help achieve B1 through B3
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ intellectual and cognitive skills. Assessments will be delivered in several formats through which students will be provided a range of opportunities to excel.
B1 through B3 will be assessed through coursework and oral presentations.
B4 will be assessed through the dissertation and oral presentation assessments within the Research Project module.
C: Practical skills
C1: Demonstrate technical competence in a range of training methods, with the ability to critically analyse movement skill
C2: Use a wide range of interpersonal, practical, and problem-solving skills that are required for a career as a strength and conditioning coach
C3: Use appropriate software packages for data collection, analysis, and presentation
C4: Design appropriate interventions with considerations of technical, logistical, safety and ethical constraints
C5: Develop processes for evaluation of own coaching performance. Assess areas of coaching strengths and weaknesses and provide effective feedback
C6: Apply appropriate reflection processes on learner experiences to develop and promote effective coaching practices
Learning methods
C1 will be developed through the ‘Techniques in Strength and Conditioning’ module. C2 will be developed in practical classes, online seminars and the placement (if chosen as an option by the student) which will provide opportunties to learn and develop a range of relevant skills in a supervised and supportive environment. C3 and C4 will primarily be developed in the ‘Planning and Implementation of the Training Processs’ and ‘Critical Enquiry and Evidence-Based Practice’ modules, along with ‘Physiology of Training’, ‘Neuromechanical basis of Strength and Conditioning’ and ‘Skill Acquisition: Theory and Application’ modules. The use of seminars, problem-based learning, case-studies, and ‘real world’ scenarios across each of these modules will enable students to develop evidence-based interventions and associated resources. C5 and C6 will be primarily addressed through the ‘Professional Development in Strength and Conditioning’ module.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ practical and professional skills. Assessment will be provided in many formats through which students will be provided with a range of opportunities to excel.
C1 and C2 will be assessed within practical assessments.
C2 through C4 will be assessed through an oral presentation.
C5 and C6 will be assessed through a reflective essay (Professional Development in Strength and Conditioning).
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral forms
D2: Be proficient in various word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, web browsing and email software packages, and be able to use appropriate online databases
D3: Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyse data.
D4: Be able to explore, analyse and find effective solutions for problems involving reasonably complex information
D5: Work effectively as part of a team to collect data and produce reports and presentations
D6: Study independently, set realistic targets and plan work and time to meet targets and deadlines, and evaluate and reflect on own performance
Learning methods
Online seminars and face-to-face practicals across modules will contribute to D1 through D6. D3 will primarily be developed through the use of online lectures, seminars and tutorial support in the ‘Critical Enquiry and Evidence-Based Practice’ and ‘Research Project’ modules. In the Critical Enquiry and Evidence-Based Practice module, students will learn qualitative and quantitative research designs and analytical techniques, and these will be applied to address specific issues that appear in other modules. D5 will primarily be developed in face-to-face practicals and online seminars through group assignments and interactive tasks. D6 will primarily be developed in the Research Project and Placement in Strength and Conditioning modules with support from an allocated supervisor, along with ongoing support from a personal tutor. All taught sessions (lectures, seminars, practicals and placements if chosen) across the programme will be complemented by online resources and through the completion of tasks and assessments to help achieve outcomes D1 through D6.
Assessment methods
D1 will be assessed primarily through practical assessments, written coursework and oral presentation.
D2 will be assessed through all electronic submissions.
D3 and D4 will be assessed through written coursework and an oral presentation.
D5 and D6 will be assessed through the professional portfolio that encourages experiential learning and reflective practice