Course summary

Strength and conditioning (S&C) is an increasingly recognised and in-demand profession within the sport, exercise, and health sectors. With the continued growth of elite and sub-elite sport, long-term athlete development programmes, and performance-focused physical preparation, there is a national and international demand for practitioners who can apply evidence-based training methods to improve athletic performance and reduce injury risk. This innovative and highly practical strength and conditioning degree is designed to prepare you for a successful career by building a strong foundation in exercise science, alongside applied coaching, athletic assessment, and training programme design. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to optimise athletic performance at all levels, from grassroots to elite sport, while developing as an adaptive, evidence-based practitioner ready to succeed in a rapidly-evolving industry. You'll develop practical competencies in areas such as resistance training, speed and power development, and return-to-play planning - skills aligned to professional standards set by bodies such as UKSCA, IUSCA and CIMSPA. The course also places strong emphasis on employability through practical experience, reflective practice, and the development of communication and decision-making skills essential for careers in elite sport, education, uniformed and emergency services, or even health and rehabilitation settings. Learning is practice-led, with small-group sessions, workshops, and live demonstrations designed to mirror the demands of real-world environments. Practical experience is at the heart of the course. You’ll have opportunities to work with athletes, teams, and clients across grassroots, academy, and professional settings through placements, internships, and applied projects. These experiences are supported by strong links with clubs, schools, and organisations, enabling you to gain real-world coaching experience and build valuable industry connections. From providing performance support for competitive athletes to assisting local schools and community sport programmes, you’ll graduate with an impressive CV and the confidence to succeed. You’ll learn in Solent’s cutting-edge facilities and will gain experience using industry-standard technologies such as force plates, motion capture, GPS tracking, and velocity-based training systems - tools widely used in elite sport. Alongside your degree, you’ll also have the chance to gain additional professional qualifications and prepare for UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) accreditation, enhancing your employability and helping you stand out in a competitive job market. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to applied research projects, such as injury prevention studies and youth performance enhancement initiatives, seeing the tangible impact of your work on athletes and communities. With a curriculum designed alongside industry partners and a focus on developing globally minded, adaptable professionals, this course prepares you for an exciting career in the UK or even coaching athletes on the international stage.