Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition Top-up

University College Birmingham
Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Variable 3 Years Sport and exercise science

About this course

OVERVIEW Do you want to further develop your existing skills and experience around sports nutrition or athlete performance? Our Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition top-up degree combines theory and practical work to help mould you into an effective strength and conditioning coach or an expert in sport and exercise science.

Designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5), our strength and conditioning top-up course uses the latest industry research and evidence to ensure you have the most up-to-date practitioner knowledge. You will combine these disciplines with an ability to manipulate an athlete’s nutritional plan to benefit their performance, as well as knowledge and skills to assess and develop athletic fitness. You will also have chances to put this training into practice in our Human Performance Centre and through work experience in the industry.

This top-up degree is one of only a small number of courses in the UK accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as part of the NSCA Education Recognition Programme. You will also have options to gain further industry-accredited qualifications, as well as the opportunity to apply for UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) accreditation.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

  • Practical application – Test your practical skills working in our outstanding sports facilities on campus, including our state-of-the-art Human Performance Centre and Laboratory

  • Work experience – Boost your industry engagement through a variety of work experience opportunities throughout your course

  • Enrichment – Enhance your career prospects with a range of additional professional qualifications, including Level 2 Gym Instructor, UKCC 1st4Sport Level 1/2 Award in Coaching Weight Lifting (British Weight Lifting) and Level 3 Sports Massage*

  • Industry approved – Graduate with an NSCA-accredited strength and conditioning degree, preparing you for long-term professional success after your studies

    *Note: extra qualifications may incur an additional fee

    FACILITIES Students on our sports courses have access to a wide range of excellent facilities. Our Human Performance Centre features the latest equipment including a 35m sprint track, eight lifting platforms, 7m rig and large screens displaying live analysis data. We also have a purpose-built Human Performance Laboratory which hosts an anti-gravity treadmill, isokinetic dynamometer, Monark LC7 cycle ergometer and SECA body composition analyser.

    Our sports clinics on campus are open to the public, enabling students to put training into practice treating and assessing patients. We also share the impressive £3m Avery Fields complex with Bournville RFC, offering an all-weather pitch, two grass pitches and a clubhouse with function room and modern changing facilities.

    ACCREDITATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS This course is accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

    PLACEMENTS We encourage students on our top-up course to gain work experience throughout your studies. The 'Work-Based Learning for Sport' module incorporates a work placement.

    Employers we have worked with include West Bromwich Albion FC, Wasps Rugby Academy, City of Birmingham Basketball and MSC Performance.

    CAREERS AND PROGRESSION Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

  • Strength and conditioning coach

  • Nutritionist

  • Personal trainer

  • Fitness centre manager

  • Exercise physiologist (in the sports sector)

    You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.

  • Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

    • Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    1224 Leisure and sports managers and proprietors
    3219 Health associate professionals
    3432 Sports coaches, instructors and officials
    3431 Sports players
    1231 Health care practice managers
    3214 Complementary health associate professionals

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    Course Details

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
    Study Mode
    Variable
    Duration
    3 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Birmingham
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Sport and exercise science

    Offered by

    University College Birmingham

    Birmingham

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