Strength and Conditioning

A Brighton Strength and Conditioning degree prepares you for a variety of careers with professional sports organisations and non-professional sport settings such as occupational, healthcare, education, disease management and recreational activity.

The degree is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) – the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. CIMSPA endorsement confirms that the course meets industry standards and will provide you with the knowledge and skills that employers have identified as most valuable.

You’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. The course is packed with opportunities to gain real-world experience, including an optional paid placement year, working with clients in a supervised setting, plus hands-on experience in our strength and conditioning suite and sport science labs. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Brighton graduates work with athletes at all levels, optimising their performance, helping to prevent injuries and enhancing overall physical fitness.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) against two professional standards.

• Sport courses at Brighton have received the 3-star ‘Enhancing’ grade for quality from CIMSPA.

• Work placement opportunities allow you to gain hands-on professional experience and make industry connections.

• Improve your skills working with clients in a supervised setting.

• Learn in our extensive on-site facilities which include a strength and conditioning suite.

• Option modules to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations.

• Learn with experts and innovative researchers.

• Brighten is 8th in the UK for sport science courses – Guardian University Guide 2025.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Strength and Conditioning
Brighton is less than an hour from central London, and Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s stadium is right next door to the Falmer campus where you’ll be studying. The city hosts many large-scale sporting events, including the UK’s third largest marathon, and was chosen as a host city for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Brighton is named one of the best cities on the planet and the third best city in the UK by Time Out.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in physiology, biomechanics and sport psychology, learning how the body moves, adapts and performs. You’ll begin developing your coaching skills by designing effective training programmes and applying core principles of strength and conditioning in practical settings. Alongside this, you’ll gain essential research and communication skills to support your academic and professional development.

Core modules
Foundations of Physiology for Sport and Exercise
Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning Coaching
Integrated and Applied Studies
The Scientific Study of Sport and Exercise
Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Fundamental Biomechanics

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll advance your understanding of physiology, biomechanics and performance assessment, learning how to analyse movement and prescribe targeted training programmes to optimise performance and reduce injury risk. You’ll also gain practical coaching experience and explore contemporary issues in sport, while developing the research and analytical skills needed to prepare for your final-year dissertation.

Core modules
Data Analysis and Research Methods
Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology
Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
Performance Assessment and Training Prescription in Strength and Conditioning
Contemporary Issues in Sport Coaching

Options*
Coaching Contexts and Methodologies
Nutrition for Physical Activity
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Performance Analysis

Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your knowledge in industry – testing your skills in real projects, making professional connections and returning to your final year with valuable experience that sets you apart.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll master advanced strength and conditioning techniques, designing and delivering evidence-based training programmes tailored to individual needs and performance goals. You’ll gain real-world experience in professional environments, complete a research dissertation and can specialise in areas like sport psychology, nutrition, performance analysis or entrepreneurship to prepare for a successful career in elite sport, rehabilitation or fitness coaching.

Core modules
Advanced Strength Coaching
Advanced Application of Training Principles
Personal and Professional Development
Dissertation

Options*
Advanced Coaching
Physiological Aspects of Exercise, Nutrition and Health
Sports Nutrition
Applied Sport Psychology
Advanced Performance Analysis
Exercise and the Brain
Sport Business Entrepreneurship

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.