University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash

University degree

Strength and Conditioning

Hartpury University

Qualification

Degree

Length

3 yrs

UK fees / yr

£9,535

Study

full-time

Worth knowing: about 20% of students don't make it past first year here - ask the uni what support they offer.

Robin · your guide

Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.

About this course

Strength and conditioning is the applied science discipline concerned with developing the physical qualities that underpin athletic performance. It draws on exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and nutrition science to design and deliver training programmes that enhance strength, power, speed, endurance and movement quality in athletes across all sports and performance levels. Strength and conditioning coaches work in close collaboration with other sports science and medical professionals, and the discipline sits at the heart of elite performance support in professional and Olympic sport as well as at the more accessible end of performance development in schools, clubs and community sport.

At Hartpury University you will study for three years full-time, covering specialist strength and conditioning modules alongside knowledge of nutrition, therapy and the wider professional context in which performance support is delivered. You will work alongside industry experts and practitioners, developing the knowledge to prepare athletes for performance in a range of sporting contexts and the collaborative skills needed to function effectively in multidisciplinary performance environments. A sandwich year in professional practice and a placement component are built into the programme, giving you direct professional experience in a sports performance setting.

Strength and conditioning graduates work as strength and conditioning coaches in professional sport, national governing bodies, high performance centres, universities, schools and commercial fitness settings. The UK Strength and Conditioning Association provides professional accreditation that many graduates pursue, giving a recognised credential for professional practice. Others move into personal training, sports development, athletic performance consulting, physiotherapy support roles or postgraduate study in strength and conditioning, sports science, or exercise physiology, deepening their specialist expertise for advanced practice or academic research roles.

Could you get in?

The grades students arrived with

48-63 pts15%

64-79 pts5%

80-95 pts5%

96-111 pts15%

112-127 pts25%

128-143 pts5%

144-159 pts20%

160-175 pts15%

How they qualified

95% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:

A-levels95%

the IB5%

Could I get in? Try your grades

120 UCAS pts

Pay & prospects

80%

Continue past first year

78%

Student satisfaction

What graduates earn over time

£20,000

3 years on

£27,000

5 years on

What students say National Student Survey

78%

of students are satisfied with the course overall

Teaching95%

Assessment & feedback69%

Academic support70%

Well organised82%

Learning resources62%

Student community93%

In students' own words

★★★★★

Would do it again

I was sceptical before starting — now I'd recommend it to anyone. The best part: small-group tutorials really push your thinking. If I'm honest, some seminar groups were too big for meaningful discussion. On the city — good transport links …

Class of 2022 · Full-time

★★★★☆

Exceeded expectations

This is the perfect place to study this subject. The best part: the cohort are bright and motivated, which makes the learning environment great. If I'm honest, the timetable has some awkward 9am / Friday afternoon slots. On the city — good …

Third year · Part-time

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