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University of Canberra

  • 20% international / 80% domestic

Master of Strength and Conditioning

  • Masters (Coursework)

Apply the Science. Become the Coach. Lead the Field.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Study Mode
Online, In person
Intake Months
Feb
Domestic Fees
$2,750 per year

About this course

Apply the Science. Become the Coach. Lead the Field.

Australia is experiencing a growing demand for professionals who can work with athletes to optimise their performance whilst being able to withstand the rigors of their sport. Alongside helping them realise their athletic potential, athletes need assistance in reducing the risk of injuries and preparing them to be able to withstand training loads. And it's you, in your future career that can help them achieve this.

Designed for professionals looking to progress their career in the sports science industry, the online Master of Strength and Conditioning aims to increase your specialist knowledge, while opening doors to a higher level of responsibility and professional accreditation.

The applied nature of this course will provide you with the skills required to design and implement customised training programmes to enhance athletic performance, health and wellbeing. You'll learn the core building blocks of knowledge around training modalities, planning and monitoring, youth development and coach communication, while also gaining coaching experience. You'll also gain the confidence to create your own career path with a range of electives.

Benefit from real world experience through our professional placement unit, where you will gain valuable, hands-on experience in a high performance or professional sport setting.

Ideal for busy professionals, our online delivery allows you to work while you study and complete your degree in just one year. The degree culminates in a two-week, face-to-face residential workshop delivered on-campus, where you'll bring all components of your online learning together, overseen by elite level coaches and industry professionals.

Study a Master of Strength & Conditioning at UC and you will:
  • apply complex knowledge of training theories to the design and delivery of effective training programs for athletes
  • gain a depth of understanding in a broad spectrum of training modalities for the improvement of athletic potential including strength, power, speed and acceleration, agility, flexibility, and endurance
  • understand the role of the strength and conditioning coach and develop professional communication strategies appropriate for working in a strength and conditioning environment
  • apply advanced training and communication skills necessary to create solutions to authentic (real-world or ill-defined) problems
  • gain advanced knowledge of the application of strength and conditioning principles to a range of groups including rehabilitation and youth populations
  • undertake a work-integrated placement that will develop your learnt skills and knowledge of strength and conditioning
  • critically appraise research to develop evidence-based approaches that inform the advancement of strength and conditioning practice.
Work Integrated Learning

Gain invaluable experience through a professional practice unit where you will complete a minimum of 20 hours observation and 140 hours of coaching to deliver strength and conditioning programs. You will be aligned with a qualified mentor in the program to further build your connections and experience.

Following study period two, you will participate in an on-campus residential placement for two weeks. Here, you'll create, implement and evaluate group-based athlete preparation strategies, implement and evaluate training methods and discuss contemporary issues within strength and conditioning. You will be required to source your own placement with the assistance of the Course Convenor.

Career Opportunities

On completion of your degree, you'll have the necessary qualifications to pursue a more fulfilling career with a focus on strength and conditioning across a range of settings including:

  • High performance sport
  • Academies of sport
  • Sport institutes
  • Australian Defence Force
  • Education
  • Private Business.
Course Specific Information

To complete the practical components of this degree, you will be required to:

  • undertake a National Police Check
  • obtain a Working with Vulnerable People registration
  • provide your immunisation history
  • have a qualification in First Aid including CPR.

Professional accreditation

The Master of Strength and Conditioning will be recognised by the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA). Upon completion of this course, you will be eligible to apply to ASCA for Level 2 Accreditation by submitting the Student Application Form and supporting documentation.

Entry requirements

A completed bachelor degree in Sport and Exercise Science or related field*.

or

A completed bachelor degree in a non-related field with successful completion of University level units relating to human anatomy, human physiology, biomechanics and basic exercise prescription.

Those who do not have the necessary admission requirements will be directed to the Graduate Certificate in Human Movement Science (868AA) and advised to complete the following units:
Advanced functional Anatomy G
Regional Anatomy and Physiology G
Biomechanics G
Physiology of Exercise G

Non-degree entrance:
Those individuals without a degree but who have 5 years experience working full time in a strength and conditioning role will be considered. Please contact the course convenor for further details. Suitability for non-degree entrance is assessed via communications with the Course convener.

* Related fields include Human Movement Science, Exercise Science, Sport Science, Sport and Health Science; Exercise and Health, Sport and Physical Activity, Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Science.

Assumed knowledge

Minimum recognised Undergraduate Level: - Anatomy - Biomechanics - Human Physiology - Basic exercise prescription

Periods course is open for new admissions
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Domestic International
2024 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 05 February 2024
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 03 February 2025
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 02 February 2026
Credit arrangements

There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Study locations

Canberra

Online

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Health Services & Support courses at University of Canberra.
75.4%
Overall satisfaction
75.4%
Skill scale
70.8%
Teaching scale
69.2%
Employed full-time
$79.1k
Average salary