About the degree programme

Strength and Conditioning is a popular area within sport science, predominantly from within the discipline of physiology, often requiring knowledge of inter-disciplinary applied sport science and coaching. Our Masters degree in Strength and Conditioning provides you with in-demand skills and a solid foundation for a rewarding career.

The primary focus of this programme is sporting performance. However, the application of strength and conditioning principles to diverse areas, including exercise, pre- and rehabilitation, youth and ageing populations, and other specific and clinical populations is becoming more commonplace.

By joining this degree, you will have the opportunity to study the application of these principles in your taught courses, and see how they are reflected in a range of practical contexts through a voluntary internship or placement. We encourage and help facilitate, where possible, excellent applied experience and professional development opportunities, using established links with local and national sports teams and governing bodies.

We are always evolving and aiming to improve the teaching, learning, experience and employability of our students. We recently redeveloped this programme to focus on practical learning. Our experts and accredited practitioners in the field will prepare you to thrive in a competitive job market and a changing world.

Programme rankings

  • One of the top 20 Schools in the world for Sport-Related Subjects (2025 QS World University Rankings)
  • Ranked 2nd in the UK for universities offering Sport Science (THE World University Ranking)

See our latest rankings

The wide variety of courses that are delivered on the programme help to develop a large knowledge base, including up-to-date research and best practices, to aid with the development of well-rounded coaching ability which, in my opinion, are some of the most important factors in the field of Strength and Conditioning and sports science.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a sports science-related subject/major that includes courses on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, research methods, and a research dissertation. 

If you have a degree in another subject then your application must include evidence of the following:

  • at least a year of relevant work experience (e.g., internship, placement, paid employment) as a strength and conditioning coach, sports scientist, or fitness/ personal trainer and evidence relevant professional qualifications
  • that you are working towards professional accreditation with a relevant body (e.g., UKSCA, NSCA, minimum Level 3 personal trainers award or Level 3/4 fitness trainers qualifications).

In addition to the undergraduate degree, we are interested in applicants with some evidence of non-academic professional development in strength and conditioning/ sports science/ sports therapy/ physiotherapy. However, you can apply without this evidence of non-academic professional development and your application will still be considered on its individual strengths.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The Masters degree can be taken full-time in one year, with learning comprising traditional lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. The degree constitutes 180 credits, made up of 120 taught credits and a 60-credit research dissertation.

The programme commences with five taught compulsory courses, with no optional courses. Successful performance in the taught courses will enable you to progress to the Dissertation component, which is an independently researched dissertation.

Dissertation

Once you complete the taught courses you can progress to the dissertation component (60 credits).  

Compulsory courses

  • Applied Practice in Strength and Conditioning (40 credits): This two-semester course promotes you to develop and exercise professional judgement in applying your strength and conditioning knowledge and understanding in practical scenarios and across disciplines, and to communicate and justify your rationale for training, coaching and monitoring decisions.  
  • Professional Development for Strength and Conditioning (40 credits): To positively impact physical performance, strength and conditioning coaches need to combine technical knowledge with knowing how to motivate and support their clients. Professional skills, such as communication, reflection and understanding, are therefore required by coaches to positively transfer their knowledge to others. This course encourages you to appraise your current level of proficiency in skills related to your future career goals in strength and conditioning, and to plan, implement and reflect on the development of these skills.
  • Training Science (20 credits): A critical knowledge and understanding of training science is required to inform the application of particular athlete preparation strategies. This course will develop a critical awareness of the demands of a range of sports for athletes and explore how effective training promotes physiological adaptation. The research evidence to support current training recommendations will be evaluated across a range of sports and environmental contexts.

You will also take two Research Methods courses to help you prepare for your dissertation: 

  • Research Process (10 credits)
  • Understanding Research Concepts (10 credits)

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Placements

Alongside your academic studies, you may choose to engage with well-established voluntary internship and placement opportunities in a variety of roles with performers at various levels.

These opportunities are not a formal or assessed part of the programme but can provide a valuable source of further development.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment

Our assessment methods are designed to test you academically and help you develop skills and attributes you can use in your career. Some examples include:  

  • written critical reviews
  • examinations
  • oral presentations
  • reflective accounts
  • infographics  
  • continuing professional development plans 

Each taught course includes: 

  • weekly contact with the course organiser followed by an assessment period
  • assessment, exam and/or assignments (equivalent to a 4000-5000-word assignment for each course) 

Learning outcomes

The programme aims to develop students' ability to critically appraise and apply scientific literature. Your study of research methods will include learning how to plan, conduct and disseminate your own research following the established principles of rigorous scientific study.

Designed with a practical orientation towards the application and evolution of theory to practice, a major focus of the programme is on performance sport, although other areas such as exercise and rehabilitation are also covered.

Graduates gain the ability to:

  • understand and evaluate current research and thinking in strength and conditioning
  • inform design and delivery of appropriate training interventions
  • understand the theoretical and practical aspects of strength and conditioning interventions
  • gain the skills necessary to operate as a practitioner in a sports performance environment 

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Where you will study

Academic facilities

Students gain access to high-quality resources, labs and research facilities as well as a dedicated strength and conditioning gym on campus and a range of resources at nearby Sport & Exercise.

Learn more about the facilities available at Moray House

Career opportunities

Our graduates work around the world as strength and conditioning and physical preparation specialists for professional sports teams and clubs, for the UK and US army and air force.

Graduates are able to apply their knowledge by:

  • working with clinical populations in health settings
  • developing strategies for improving staff health and wellbeing in large organisations across a variety of industries
  • undertaking doctoral study

The qualification and skills you gain in this programme will complement the applied experience and any professional accreditation for those aspiring to be practitioners at the cutting edge of strength and conditioning.

Primary roles exist in the sports performance area, but you may also apply your skills to work in the areas of exercise and fitness, rehabilitation and the wider sports industry.

The Masters degree is also a springboard for further research, either within academia or the private sector. The highly transferable skills you gain in areas such as communication and project management can be applied to roles in any field.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 30 July 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support