Introduction
Study at an award-winning university
We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Why Strength and Conditioning with Rehabilitation at ARU?
- Study on a leading Sports Science course - ranked second in the UK and 17th in the World (Shanghai Rankings 2023) and ranked fourth in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2021-2023).
- Learn from highly skilled lecturers with hands-on professional experience working as strength and conditioning coaches and sport therapists.
- Become the front-runner for strength and conditioning education in our specialist labs endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
- Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
- Learn with experts – 100% of our Sport Science research is recognised as internationally significant in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- Study on an industry approved course – accredited by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and aligned to UK Strength and Conditioning Association standards.
If your ambition is to be a strength and conditioning coach and be able to work across the fitness and health industry, this course is for you.
This is an exciting and diverse course where you'll discover that strength and conditioning is more than just gym work. You'll help athletes to develop the speed, agility, endurance and strength they need to compete at the highest levels. You'll consider correcting movement patterns to improve efficiency or avoid injury; and adopt different coaching methods for the different performers you work with. At times, you’ll need to understand how to progress the rehabilitation of an injured client.
But there are options outside of professional sport too, with an emerging and urgent need for qualified fitness professionals to engage the community in physical activity. You’ll consider different populations in the community and how you could support their differing needs. As mentioned, strength and conditioning professionals will work alongside rehabilitation specialists so providing a seamless transition for the client back into sport or being active in the community again.
Our Sport and Exercise Science course is aligned to UK Strength and Conditioning Association standards and endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), so you'll graduate ready to work in the UK’s burgeoning sport and fitness industry or to continue your learning journey to postgraduate study. Find out more about our approved and accredited courses.
Course options
Key facts
Entry Requirements
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Fees and Paying for University
Student experience
How to run a sub-2 hour marathon. The physiology of the super human.
Hear from ARU Senior Lecturer Dr Dan Gordon in this Springpod Subject Spotlight.
Watch the full lecture on Springpod
Specialist exercise science facilities
We're ranked fourth in the country for sports science courses by the Guardian League Table 2023. Take a look at some of the equipment used by our students.
Embrace international perspectives
In 2023, we hosted Kinesiology students from the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) as part of our exciting study abroad program. Through our partnership with UIC, Sport and Exercise Sciences students experience the world from a North American perspective.
Measure fitness and performance
Learn how to measure fitness and performance at the Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences.
Analyse data from our first-class equipment
Learn how to interpret fitness and performance test results.
Get ready for real world practice
Learn how to work safely, effectively and professionally.
Get hands-on with research
Learn how to collect, analyse, draw conclusions and make recommendations from data.
Challenge yourself
We'll always provide you with opportunities to become the best you can be.
Facilities
Specialist equipment
At ARU you’ll be based in our Cambridge Centre for Sports and Exercise Science. Its specialist exercise testing and human movement labs feature:
- a strength and conditioning suite (3 lifting platforms, open physical conditioning space)
- a rehabilitation clinic
- a 3D motion capture suite
- notational analysis software
- heart-rate monitors
- GPS monitoring technology
- breath-by-breath oxygen-analysis systems
- accelerometers
Multiple ways to learn
As a Strength and Conditioning with Rehabilitation student, you’ll be able to:
- learn from highly experienced lecturers, including practising sport therapists, coaches and conditioning specialists. Our team currently includes a Paralympian World Record holder, a Scottish Women’s Rugby player and a judo champion
- get bespoke opportunities to gain experiences in the strength and conditioning domain
- take an optional placement year and gain additional work experience
- join student-led sports clubs and societies
- hear from guest speakers at our Excellence in Sport seminars
- become a qualified fitness professional.
Accreditation
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
This course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), meaning employers will view you as 'job ready' for roles in sport and physical activity.
The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences
You’ll be based in the Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, using specialist facilities accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
Lecturers
Andrew Morrison
Interim Deputy Head of School
James Johnstone
Deputy Dean
Dan Gordon
Professor in Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology
Ash Willmott
Senior Lecturer
Careers
As our course is aligned to UK Strength and Conditioning Association standards, you’ll be able to work as a strength and conditioning coach as soon as you graduate.
You also have the option to work as a gym instructor or personal trainer if you complete our optional modules, and become a qualified member of The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
This course 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, and the sector's only chartered professional body, meaning employers will view you as "job ready" for roles in sport and physical activity.
You might choose to be self-employed or work for a team or organisation, with professional or recreational athletes, or with inactive or older people.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study a postgraduate degree such as our MSc Sport and Exercise Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
Take a tour of our specialist sport science facilities
Watch the video
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Explore CambridgeWant to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Placement year available
You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
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