Strength and Conditioning with Rehabilitation

• Study on a leading Sports Science course – ranked second in the UK and 17th in the World (Shanghai Rankings 2023) and tenth in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024).
• Learn from highly skilled lecturers with professional experience 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 (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.
• We’re delighted to be Cambridge United Football Club’s Official Education Partner which supports opportunities such as work experience at the club or volunteering with the Cambridge United Foundation.

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.

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.