BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Tactical Populations

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

BNU is already successful at developing and delivering flexible and applied programmes, specific to the needs of military students. We are a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and registered as a Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme Administration Service (ELCAS) training provider. Furthermore, we have all the necessary experience and learning material to support the unique requirements of Armed Forces personnel.

With our campus being within a 40-minute commute of London and 35-40 minutes from Heathrow airport we are an accessible, open, and welcoming university with easy access links no matter where you are based. In addition, our programme offers you the opportunity to take your learning online which helps you fit learning around your busy schedule.

BNU are proud to support the wider armed forces community and offer programmes for UK Armed Forces personnel that maps skills to the characteristics of typical civilian businesses and services. The Armed forces offers a range of different financial support, Bursaries and Scholarships for selected candidates during further and higher education.

What will I study?

Fully mapped to the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Graduate Strength and Conditioning Coach (GSCC) professional standard and endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA) this programme has been specifically designed to address the educational needs of Armed Forces PTIs and will educate you for both in-service and civilian applications.

The discipline of strength and conditioning requires you to be both an effective coach and a knowledgeable sport scientist. Therefore, on this programme, we will develop your understanding of the concepts, theories, and techniques which underpin effective strength and conditioning practice. Furthermore, building upon your current skills, knowledge, and experience you will develop your practical coaching, research, and critical thinking abilities.  

At the end of the course you will have gained a well rounded and in depth knowledge and skillset that will greatly aid you in your career. Areas of study will include physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, nutrition, research skills and data analysis, programme design, sports injury and rehabilitation, topical issues in strength and conditioning and the application of strength and conditioning in tactical populations.

What facilities can I use?

With opportunities to use our Human Performance Laboratory (HPL), containing state of the art equipment such as a 30m Mondo indoor running track, high-performance HP Cosmos treadmills, Vyntus Jaeger breath-by-breath gas analysers, Hawkin Dynamics portable force plates, Cybex Isokinetic dynamometer, Qualisys 3D motion capture system, and best in class Eleiko strength and conditioning training equipment, you will find technical support for any learning or research goal you want to pursue.

Thanks to our investment into facilities, we can provide the equipment that is needed to fully develop your skills as a strength and conditioning expert to the highest level. 

In addition, our library is open 24/7 and packed with all the information you need for your assessments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, scientific research, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Most modules within your course have only one summative assessment which will be either a written essay, report, presentation, or viva. (A summative assessment is a one-off test at the end of a module) However, several of the more applied modules have two practical summative assessments which is a one-off practical test at the end of the module.

All assessments are designed to make sure you are making progress towards the learning objectives, and we are adequately providing the learning criteria for each module. Failure to submit an assessment or upon failure of an assessment, a re-submit is required within 4 weeks. In addition, we will let you know of any deadlines at least 3 weeks before submission is required.