Project Description

Diploma in Strength & Conditioning

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Course Overview

Course Background

This Level 6 programme* is designed to produce coaches equipped with the knowledge and skills to independently administer a medium to long-term sport, health and fitness, physical activity, and Strength and Conditioning programme of development. It takes 3 years to complete our part-time, blended learning programme.

*This qualification is awarded by Setanta College through their EU accreditation by Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI). It consists of an internationally recognised university-level award, the Higher Certificate in Strength & Conditioning (equivalent to the South African Diploma). This programme carries 120 ECTS credits awarded at Level 6 on the Irish framework of qualifications (equivalent to 240 credits at Level 6 on the South African framework). 

Course Content

Progression is from the six modules of the National Diploma: Fitness and the Higher Certificate, through to the more advanced modules of the Diploma.

The additional 6 modules completed in this programme include:

Modules covered:

  1. Anatomy, Physiology & Biomechanics
  2. Youth Athletic Development
  3. Sport & Exercise Nutrition
  4. Coaching Skills
  5. Coaching Technology & Fitness Testing
  6. Business of Fitness and Sport

Course Details & Information

Strength and Conditioning is becoming globally recognised as a professional pathway in the sports and general wellness industries. Our programmes cover a broad range of topics such as functional screening, coaching skills, fundamental movement and fitness testing with a key emphasis on sports technology. Students are introduced to and get to use the latest technology whilst attending workshops at our campus locations.

We are applying S&C and Performance Science methodologies and research into much broader fields such as general wellbeing. For example, we work with the Army, Fire Service and Police Force to develop methodologies and bespoke programmes to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff. These new developments will create a much greater marketplace within which our students can contribute and gain employment.

Setanta College is recognised as a world-leading educator in Strength and Conditioning for the following reasons:

  • Our programmes are recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (30,000 members), World Rugby (35,000 registered on our partnership programmes), The UK Strength and Conditioning Association (3,000 members), The International Confederation for Registers of Exercise Professionals (300,000 members), and Titleist Performance Institute.
  • Major winning golfer Padraig Harrington is our brand ambassador and has been implementing the philosophies and skills of Dr Liam Hennessy for 20 years. Padraig highly recommends Setanta College for knowledge and skills in Performance Science and Strength and Conditioning.
  • Dr Liam Hennessy and a global network of Strength and Conditioning practitioners have agreed the key elements which inform a world-class Strength and Conditioning educational programme.
  • Each programme module is updated every 18 months with new developments and current thinking and research.
  • Setanta College students get to use the latest technology in sport because of our partnerships with StatSports, ForceDecks, and Orreco, as well as our state of the art 3D Markerless Motion Capture System.
  • Our practical application workshops are delivered at world-class facilities at each campus location.
  • Setanta College lecturers are qualified to MSc or PhD level and are former high-level athletes, active coaches or both.

Setanta College is recognised as a world-leading educator in Strength and Conditioning for the following reasons:

  • Our programmes are recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (30,000 members), World Rugby (35,000 registered on our partnership programmes) and Titleist Performance Institute.
    Padraig Harrington is our brand ambassador and has been implementing the philosophies and skills of Dr Liam Hennessy for 20 years. Padraig highly recommends Setanta College for knowledge and skills in Performance Science and Strength and Conditioning.
  • Dr Liam Hennessy and a global network of Strength and Conditioning practitioners have agreed the key elements which inform a world class Strength and Conditioning educational programme.
  • Each programme module is updated every 18 months with new developments and current thinking and research.
  • Setanta College students get to use the latest technology in sport because of our partnerships with StatSports, Daniel Cohen at ForceDecks and Orreco as well as our state of the are 3D Marker Less Motion Capture System.
  • Our practical application workshops are conducted at a €4 million specially designed Strength and Conditioning SportsLab.
  • Setanta College lecturers are qualified to MSc or PhD level and are former high level sports people, active coaches or both.

All modules of this course are delivered part-time via blended or distance learning.

Weekly lectures will be delivered through our virtual learning environment and are completed entirely online. The practical face-to-face elements of the course are delivered on campus at the conclusion of every second module (approximately every 6 months).

Student knowledge is examined using continuous assessment comprising of online questionnaires and essay-style project work. The course has been designed to accommodate the working professional and will fit in a flexible manner into your daily schedule.

Watch Sample Lecture Video

On successful completion of this course the graduate will:

  • Display a specialised knowledge of strength and conditioning for sports.
  • Be able to formulate exercise and training programmes based on sound scientific principles.
  • Have a broad range of practical analytical skills, capable of analysing the physical and movement demands of their chosen sport.
  • Identify the needs of the athlete, player and other individuals involved in the pursuit of strength and conditioning development.
  • Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and technical skills to a range of sporting contexts.
  • Take responsibility for the design, planning and implementation of a comprehensive programme of fitness development for their athletes, players or teams.
  • Understand, evaluate and selectively apply current and new research and thinking in strength and conditioning.

Students will be prepared to work with sport and recreational participants across a wide range of levels from beginners through to elite athletes.

Additionally, students will be provided with the skills to perform effectively in a wide range of fitness-related industries, such as rehabilitation, personal training, health and wellness, gym instructing, tutoring etc.

After completing this Diploma, graduates will have the opportunity to complete their degree in Strength and Conditioning part-time over 18 months.

Setanta College offers a range of Professional Development courses up to our industry-led Masters in Performance Coaching.

Setanta College has appointed a world renowned advisory board to inform and oversee our programmes and research strategy. This board, comprising of professors and practitioners from around the world, keep Setanta College at the cutting edge of Performance Science, Technology and Strength and Conditioning.

Our lecturers are qualified to MSc or PhD level and are former high level sports people, active coaches or both. We have a team of international specialists who lecture on both our online and full time programmes.

  • Applicants must be 18 or over from January 1st on the year of admission and must have successfully completed their matric exams/Senior Certificate Exams or equivalent.
  • If you are over 23 years of age you may apply as a mature student. Mature student applications are assessed on the basis of age, coaching/playing experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme for which they are applying
  • In the case of learners where English is not their first language, they will be required to demonstrate a sufficient level of English Language proficiency. Setanta College accepts the following:
    1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or equivalent score of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) normally IELTS 6 which must be dated within 2 years of enrolment onto the programme.
    2. CEFR standard (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) B2+ which must be dated within 2 years of enrolment onto the programme.
    3. Successful completion of a major award at level 4 or higher completed through English.

Fees & How To Enrol

Pay 6 Modules in Full

R50 400Upfront

Pay for 12 Months

R33 600Upfront (4 modules)

Pay Monthly

R3 689Per Month

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