ABOUT THIS COURSE
This programme will enable you to design and deliver sport specific strength and conditioning programmes to teams and individuals. Throughout this qualification you will develop an underpinning knowledge of the biomechanical demands and physiological responses related to high performance training. You will also develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan, design and instruct an effective sports strength and conditioning session. On successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to develop and instruct strength and conditioning programmes for teams and athletic individuals in the sport and active leisure industry.
Online Lectures/Study
- Biomechanical, Physiological and Psychological Factors Affecting Strength and Conditioning for Sports Performance.
- Programming Strength and Conditioning Activities for Sports Performance.
- Delivering Strength and Conditioning for Sports Performance.
Practical Training Day 1: Functional Mobility Screening & Reconditioning
- Benefits and Limitations of Functional Mobility Screening
- Client Screening / Postural Analysis
- Communicating and Evaluating the Functional Mobility Screen
- FMS Test Sequence
- Identifying Asymmetries through Screening
- Corrective Strategies
Practical Training Day 2: Coaching Olympic Lifting
- History of Olympic Lifting
- Client Screening & Suitability
- Skill Related Components of Olympic Lifting
- Breathing Technique, Form, Balance, Centre of Gravity & Mobility
- Coaching Cues, Progression/Regression Techniques
- Coaching the Clean & Jerk
- Coaching the Snatch
Practical Training Day 3: Coaching Speed, Agility & Quickness (SAQ)
- History of SAQ Training
- Client Screening & Suitability
- Skill Related Components of SAQ
- Hi/Lo Tech Skill Related Fitness Testing
- SAQ Drills addressing the Various Skill Related Components
- Coaching Cues, Progression/Regression Techniques
- SAQ for Various Age Groups and Abilities
Practical Training Day 4: Periodisation Principles & Biomechanics of Movement
- Understanding Macro, Meso and Micro Cycles
- Programming General Preparatory, Specific Preparatory and Transition Periods
- Planning Considerations / Progression Hierarchy
- Physiological Responses to Training
- Nutrition/Hydration Guidelines for the Athlete
- Female Athletic Triad & Common Eating Disorders in Sport & Athletics
- Sports Supplementation
- Biomechanics of Sport
- Postural Analysis
- Injury Prevalence in Sport
- Repetitive Injuries in Sport
This training day is supplemented with online study.
Course Start Date: September 1st, 2024 – 2 Courses are Available.
Theory/online modules are released on September 1st, 2024, followed by practical sessions starting September 4th, 2024. Practical contact days are:
Weekday Course Option:
Wednesdays - 9:30am to 4:30pm. Dates: September 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th.
Weekend Course Option:
Saturday/Sunday - 9:30am to 4:30pm. Dates: September 7th/8th, 21st/22nd.
During the month of September and October students will complete their online training and submit their final projects October 31st, 2024.
Theory, research and assignments are completed outside of practical training days via recorded online lectures and video tutorials. All practical training days occur at NSC’s South Kildare College location.
Limited Places Available
The National Diploma in Strength & Conditioning runs twice a year (March & September) from NSC’s Kildare College location. Weekday and weekend course options are available. Our next course start date is September 1st 2024. Student places are limited.
Early registration is advisable. In 2025 this course will run in March and September.
Course tuition fee includes access to our online classroom, course notes, online teaching materials, e-books and access to equipment and materials for college practical sessions. International Learner Registration, Assessment and Certification Fee: €100.
The course tuition fee of €895 and learner registration/certification fee of €100 must be paid in full prior to the course start date.
A refundable course deposit of €195 must be paid to reserve a student place on this programme.
Course Fee Option 1: Early Bird Tuition Fee: €895
Deposit = €195 (refundable up until August 1st, 2024).
Final Tuition Payment of €700 paid before your course start date of September 1st, 2024.
International Learner Registration and Assessment Fee of €100 due September 1st, 2024.
Course Fee Option 2: Standard Tuition Fee = €995.
Deposit = €195 (Refundable up until August 1st, 2024).
2 Payments of €400 due September 1st and October 1st, 2024.
International Learner Registration and Assessment Fee of €100 due September 1st, 2024.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold a Personal Trainer qualification which is recognised by the Irish (Level 5) or UK (Level 3) education system (NFQ/QQI/RCF/OFQUAL). PT qualifications from NSC, Focus Awards (UK), VTCT (UK), ITEC (UK), NCEF (Ire) or similar are recognised. All practical training days must be attended. Course learners must be computer literate and have access to a computer with broadband availability. Course notes, power-points, video tutorials, e-books and assignments are only available online. Completed assignments are also required to be uploaded online.
- National Diploma in Strength & Conditioning (NSC)
- UKL4/IRL6 Certificate in Strength & Conditioning (Focus Awards - RQF/OFQUAL Registered Awarding Body)
- CPD Award in Functional Mobility Screening & Reconditioning (NSC)
- CPD Award in Coaching Olympic Lifting (NSC)
- CPD Award in SAQ – Speed, Agility & Quickness (NSC)
- CPD Award in Sports Nutrition (NSC)
This Focus Awards qualification taught through NSC is comparable to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Ireland and has international recognition. NSC/Focus Awards qualifications allow graduates to obtain professional indemnity insurance to practice in Ireland, the UK
and internationally.
The National Diploma in Strength & Conditioning consists of 4 modules, taught part-time through blended learning and completed over a 6-8 week period. This is a blended learning programme which involves online lectures, video tutorials and written assignments, coupled with practical in-person sessions.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold a Personal Trainer qualification which is recognised by the Irish (Level 5) or UK (Level 3) education system (NFQ/QQI/RCF/OFQUAL). PT qualifications from NSC, Focus Awards (UK), VTCT (UK), ITEC (UK), NCEF (Ire) or similar are recognised. All practical training days must be attended. Course learners must be computer literate and have access to a computer with broadband availability. Course notes, power-points, video tutorials, e-books and assignments are only available online. Completed assignments are also required to be uploaded online.
KildareWeekday CourseStarting September
8 PLACES LEFT
KildareWeekend CourseStarting September
7 PLACES LEFT
DublinWeekday CourseStarting September
FULL!
BOOK YOUR PLACE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!
Meet Your Instructor
George Martin, BSc. PGDip. MSc. MTEd.
Founder, Academic Director & Lecturer
Call at 085 800 1221 or email [email protected].
George Martin oversees all academic qualifications offered through the National Sports College. He also lectures in Anatomy & Physiology, Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, Personal Training, Gym Instruction, Exercise to Music, Sports Massage and Business Management. George has over 25 years experience in the sport/health fitness industry as an instructor, coach, tutor, therapist and manager.
Education:
- BSc. (Hons) in Sport Science (QQI Level 8)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Training & Education (QQI Level 9)
- MSc. in Strength & Conditioning (QQI Level 9)
- Master of Arts in Training & Education (QQI Level 9)
- International Certificate in Exercise & Health Studies
- National Qualification in Sport & Remedial Massage Therapy
- Certified Tutor Coach (Coaching Ireland)
- Train the Trainer Certified (QQI Level 6)
- Certificate in Management Processes (QQI Level 6)
- Certificate in Information Technology & Computer Studies
- Registered Sport & Active Leisure Assessor
See what our students say!
Recently finished a course at NSC and was super impressed by how thorough it was. George and Allison were amazing and there to answer questions and give practical advice that really helped me out. They really know their stuff and are always ready to help!
Sarah D.
I had a fantastic experience at NSC. The course was top-notch, but what really stood out was the support I received outside the classroom. George and Allison were always there to help with any questions I had about notes and exams. Their willingness to provide extra assistance made a huge difference, helping me understand the material better and feel more prepared for exams.
Eamonn O'C.
My time at the National Sports College was great. The course quality was excellent. What I appreciated most was the support from George and Allison outside of class. They were always available to answer questions about the notes and exams. Their dedication made the learning experience smooth and stress-free. For anyone looking for a course with exceptional support, I highly recommend NSC. They truly care about their students' success.
Collin Byrne
Career Progression Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions aboutour courses. For more information, feel free to email us at [email protected], or call/Whatsapp us at 085 800 1221.
Blank
Do I need a qualification to participate on this course?
Yes. This primary programme of education is suitable for individuals with a prior UK Level 2 or Irish Level 4 qualification in Gym Instruction which has been obtained within the last 5 years.
What will I be qualified to do when I complete the course?
Successful course participants will be qualified to guide clients through exercises, ensuring proper form and technique to prevent injuries. They will also be able to offer nutritional advice to clients.
Is this qualification accredited?
Yes. This qualification is accredited by Ireland’s Nationally accredited body, Focus Awards.
Is this qualification accepted internationally?
Yes. This qualification can be used internationally.
Will I be able to get a job in a fitness centre or health club?
Yes. Strength & Conditioning coaches typically work with sports teams too.
Can I pay for the course in instalments?
Yes. We offer multiple payment options.
Can I get a grant for course fees?
Yes. Some participants on our courses can avail of government grants when applying for our courses. We can assist in this process.
How long does this gym instructor course last?
The course lasts 8 weeks.
Where is this course available?
We currently offer this course in Dublin & Kildare.
How will I be assessed?
Students are assessed with practical work along with a written exam.
What do I have to do outside class times?
Work outside class consists of studying and completing course assignments.
What is the exam success rate of students?
The vast majority of our students pass all examinations first time with few needing to repeat the exam.
What age group participates in this course?
The age range of members on our courses ranges from 18 to 55 years old. Anyone can do it!
Will I need to get insurance?
We strongly recommend all students hold a professional indemnity insurance policy. This covers them against legal action taken by a client as a result of an injury which was caused by following the student’s professional advice.