Location:
Kildare
Duration:
Accreditation:
ABOUT THIS COURSE
This advanced Level 6 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.
This joint NSC/Focus Awards/RQF/OFQUAL qualification is comparable to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Ireland and has international recognition.
Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Personal Trainer qualification which is recognised by QQI Ireland at Level 5 or OFQUAL UK at Level 3. PT qualifications from NSC, Focus Awards (UK), VTCT (UK), ITEC (UK), NCEF (Ire) or similar are accepted.
Why Study with us?
The National Sports College is one of Ireland’s leading providers of professional qualifications in fitness, coaching, and massage therapy. Known for our high-quality, practical training and industry-recognised certifications.
Experience
Established in 2000, NSC has over 25 years of experience delivering fitness courses, earning a reputation as industry leaders committed to excellence in education within the sports, fitness and massage therapy industry.
Accreditation
Our courses are internationally accredited by Focus Awards and recognised by OFQUAL. They are also aligned with the NFQ and EQF Frameworks. Additionally, our programs are proudly endorsed by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), Sports Therapy Ireland, and Coaching Ireland.
Support
We are dedicated to providing ongoing support throughout your journy. Our tutors are always available to answer questions, clarify concepts, and offer guidance. We provide expert advice to help you succeed.
What our students say
Don’t just take our word! Hear what our students have to say about our courses!
I honestly didn’t think I’d ever go back to studying, but it was actually very manageable. George and Allison know their stuff inside out. Now I'm working part-time in a local gym and starting to build my own client base. The confidence it gave me was great.
Emma K.
Took the Strength & Conditioning course after qualifying as a PT, and it was a serious step up. Covered way more detail than I expected, especially around periodisation and coaching. Was able to apply it straight away with the lads I train.
Collin Byrne
I already had a sports science degree but needed a specific massage qualification to get insured and start seeing clients properly. The course was exactly what I needed. Honestly, it filled gaps I didn’t realise were missing from my degree. Delighted I did it.
James D.
Course Information
Find all the information you need on this course. For questions, please contact us at info@nsc.ie .
Training Day 1: Functional Mobility Screening & Reconditioning (FMS-R)
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
Training Day 2: Factor Affecting Sports Performance
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.
Training Day 3: Neuromuscular Skills Training
Physiological Effects of Strength and Conditioning for Sports Performance.
Programming Strength and Conditioning Activities for Sports Performance.
Delivering Neuromuscular Training Sessions
Training Day 4: 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
Training Day 5: 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.
Training Day 6: 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
- National Diploma in Strength & Conditioning (NSC/Coaching Ireland)
- UKL4/IRL6 Certificate in Strength & Conditioning (Focus Awards - RQF/OFQUAL Registered Awarding Body)
- CPD Award in Functional Mobility Screening & Reconditioning (NSC/Coaching Ireland)
- CPD Award in Coaching Olympic Lifting (NSC/Coaching Ireland)
- CPD Award in SAQ – Speed, Agility & Quickness (NSC/Coaching Ireland)
- CPD Award in Sports Nutrition (NSC/Coaching Ireland)
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.
Meet the Head Instructor
George Martin, BSc. PGDip. MSc. MTEd.
Founder, Academic Director & Lecturer
Call at 085 800 1221 or email info@nsc.ie.
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
Frequently Asked Fitness Course Questions
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Is this qualification accredited?
Yes. This course is accredited by Focus Awards (who are regulated by OFQUAL). This course is also endorsed by CIMSPA and Coaching Ireland. Lastly, it is recognised by QQI (Quality Qualifications Ireland) and comparable to Level on the National Framework of Qualifications (Ireland).
Is this qualification accepted internationally?
Yes. Due to it’s high accreditation, this qualification can be used internationally.
Can I pay by 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 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 success rate?
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.