Higher Certificate in Strength & Conditioning

STUDY ONLINE · PAYMENT OPTIONS

Course Overview

Course Background

Level 2 of our Educational Pathway

This internationally recognised programme is designed to suit the working professional and fit flexibly into your daily schedule.

This 18-month Certificate is regarded as the industry standard for specialist Strength and Conditioning Coaches. This course is delivered at the equivalent of NFQ Level 5 and provides graduates with the equivalent of 120 credits*.

*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 Certificate in Strength & Conditioning. This programme carries 60 ECTS credits awarded at Level 6 on the Irish framework of qualifications.

Course Content

The six modules completed in this course include:

Modules covered:

Functional Screening
This module introduces the coach to functional screening. It examines different approaches or schools of thought in this area. It traces the development of the area through to current and what may be considered state-of-the-art concepts and then introduces a range of basic screens – showing the learner how to set-up, conduct, and interpret the screens. It discusses the issues of compensations, weak links and several other aspects of this fascinating area. In addition it examines the scientific support for functional screening and training. By the end of the module the learner will:

Display a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning Functional Screening

Conduct functional screening tests for one or more athletes/players

Design effective development programmes for their athlete/players based on the screening outcomes

Appreciate the diverse approaches to screening for both sporting and non-sporting individuals
Close
Resistance Training
This module introduces the coach to the area of Resistance Training in general. It features a historical description of the development of the field of study. It then examines the key principles upon which Resistance Training is based. The many and varied methods used in stability, strength, power and muscle mass development are described. The student will also acquire a range of skills including knowledge, know-how and competence within the area of Resistance Training so as to become a specialist coach of Strength and Conditioning. The practical areas covered are many and varied and include traditional circuit training, core stability, kettlebell, medicine ball, chain and other Resistance Training modes. By the end of the module the learner will:

Display a broad understanding of the Principles of Resistance Training

Appreciate the many and varied methods used to build stability, strength, power and speed-strength

Demonstrate an ability to coach a variety of resistance training methods

Understand and apply the concept of Periodisation in planning
Close
Advanced Resistance Training
This module introduces the coach to weight training and weight lifting. It places particular emphasis on establishing excellent coaching skills. The content looks at the health and safety issues relating to weight training while the student is exposed to a detailed understanding of the practical coaching skills in weightlifting and weight training for sport. The module covers the many methods of introducing and teaching weightlifting and weight training to participants at the recreational level through to the elite level. Additionally, both the theory and practice of weight lifting and weight training for children is considered. By the end of this module the learner will:

Develop practical coaching skills in delivering weightlifting and weight training to the beginner and elite player or athlete

Become proficient in the application of the principles of weightlifting and weight training when planning and implementing conditioning programmes

Be proficient in organisation and planning weightlifting and weight training programmes of development for their chosen sport

Exercise creativity in delivering a programme of development within their training environment
Close
Advanced Resistance Training
This module aims to build upon the comprehensive knowledge gained in the previous two ‘Resistance Training’ modules . This module will cover a wide variety of topics related to advanced resistance training. The module will cover a number of training methods and modes such as power training methods, kettlebell training, blood flow restriction training, and many more. The module will also examine resistance training for special populations such as the youth, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions like obesity. Finally this module will provide some nutritional information around resistance training performance and adaptation from resistance training. By the end of this module the learner will:

Display a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Advanced Resistance Training methods, fitness and conditioning

Apply the Principles of Coaching and Training in their chosen sport

Critically evaluate the needs of his or her player or athlete
Close
Speed Development
This module introduces the coach to the multi-faceted area of speed development and in particular to the various components of speed. It ensures that the learner has a deep understanding of all the components and elements related to speed. The methods used to develop and advance speed using a variety of approaches are described and discussed. The practical coaching of speed is also a key feature of this module’s work. At the end of this module the learner will:

Screen/evaluate the athlete or player and interpret and present the findings and implications

Outline and explain the background and principles in planning and preparing speed training programmes

Demonstrate practical coaching competency in administering a speed training programme

Exercise appropriate judgement in planning, design and supervisory functions
Close
Endurance Development
This module introduces the coach to endurance development. It considers the various components of endurance and examines the principles underpinning endurance development. The module will also describe the physiological basis for the development of endurance and the impact of concurrent training for other fitness components. The student will also study best practice for developing various types of endurance in general but specifically how to develop endurance for their own sport. At the end of this module the learner will:

Outline and explain the background and principles in planning and preparing endurance training programmes

Critically evaluate the different modes used for endurance development

Display specialised knowledge and competence in administering a practical endurance based programme

Recognise the limitation of current knowledge in endurance training
Close

Course Details & Information

Key Benefits

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.

Delivery Method

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

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course the graduate will:

Display a specialised knowledge of functional screening and advanced resistance training.
Understand the key components of fitness and principles of coaching.
Critically evaluate the needs of his or her players/athletes
Gain a range of practical skills with a focus on:
- Warm up and cool down
- Periodisation
- Speed
- Endurance
Formulate exercise and training programmes based on sound scientific principles.
Apply the principles of training to their specific sport.

Career Opportunities

This course prepares graduates to operate as gym instructors, personal trainers, design and implement resistance training programmes, coach Olympic lifts for sport and to be capable of functionally assessing athletes or individuals. This programme qualifies graduates to work within Strength & Conditioning as an ‘S&C Trainer’. Graduates also have the opportunity to progress on to higher-level qualifications with Setanta College.

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

Lecturing Faculty

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.

Entry Requirements

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 accept 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 programme.
2. CEFR standard (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) B2+ which must be dated within 2 years of enrolment onto programme.
3. Successful completion of major award at level 4 or higher completed through English.

Fees & How To Enrol

Pay 3 Modules in Full

R29 880

Apply Now

Pay Monthly

R3 689

Apply Now

Download Course Brochure

Enter your details below to download a copy of the course brochure:

Your Name*
First Last
Your Email*
Your Telephone*
Your Country of Residence*
How Did You Find Out About Us?*
Which Course Interests You?*
Previous Qualifications & Coaching Experience*
Data Protection*
From time to time we’d like to send you details on Setanta's upcoming course enrolments & news, jobs, internships, events and other opportunities. Read our full Privacy Policy here. Please let us know if you would like us to contact you by selecting one of the options below:
- Yes, I would like to receive updates from Setanta
- No thanks, I don’t want to receive updates