Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
Achieve your full potential with our qualification in
Strength & Conditioning.
- Duration:
2-6 months
27hrs online + 16hrs in person - Qualification:
Level 5 Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
- Fees:
€1499
Payment plans available - Location:
Online / Dublin / Belfast / Bristol / London/ Leeds
- Requirements:
Level 3/4 Diploma in Personal training or higher - Assessment methods:
Blended learning (80% online 20% in-person) MCQ & Case Study
Students who completed APEC's diploma in S&C now have access to an accelerated S&C degree at one of APEC's partner universities.
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Browse Lesson Plan
The first module of the Strength & Conditioning diploma introduces you to an
overview of the role of an S&C coach, potential paths and career
progressions of a coach, recommended steps to take after receiving a
qualification and how to develop a personal coaching system and philosophy.
Having a philosophy gives a coach clear guidance on the objectives that
should be pursued and how to achieve them.
The exercise anatomy module highlights all the different systems and components that make up our living breathing body.
The exercise physiology module highlights the body’s responses to physical activity as well as how the body adapts to physical activity over time.
This module covers the importance of an initial movement screen, different types of movement screens that can be used, common movment dysfunctions to look out for and exercises that can be implemented to target these dysfunctions. This module also provides tools and PDFs to help you ask the right questions as well as build a profile on your athlete.
This module identifies a 3 step approach when it comes to profiling athletes and identifying the most appropriate performance tests to implement with the athlete.
Step 1 – Outlines the Performance Profiling of the sport/event the athlete is competing in.
Step 2 – Identifies the characteristics needed to perform in that sport/event.
Step 3 – Create a long-term periodisation and program plan that will elicit the desired performance characteristics the athlete needs to compete in the sport/event.
The training science module is the nuts and bolts of the course and focuses on all the different training systems that can be used to help your client improve their performance. Everything from Energy System Development right through to strength hypertrophy, power and speed development.
The coaching science module provides insight into the scientific foundation that underpins the work of all coaching practices. The module translates the science of coaching into real-life practice application and shows personal coaches the link between theory and practice and how to apply their learning efficiently for the benefit of their clients.
Exercise programming takes the training systems that was taught in the training science modules and shows coaches how to program for the most effective outcomes. This module covers exercise selection; the implementation of our systems approach to programming; different loading methods, how to program for the advanced athlete and how to bring all of this together to generate a structured training plan.
Periodisation takes a step back from programming and look at the systemic implementation of a program across the entire training annual plan. This module starts off by taking a look at the origins of periodisation going all the way back to the Soviet Union and East Germany before going into the planning and periodisation of a yearly training plan for athletes and the phases of yearly plan.
In this module we will take a look at the main macronutrients fat, carbohydrates and protein, why the body needs them and their importance for sporting performance. This module will also cover the importance of hydration and methods to assess water loss and how to rehydrate during or after a competition.
Coaching is an iterative process that requires self-evaluation to improve your services you provide as a coach. Self-evaluation enables you to honestly assess your strengths and also areas you need to improve upon as a coach. The session evaluation module training tool helps you evaluate your sessions in two ways: objectively, by checking whether you have achieved the outcomes of your session with your athletes; and subjectively, by getting feedback from your athletes, colleagues and mentors.
This online workshop covers some of the important considerations that coaches need to understand when working with female athletes.
The online coaching module provides coaches with access to 6 months of free online programming software. The module runs through every aspect of online coaching including a full demonstration of the RYPT platform which allow S&C coaches to create and sell programs to the clients they work with.
Communicating effectively with athletes is a very important part of being a strength & conditioning coach. The communication module of our course sets you up to communicate effectively and efficiently with your athletes. The module will cover everything from the pitch and tone of your voice right through to the different communication methods such as para verbal, non-verbal, body language and listening skill. Learners will be introduced to reflective writing and the benefits of reflective practice within a coaching environment.
This module takes a look at what professional standards are, why its important to follow then as well as some of the common standards within the S&C performance industry.
The APEC Strength & Conditioning Diploma introduces you to a training system that focuses on the development of advanced training methods such as strength, power, speed, agility and change of direction.
This is the course for you if you are a coach searching for a systems-based approach to developing athletes and teams long term.
80% of the course (theory-based learning) is performed online and is available via your phone, laptop, or iPad on our award-winning e-learning education platform. In this section of your course you will cover topics such as exercise physiology, training science, and coaching science.
After you’ve finished your online study, we’ll lead you through the practical components of your course in face to face workshops where you will cover screening, performance testing advanced training methods and advanced programming.
Our programme includes:
1. 6 Training Tools
- MCA – Movement Screening Tool
- Assessment Tool
- Calorie Counter Tool
- Programming Tool
- Periodisation Planning Tool
- Session Evaluation Tool
2. 12 Downloadable PDF
3. Free Online Programming App
4. Programming & Nutruition Templates
5. 65 Videos Lessons (28h 30m)
Course Information
The APEC Diploma In Strength and Conditioning provides coaches with the systems and methods used to train elite level track, court and field-based athletes and teams. Once you register for your Strength & Conditioning diploma you will be given access to online modules covering all the various components of the strength and conditioning qualification.
You will be required to complete all online modules and a real-life athlete case study. Once both have been completed you can then attend the course practical days to complete your strength and conditioning diploma.
Once you have completed the course, you will be capable of working as part of a multidisciplinary team as a fully qualified Strength and Conditioning coach.
Course Length: The course is designed for you to study at your own time and pace. The typical completion time ranges from 2 to 6 months. Learners who devote full-time effort to the course can complete it in as little as 4-6 weeks.
Entry Requirements: Learners should have a Personal Training qualification or equivalent and should be competent in literacy and numeracy for efficient communication.
Accreditations: The Strength & Conditioning course is accredited by VTCT & CIMSPA.
Cost: €1499. No extra fees for certification or exams.
Offer & Payment Options: APEC offers payment terms, please inquire to [email protected] for more details on the plans we offer
What You’ll Qualify With: On successful completion of the S&C Diploma, you will qualify with:
- Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
- Certificate in Athletic Movement Screen
- Certificate in Strength & Power Development
- Certificate in Speed Development
- Certificate in Gym & Field Based Conditioning
- Certificate in Athletic Programming & Periodisation
- Free online programming software
Progression Routes
Learners wishing to undertake this qualification can progress and pursue the following qualifications:
- Degree in Strength & Conditioning
- Diploma in Performance Nutrition
Completion of your Diploma in Strength & Conditioning will require you to complete both theory and practical assessments.
Level 5 S&C Assessments
- Multiple choice paper on anatomy and physiology – 70% pass mark required
- Multiple choice paper on the principles of training science – 70% pass mark required
- Multiple choice paper on the principles of coaching science – 70% pass mark required
- Online interactive assignments and quizzes after each module – 100% complete
- Practical Assessment on delivering strength/power based gym session
- Practical assessment on delivering a customised track/field speed session
- Coursework on health and safety, programme and periodisation design – Pass Required
The Level 5 Diploma in Strength and Conditioning is designed for learners who have completed levels 3 and 4 of Personal Training, aspiring to advance to the specialised field of strength and conditioning. The APEC Level 5 Diploma in Strength and Conditioning instructs learners how to increase athletic performance by using a systematic approach to enhancing athletic traits such as speed, strength, and power, as well as avoiding sporting injuries.
Athletic Movement Screening
Movement Screening is the process of analysing movement tasks to understand individual utilisation and application of the human body. The movement strategies an individual adopts contribute to their physical performance or mechanisms of injury.
Strength Development
Any athletic development programme must be underpinned by strength training as it is key to unlocking any other strength qualities. Strength training helps athletes to strengthen supporting muscles, balance muscular imbalances, improve mobility, correct posture, stabilise joints, acquire new movement patterns, improve coordination, peripheral abilities, improve power output and much more.
Power Development
Power Training focuses on overcoming resistance but also concentrates on the ability to overcome the resistance in the shortest period. Power training can be improved by increasing force or velocity or by using a mixed-methods approach. A combination of unloaded and loaded exercises can be used to maximise power development to enhance program variety. This enables athletes to operate throughout the entire power continuum to maximize power output.
Speed Development
Attaining a high sprint velocity over a short distance is vital for successful performance in team and field sports. Accelerating from a stationary position or a moving start requires high force generation capacity to overcome the body’s inertia. Thus, training techniques involving a high external resistance are useful for developing acceleration. While training for field sports, any gains resulting from strength and power training must be translated into performance-specific movements, such as sprinting.
Energy System Development
Energy System Development (ESD) is a training method that aims to increase the efficiency of energy metabolism to improve athletic performance. To accurately prescribe ESD, it is important to know the energy demands of your sport as well as your baseline levels of energy metabolism. After a base level of conditioning is present, the majority of ESD should be geared towards improving athletic performance. After identifying each athlete’s peak VO₂ and anaerobic threshold, strength and performance coaches can accurately prescribe training programs.
Programming & Periodisation
Periodization is a generally accepted approach to manage athletic performance by the sub-division of training programs into sequential, specifically focused training periods. Periodization implements structured variability into the training process to maximise performance in the most critical phases of the competitive season and/or improve the long-term athletic development of athletes.
APEC offers a blended learning approach to education allowing you to complete your qualifications at your own time and pace depending on your personal circumstances and lifestyle. With our award-winning online e-learning platform, you can now complete 80% of your Strength & Conditioning Diploma online.
Contact us once you’ve finished your online theory study to schedule your practical examination in one of our many performance centres across the country.
Online Learning
As APEC provides 80% of the theory-based learning associated with the course online, you may begin studying on the day you enrol and proceed through the course modules at your own pace. APEC has a staff of dedicated tutors who are available via phone or email 7 days a week, making learning even easier.
Our award-winning e-learning platform is completely custom built and is tailored to your learning needs. Learning is provided through the platform in the form of digitised and animated video-led content. To aid your learning, online training materials such as online programming software, spreadsheet files, and athlete evaluation packs are available. Furthermore, APEC has one of the most comprehensive digital exercise libraries to assist you in improving your movement skill knowledge.
You are not obligated to finish your course within a specific time limit, so you can take as much or as little time as you need to achieve the qualification.
Plans & Pricing
Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
- Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
- Certificate in Athletic Movement Screen
- Certificate in Strength & Power Development
- Certificate in Speed Development
- Certificate in Gym & Field Based Conditioning
- Certificate in Athletic Programming & Periodisation
- Free Online Programming Software
From:
€ 1,499
Sign up with Humm for as little as €51 euro a month
Diploma in Strength & Conditioning and Diploma in Performance Nutrition Package
- Diploma in Strength & Conditioning
- Diploma in Performance Nutrition
- Certificate in Nutrition For Health
- Certificate in Nutrition For Physical Activity & Sport
- Certificate in Behaviour Change
- Free online programming software
From:
€ 2,499
Sign up with Humm for as little as €51 euro a month
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- Digitalised and animated videos
- Interactive learning process
- Case study & MCQ based assessment
- Watch on your desktop, phone, or TV
- Study at your own time and pace
- New courses added every month
Careers and Progression
After completing your Strength & Conditioning Diploma, you will be able to register as a qualified Strength & Conditioning coach and begin promoting your services immediately.
APEC also offers post-course assistance to help you find work with a sports performance institute or with one of our many successful students who have gone on to start and operate customised performance gyms after finishing their study with APEC.
Career Guidance
At APEC, we go above and above to assist our students. We are not only concerned with delivering excellent service throughout the course, but we also want to assist you in getting your S&C career off to the best possible start.
After completing the course, you may schedule a session with our post-course career assistance staff, who will walk you through several career opportunities.
The career assistance staff will help you with CV analysis and will get your CV in front of sports performance teams and institutes. Guaranteed interviews and forthcoming Strength and Conditioning positions will be publicised on our internal bulletin board, which is accessible to all APEC diploma students.
Progression Pathway
APEC is proud of its approach to continuing education. Following the completion of your Strength & Conditioning Diploma, you will be eligible to pursue higher education degrees in Strength & Conditioning as well as diplomas in Performance Nutrition.
