Who is Setanta College?

Setanta College is an educational provider of Sports, Fitness and Coaching studies specialising in the area of Strength and Conditioning.

What is your core work?

We offer Sports and Fitness/Strength and Conditioning courses to coaches from all backgrounds and sports who wish to advance their current knowledge and practical competencies in their chosen fields. We provide these courses through practical workshops and on-line lectures. Setanta College provides Introductory courses and also HETAC (Higher Education Training Awards Council) accredited courses at Level 6 and Level 7 (up to degree level).

Where are you located?

We are based in Ireland with offices in Thurles, Co Tipperary and in Kilcock in the greater Dublin area. Our main teaching facility is based in Thurles Co Tipperary and we also provide workshops in Dublin and at various venues throughout Ireland.

Who can pursue a Setanta College course?

Our courses are aimed at players, trainers, coaches, students and indeed anyone with an interest in advancing their practical competencies and knowledge of Strength and Conditioning.

What sports benefit?

The courses are aimed at all sports from amateur to professional sport participation.

What courses are available?

Currently we provide 4  HETAC accredited courses. They include:

• Resistance Training & Weight Training (3 modules, each of 12 weeks length)
• Physical Fitness & Conditioning for Sport 2 (6 modules, each of 12 weeks length)
• Higher Certificate in Strength & Conditioning (12 modules, each of 12 weeks length)
• Bachelor of Arts in Strength & Conditioning (18 modules, each of 12 weeks length)

In addition we facilitate the International Rugby Board (IRB) 4 week on-line Strength & Conditioning Level 1 course for Rugby Union coaches throughout all Rugby playing countries.

What qualifications do the tutors have?

All of our tutors have at least a degree from a third level institution with many having a Masters degree in their chosen area of expertise. In addition, tutors have extensive practical coaching experience in their sport and are recognised as content and practical experts in their chosen field.

How are courses completed?

Setanta College courses are delivered through the blended learning process. This means that the lectures are presented online to the student on a weekly basis. Further, practical workshops take place at regular intervals during each module (at weekends). It is recommended that the prospective coach or student is actively involved in coaching (either with a team or an individual athlete) or is personally training throughout the course.

How are assessments carried out?

Assessments for each course are on a continuous basis. Each module within a course contains the following assessment elements:

• 5 multiple-choice open-book questionnaires
• 5 coaching/study tasks
• 1 assignment
• 1 final project

Do I need to buy a book for each module?

We provide a list of Essential and Recommended Reading Books at the start of each module. The Essential Reading Book is required for each module as a section of the Continuous Assessment comes from this material.

Who will be in my class?

Each class will have students from a wide range of different sports with varying degrees of coaching experience. The interaction within this setting is an excellent educational experience.

What happens if I have to travel on holidays or business?

Missing a week or two should not present too many problems as the lectures may be printed off and studied at any stage within the 12 week module period. You should contact our Administration Office and your Tutor to inform them of your details and a plan can be developed to suit you when you have to travel.

Are there closing dates for tasks and assignments?

Yes. However, Setanta College puts the student first. If for some reason a student is not able to make an assignment or project deadline, the facility is there to extend closing dates to ensure that the student completes each module within a specific time deadline. This however, involves contacting the Administration Office and Tutor and agreeing on this deadline.

When can I enroll?

We have an enrollment in September, December and March of each Academic year.

What are the costs?

Each module costs €540. This can be paid in installments agreed with our Accounts Department. Payment in advance sees each module cost €510.

How do I contact the Tutor?

The tutor is accessible through e-mail and during workshops.

Where do workshops take place?

Workshops take place in LIT-Tipperary (Thurles) and in the Dublin area (one in each location). You will be informed of the dates during the first week of your module.

How many workshops are there in each module?

There are two workshops per module with the exception of Module 6 (Weight Lifting) which has four workshops over two weekends.

How do I sign up for a course?

Log on to  ‘College Courses and Downloads’. Application forms are available here for each course and are available to download. You may complete this application form and return it by e-mail to the address listed.

Do I need to be experienced with computers and/or the internet?

We will have an Induction Day prior to the commencement of your first module. This will allow you to ask questions and to be given the opportunity to work through the college system under supervision.

Do I need to be training a team/athlete before starting?

Working with an athlete/team would be advantageous. However, it is not a necessity. We strongly advise that you enlist to become a practicing coach during the course to allow you to practically apply the knowledge you have gained.

What do I need to commence a course?

You will need an e-mail address as correspondence from us is delivered via e-mail.

How long does a course take to complete?

The courses on offer vary in their duration.

• Resistance Training and Weight Training = 9 months
• Physical Fitness and Conditioning for Sport = 18 months
• Higher Certificate in Strength and Conditioning = 3 years
• Bachelor of Arts in Strength and Conditioning = 4 ½ years

The above time scales to completion on the PFCS, Higher Certificate and BA degree are based on our accelerated programme of study where 4 modules a year are completed.

In addition our Strength & Conditioning Level 1 course (IRB accredited) is a 4 week on-line duration course.