BA in Strength and Conditioning (Level 7)

This is our flagship award. The Bachelor of Arts in Strength and Conditioning is a Level 7 award. It is a 180 credit degree award. The BA in Strength and Conditioning has now become a most attractive and popular sport coaching award. It consists of 18 modules in total. It combines the six modules of the PFCS, the additional six of the Higher Certificate in Strength and Conditioning and the final 6 modules of the degree. The final six modules are at Level 7 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The final six modules include:

1. Sports Nutrition
2. Sports Psychology
3. Medical Conditions and Sports Injuries
4. Sports Specific Study
5. Coaching Technology
6. Programme Management

Payment for the Bachelor of Arts in Strength & Conditioning is per module but there is also a discount if paid for upfront.

Each module will cost €540.
There are four options available for payments:

Option 1: Deposit & Instalments:
€340 deposit
€200 at workshop

Option 2: Advance Payments (per module):
€510 per module (€30 Discount)

Option 3: Advance Payments (three modules):

€1495 in total (€125 Discount)

Option 4: Direct Debit:
€180 per month per module

Module 1: Fitness and Conditioning

This module describes the Components of Fitness, the Principles of Training and the Principles of Coaching as well as introducing the student to the Scientific Support for these Principles. Having a clear knowledge of these components and principles and being able to apply them in practice is essential in undertaking any form of Strength and Conditioning training and coaching.  From a practical aspect we examine and provide a variety of Warm-up and Flexibility exercises/routines. In addition we look closely at the importance of Cool-down.

Module 2: Anatomy & Physiology

This module ensures that the student understands and appreciates how the body is built, works and moves. It examines how energy is provided and how the muscles and nerves integrate to ensure movement in sport. It also describes the skeletal, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. The module provides an excellent A&P background to students of Strength and Conditioning studies.

Module 3: Growth, Movement and Development

This module examines the growth and development of both fine and gross motor skills from infancy through to the early teenage years. It examines the key physical movement milestones along the way. It describes the importance of both informal and formal play activities and considers the relationship between general movement skills and sport specific skills. Early reflexive and rudimentary movement skills are discussed and the module provides a menu of exercises and drills and games that include rolling, crawling and rotational exercises and drills that can be incorporated into the physical activity programme of both young and not so young performers.

Module 4: Functional Screening

This module introduces the coach to the functional screening process. It examines different schools of thought and approaches in this fascinating growing area. The module examines the basic principles of functional screening and then introduces a range of basic screens – showing the learner how to set-up, conduct, and interpret the screens. It shows how to understand compensations and muscular imbalances.  The module also provides basic guidelines on the design of programmes of corrective exercises to ensure better movement functioning of the athlete in general life and in sport in particular.

Module 5: Resistance Training

This module covers the history of Resistance or Strength Training and then addresses the types and functions of Resistance or Strength training. The content of our workshops will cover many different forms of Resistance Training methods and modes. In addition, the course discusses important topics such as Resistance Training and Children and the Young Athlete as well as Anatomical Adaptation and Periodisation. This module lays the foundation so to speak for all Strength and Conditioning programmes. Our practical workshops introduce the coach to various Resistance training modes that can be applied to all sport Strength and Conditioning programmes.

Module 6: Weight Training and Weighlifting

This module further develops the knowledge acquired from the previous Resistance Training module. We also address very practical aspects such as Health & Safety within the training environment. In addition we introduce the participant to the many Systems of Strength training and to the Acute Training Variables – all crucial in developing and prescribing a given Strength training programme. Our practical workshops focus on a progressive series of exercises that are considered crucial in any Strength training programme. Further, the participant will also be given the opportunity to complete the Level 1 Award in Weightlifting. In addition we provide numerous video clips and resources to assist the coach in his or her programme planning. This can be achieved by attending all 4 weightlifting workshops to gain the Level 1 Weightlifting Certificate.

Everyone must attend and pass all  4 workshops for the  Weightlifting Certificate Level 1 with IAWLA before graduation can take place. As this Certificate is awarded by an external body namely the IAWLA there is an additional charge of €100 to fully complete this module. This charge means that the weightlifting module costs an additional €100. This fee is to be paid by all new Setanta College students from March 2012. This fee can be paid via our online shop by choosing the category IAWLA Certificate Fee.

Module 7: Long Term Athlete Development

This module examines the Long Term Athlete (and Player) Development pathway. Many sport organizations have adopted the principle of the LTAD pathway in devising progressions in technical, tactical and physical development. In this module we examine the stages and the principles of the LTAD. The coach will gain a great deal of insight into the potential, practicalities and indeed the limitations and issues that are evident within this hugely popular development pathway.

Module 8: Coaching Skills

This module examines the way in which skills are learned. It focuses not only on the theories that underpin skill development but it also provides many practical examples of exercises, drills and games that can enhance the coach’s practice in delivering a comprehensive overall skill development programme. This module provides the coach with a thorough background in coaching fundamental movement skills and sport specific skills.

Module 9: Coaching Philosophy, Methods and Ethics

This module addresses the key area of Ethics in Coaching. This is an essential module and is required study for all coaches of sport. Indeed the successful involvement of any coach within sport or physical activity is predicated on his or her understanding of the issues in this area. The module also addresses key philosophical issues that relate to the way we coach and the environment within which we choose to work. This module also asks us to reflect on why we coach and challenges our preconceived views on sport and coaching.

Module 10: Speed Development

This module discusses and describes the theory and principles of speed development. Our practical workshops provide the coach with a large repertoire of exercises, drills and programmes that will enhance the many elements that make up the component of speed. In addition in our library section we provide many video clips of athletes and players completing key training and speed development drills. These resources are excellent for planning and devising speed training and development units. The module also discusses key coaching and planning issues that impact on the development of speed.

Module 11: Endurance Development

This module discusses and describes the theory and principles of endurance development. It also provides the coach with a large repertoire of exercises, drills and programmes that will enhance the different elements that make up the component of endurance. The module also discusses key coaching and planning issues that impact on the development of endurance as a single component and also how it can be best integrated with other important components such as speed and strength.

Module 12: Fitness Testing

This module describes a large variety of fitness tests and screens that assess and measure all components of fitness. We describe functional and capacity tests in addition to several sport specific tests. In addition, the coach is provided with key guidelines in integrating fitness testing within any given sport conditioning programme.

Module 13: Sports Nutrition

This module provides the coach with a clear and detailed description of the role of diet and nutrition in sport. Issues such as the assessment of the energy needs and intake of the athlete, the importance of carbohydrates, fat and protein in the diet, the role of hydration in sport and the relevance and importance of micronutrients are all described and discussed. Dietary issues relating to the young athlete, the female athlete, the vegetarian athlete are addressed. Ergogenic aids such as supplements are also considered and discussed.

Module 14: Sport Psychology

This module examines the key issues that impact on the psychology of the athlete, player and coach. Issues such as motivation, anxiety, arousal and stress are all addressed. The module will also consider team dynamics, the role of the coach as manager and indeed the role of the ‘psychologist’ will also be addressed.

Module 15: Medical Conditions and Sports Injuries

This module considers key issues such as prehabilitation and rehabilitation of injuries. The common medical issues and conditions in sport as well as factors associated with injury are discussed. Guidelines for reducing the risk of injury are considered. The module also includes key topics such as medical and injury related issues for the Young athlete and the Female athlete. The module also addresses the issue of drugs in sport.

Module 16: Sports Specific Studies

This module introduces sport specific analysis. In doing so the module will describe and discuss a variety of systems and approaches to sport specific analysis and then preparation for a specific sport. As a result the coach will gain valuable insight into the specific demands of his or her sport. From this the implications for coaching and training will be considered. Practical workshops will focus on integrating Strength and Conditioning into a sport specific context.

Module 17: Coaching Technology

This module will describe and discuss the role of technology in sport. The topics addressed will vary from a description and reflection of the impact of different surfaces to the more sophisticated impact of the efficiency of equipment. Further, the coach will become familiar with the latest advances in sport technology. The module will also describe the importance and relevance of video and digital analysis within sport.

Module 18: Programme Management

This module provides an overview of the human resource management within sport. While we describe and discuss factors relating to best practice in Coaching and Strength & Conditioning we also address the concept of managing individuals and teams. Leadership and other managment issues are discussed. We also delve into the process of programming and examine a variety of ways in which the coach can organise and motivate fellow coaches, key stakeholders and athletes and players.