Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning

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. Students will have the opportunity to attend a 3-Day Student Conference  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.

On successful completion of this course the graduate will:

• Examine key concepts within the field of personal training.
• Apply theoretical concepts and abstract thinking supported by theoretical frameworks and models in personal training.
• Apply a range of practical skills consistent with best practice in the area of functional screening and resistance training.
• Formulate exercise and training programmes based on sound scientific principles.
• Demonstrate a range of routine personal training and fitness conditioning activities using a range of varied contexts.
• Conduct a fitness training needs analysis for an individual or group and devise an appropriate response.
• Assess learning to identify fitness training needs within a structured learning environment.
• Use communication skills and tools to express an internalized, personal worldview that engages others.

This diploma prepares graduates to work confidently as personal trainers across a range of settings — from private gyms and leisure centres to corporate wellness and community fitness. With a strong grounding in functional screening, resistance training and client programming, you’ll have the practical skills to design effective, evidence-based programmes for a diverse range of clients.

Graduates also have a clear pathway to advance their careers with Setanta College, with the option to progress onto our Certificate in Advanced Personal Training or Certificate in Strength & Conditioning via our dedicated Bridging Module — and from there, all the way through to our industry-led Master of Science in Performance Coaching.

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.

Applicants to Setanta College’s undergraduate programmes (including the BSc in Strength and Conditioning, Certificates, Higher Certificate, and Diploma in Personal Training and Strength and Conditioning) must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Minimum Age: Applicants provide proof that they are at least 18 years of age by the 1st of January on the year of admission, via submission of a copy of a government-issued ID. 
• Educational Prerequisite (applicants must meet at least one):
  • A minimum of six O6s (including English and Mathematics) in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent. Applicants under 23 must submit an official transcript.
  • Graduates of QQI/FETAC Level 5 (or former NCVA Level 2 or 3) in a cognate area with distinctions in at least three modules.
  • Applicants aged 23 or older may apply as mature students. Mature student applications must include a résumé and a personal statement. General education standard is assessed based on these materials and any additional formal or informal education presented. In rare cases, an interview may be conducted to further assess suitability.
• English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency as outlined in the English Language Proficiency section below.

English Language Proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to engage fully in lectures, discussions, assessments, and all academic activities. This requirement applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency by meeting one of the following criteria. All test scores must be dated within two years of enrolment.

Undergraduate Applicants

• GCSE pass in English at Grade C or above
• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0, with no component below 5.5
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 61
• CEFR: B2+ level
• Successful completion of a major award at NFQ Level 5 or higher that was taught through English

Setanta College requires students to have the following minimum system configuration and software for
optimal performance:

• Hard Drive Space: 10 GB or higher (SSD recommended)
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher (Intel Core i7 recommended)
• Operating Systems: Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.15 or higher, or Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or higher
• Web Browser: Google Chrome (recommended), Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels or higher
• Internet Connection: Broadband internet connections (recommended) or 4G LTE
• Productivity Software (provided): Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; Adobe Reader 10.0 or higher
• Email (provided): Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail
• Web Camera and microphone