Overview
Gain cutting-edge knowledge in a professional sport setting, with the Graduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning at Victoria University, delivered in partnership with the Western Bulldogs Football Club.
This innovative postgraduate sport course has been designed to develop your expertise in strength and conditioning, and offers a unique immersive experience in a professional sporting organisation.
Taught by industry experts at Victoria University and the Western Bulldogs Football Club (FC), the course grants you behind-the-scenes access to:
- club strength and conditioning sessions
- sport science facilities
- rehabilitation operations.
In addition, you'll learn about complementary areas of sport management, including:
- merchandise
- corporate hospitality.
You will experience a mix of online and in-person learning, leveraging the benefits of VU Block Model.
After finishing this course, you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master of Sport and Exercise Science having already completed the equivalent of the strength and conditioning specialisation.
World #7 for sport science
Victoria University has been ranked number 7 in the world for sport science.
Our ground-breaking research, world-class facilities and partnerships with some of the world’s top sporting clubs have rocketed us to this position.
Studying with us means you benefit from all of the opportunities that come with our elite status – learning from academics who are connected with top organisations, researching with national sporting bodies and accessing our cutting-edge sport-science equipment.
World-class facilities
VU’s facilities are the most comprehensive range of sport and exercise science facilities in the southern hemisphere. Our world-class sport and learning precinct at our Footscray Park Campus includes the Institute for Health & Sport (IHES).
We have the largest number of students enrolled in sport courses, and more sport industry partners than any other university. We also have the most graduates working in the sport industry.
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Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
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Delivered in partnership with the Western Bulldogs FC.
Careers
This postgraduate sport and fitness course will prepare you for a range of careers, including:
- strength and conditioning coach
- high-performance coach
- high-performance manager
- sport scientist.
Course structure
To attain the Graduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning, students will be required to complete 48 credit points consisting of:
- 48 credit points of core studies consisting of 4 core units
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- SES6000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SES6002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SES7000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- SES7001
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Contextualise knowledge and theory with expertise from different sport-related disciplines to shape innovative practice in athlete high performance/strength and conditioning; | ||
| 2. | Advise specialist and non-specialist stakeholders using a range of skills to communicate effectively in an environment with competing pressures, priorities and power dynamics; | ||
| 3. | Analyse and evaluate performance data and/or technique in order to develop and improve high performance outcomes; and, | ||
| 4. | Formulate and implement plans, in response to contemporary and future high performance/strength and conditioning challenges and evaluate outcomes, adaption and improvement. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Full-fee
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline.
OR
Applicants with a minimum five (5) years approved work experience in roles such as strength and conditioning/rehabilitation coach, sports scientist, personal trainer or something similar will be considered for admission to this course.
OR
Applicants who have completed an award accredited Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council, are eligible for registration as an osteopath with the Osteopathy Board of Australia, and with approved work experience.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
Additional information
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of work experience and applicants who have completed an award accredited Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council and are eligible for registration as an osteopath with the Osteopathy Board of Australia, must provide position descriptions or similar which detail the role performed and the skills required.
Osteopaths who do not meet the work experience requirement may gain the requisite knowledge and skills through successful completion of the Victoria University units of study:
• AHE1112 Resistance Training, and/or
• AHE2129 Advanced Resistance Training
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
