Description
Graduate Certificate in Strength & Conditioning
Leading strength and conditioning coursework embedded in an elite sports environment.
The Graduate Certificate in Strength & Conditioning combines postgraduate coursework with unparalleled high-performance sport insight and experience, through a partnership between Victoria University (VU) and the Western Bulldogs. This first of its kind program enables students passionate about a career in strength and conditioning to complete the Graduate Certificate (gaining 4-units credit toward a Master of Sport & Exercise Science), while being immersed in the inner workings of an elite sporting Club’s physical high-performance team.
A unique combination of academics and experience designed to advance the careers of existing and aspiring exercise professionals.
- Post-graduate level coursework
- Embedded in elite sport
- Industry insights
- Build your professional network
Program structure and location
Delivered full time over one semester (6-months), students study four (4) units following Victoria University’s award-winning VU Block Model, where a single unit is completed across a four-week period. Learning is conducted in a hybrid style with time split between academic coursework (both online, and in-person at VU’s Footscray Park campus); and industry integrated learning at VU Whitten Oval, home of the Western Bulldogs. Contact hours are estimated to be between 10 – 15 hours a week with the semester intake beginning in mid-February (Semester One, 2024).
Coursework
The course consists of four units (48 credits) designed specifically to give graduates the skills and knowledge required to work in high-performance sport. Coursework is sport agnostic and is applicable to all athletic pursuits. The unit set is comprised of:
- Improving Speed, Endurance and Agility
- Developing Strength and Power
- Monitoring Performance and Recovery in Athletes
- Return to Play
The Western Bulldogs Experience - Placement and Masterclasses
Students will spend over 40 hours embedded in the high-performance department of the Western Bulldogs, gaining unparalleled understanding of elite athlete training across all four football programs (AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW). Practical learning is complimented by a series of masterclasses from key high-performance personnel. The program also provides students networking opportunities to further develop industry understanding and future employment prospects.
Course outcomes
Upon completion, participants will have acquired critical postgraduate qualifications typically required to work in high-performance sport. Graduates will also receive credit towards 4 units in the Master of Sport and Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning) at Victoria University, providing a direct pathway to further study.
Application and entry requirements
The Graduate Certificate of Strength and Conditioning has been designed to maximise student experience and necessarily, places are limited.
To be eligible applicants will require;
- Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline OR
- Minimum five (5) years approved work experience
When enrolments open applications can be made online directly through the Victoria University website - Graduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning | Victoria University
In the meantime, follow the links at Strength & Conditioning | Western Bulldogs Institute to express your interest and stay in the loop on key dates.
If you'd like to email the Western Bulldogs Education team, you can do so via institute@westernbulldogs.com.au
