Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning

Practical Workshops | Online Lectures | Now Enrolling

Course Information

Become a Personal Trainer

Our Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning* will give you the skill set to instruct, provide personalised workouts, offer variety and help individuals and teams achieve their goals.

Across our international locations, we have helped our students develop a firm understanding and insight into the ever-changing science of Strength & Conditioning. Our qualification builds on this experience and includes an internationally recognised qualification in Strength & Conditioning which will equip you to develop and train clients more effectively.

Our flexible learning plan is perfect for the coach, trainer, athlete and working professional. Log onto our lectures anytime, anywhere, and learn the skills to become a sought-after Personal Trainer. Get practical experience at our workshops and have access to our lecturers throughout your time with us. We will support you every step of the way.

*This qualification is awarded by Setanta Institute through their EU accreditation by Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI). It consists of three internationally recognised awards, a university-level Certificate in Fitness & Conditioning, and qualifications in Gym Instruction and Personal Training. This programme carries 30 ECTS credits awarded at Level 6.

What is Involved?

The course duration is ten months and student intakes occur at two stages throughout the year; early March and again in early September. Lectures are delivered online every week by industry leaders and internationally recognised fitness trainers and S&C coaches.

Course materials are studied in your own time, with continuous assessments. You are assessed on your logbooks, assignments, practical assessments, interviews, and a final project where you must apply your knowledge in a practical way.

Setanta are industry leaders in the field of Strength & Conditioning and Performance Science. Our Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning will set you apart with weekly course lectures and practical content. Don’t just ‘qualify’ to be a Personal Trainer; have the skill and experience to transform your client’s life.

“Studying at Setanta has complemented my training schedule and matches superbly. The staff and lecturers have been nothing but supportive and have made the whole process a really enjoyable one.”

Ben Earl - Student

Course Content

Students will initially study two modules together, lasting six months. After this, students study one module over three months and prepare additional learning materials and assessments in the final month. The three modules you will complete in this course are:

Functional Screening
This module introduces the coach to functional screening. It examines different approaches or schools of thought in this area. It traces the development of the area through to current and what may be considered state-of-the-art concepts and then introduces a range of basic screens – showing the learner how to set-up, conduct, and interpret the screens. It discusses the issues of compensations, weak links and several other aspects of this fascinating area. In addition, it examines the scientific support for functional screening and training. By the end of the module the learner will:

Display a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning Functional Screening

Conduct functional screening tests for one or more athletes/players

Design effective development programmes for their athlete/players based on the screening outcomes

Appreciate the diverse approaches to screening for both sporting and non-sporting individuals
Resistance Training
This module introduces the coach to the area of Resistance Training in general. It features a historical description of the development of the field of study. It then examines the key principles upon which Resistance Training is based. The many and varied methods used in stability, strength, power and muscle mass development are described. The student will also acquire a range of skills including knowledge, know-how and competence within the area of Resistance Training so as to become a specialist coach of Strength and Conditioning. The practical areas covered are many and varied and include traditional circuit training, core stability, kettlebell, medicine ball, chain and other Resistance Training modes. By the end of the module the learner will:

Display a broad understanding of the Principles of Resistance Training

Appreciate the many and varied methods used to build stability, strength, power and speed-strength

Demonstrate an ability to coach a variety of resistance training methods

Understand and apply the concept of Periodisation in planning
Resistance Training 2
This module introduces the coach to weight training and weight lifting. It places particular emphasis on establishing excellent coaching skills. The content looks at the health and safety issues relating to weight training while the student is exposed to a detailed understanding of the practical coaching skills in weightlifting and weight training for sport. The module covers the many methods of introducing and teaching weightlifting and weight training to participants at the recreational level through to the elite level. Additionally, both the theory and practice of weight lifting and weight training for children is considered. By the end of this module the learner will:

Develop practical coaching skills in delivering weightlifting and weight training to the beginner and elite player or athlete

Become proficient in the application of the principles of weightlifting and weight training when planning and implementing conditioning programmes

Be proficient in organisation and planning weightlifting and weight training programmes of development for their chosen sport

Exercise creativity in delivering a programme of development within their training environment

Along with the following ICREPs bespoke personal training topics:

Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
Principles of Exercise, Fitness and Health
Applying the Principles of Nutrition
Planning & Instructing gym-based exercise
Programming & Delivering personal training with clients

Tuition Fees

Pay Montly

£250

Per Month

Per 2 Modules

£1,425

Per 2 Modules

Upfront

£1,900

In Full

Continue Your Studies

Graduates of our Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning can easily progress their career with Setanta through our undergraduate pathway. The pathway is designed to allow a direct progression for Personal Training graduates onto our Strength & Conditioning pathway, meaning students would have the opportunity to enrol in our Certificate in Strength and Conditioning without having to repeat any modules.

As the first three modules are covered in the Certificate, students will be enrolled on Module 4 of the next Certificate.

After completing the 3 additional modules of the second Certificate, students can progress onto the Higher Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (6 additional modules) and finally the Bachelor of Science in Strength and Conditioning (6 additional modules).

Additional modules of the Certificate in Strength and Conditioning:

Resistance Training
This 6 week module provides an overview of Fitness and Conditioning which serves as necessary background information for the course. It covers the components or elements of fitness, the principles of training and coaching as well as introducing the student to the scientific support for these principles. From the practical side it examines important aspects as warm-up, cool-down and provides an introductory insight into planning and periodisation. By the end of this module the learner will:

Display a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Fitness and Conditioning

Apply the Principles of Coaching and Training in their chosen sport

Critically evaluate the Needs of his or her player or athlete
Speed Development
This 12 week module introduces the coach to the multi-faceted area of speed development and in particular to the various components of speed. It ensures that the learner has a deep understanding of all the components and elements related to speed. The methods used to develop and advance speed using a variety of approaches are described and discussed. The practical coaching of speed is also a key feature of this module’s work. At the end of this module the learner will:

Screen/evaluate the athlete or player and interpret and present the findings and implications

Outline and explain the background and principles in planning and preparing speed training programmes

Demonstrate practical coaching competency in administering a speed training programme

Exercise appropriate judgement in planning, design and supervisory functions
Endurance Development
This module introduces the coach to endurance development. It considers the various components of endurance and examines the principles underpinning endurance development. The module will also describe the physiological basis for the development of endurance and the impact of concurrent training for other fitness components. The student will also study best practice for developing various types of endurance in general but specifically how to develop endurance for their own sport. At the end of this module the learner will:

Outline and explain the background and principles in planning and preparing endurance training programmes

Critically evaluate the different modes used for endurance development

Display specialised knowledge and competence in administering a practical endurance-based programme

Recognise the limitation of current knowledge in endurance training

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