Our Strength and Conditioning students

Students join a vibrant community from across the world, with previous students coming from Canada, Chile, China, India, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Adam Crook

Originally from Northern Ireland, I moved to Scotland to study BSc Biomedical Sciences at the University of Dundee. During my final year, I undertook an Exercise Physiology Honours Project, which gave me independence in leading research with athletes. My personal participation in competitive sport, alongside my interest to conduct further research in human performance science, lead me to pursue postgraduate education in the field of Strength & Conditioning.

Tell us about your current role

After undertaking my dissertation with Scottish Rugby Union, I gained part-time employment with their Glasgow & The West Pathway, working with U16-18 squads as an S&C coach (which I love!). The experience I gained at the University of Edinburgh both through the course and voluntary positions have secured me a new role, working with Hearts FC Academy. Here I hope to contribute to the physical and mental development of youth athletes, through coaching and education, in order to progress and prepare them for future competition at professional level.

What was it about the MSc Strength and Conditioning that helped you get there?

Simply put - the abundant opportunities available at the University of Edinburgh through the MSc S&C course. During my degree I undertook three voluntary internships, none of which I would have had access to without the incredible networking opportunities available at the university. In order to supplement the theoretical side of the Masters, I was fortunate in securing practical coaching experience with the Glasgow Warriors Academy, Scottish Rugby Union and high-performance sports teams at the University, in addition to some work with Scottish Student Sport (highly recommend all four!).

What are your future career plans?

  • Further postgraduate research with high-level athletes. As a research assistant / PhD candidate
  • Gain S&C experience with a range of sports and athletes of various ages & abilities
  • Combine an academic role of education through lecturing with practical coaching of athletes & students

What advice would you give to someone who is considering studying Strength and Conditioning at Edinburgh?

Do your research, know why: Edinburgh is the place for you, what you can gain from the Masters, and what you can contribute to the course / University.

Lindsay Sillars

I completed my undergraduate degree in Sport and Physical activity for Health at Strathclyde University. During this time, I completed a voluntary internship with a professional rugby club and this experience influenced my decision to apply to study a Masters in S&C. I have always been involved in sports with a specific interest in Volleyball and Skiing.

Tell us about your current role:

As a sports scientist for Hearts FC Academy I work with junior footballers from U13-U17 designing and implementing speed, agility and quickness, and strength and power sessions. The role also involves regular monitoring and testing. I am also a self-employed S&C coach contracted by Scottish Rugby. One of my roles is the Lead S&C Coach for the Glasgow and the West Women’s Pathway. I manage, supervise and assist pathway level athletes through programmed gym sessions with the inclusion of regular testing and monitoring. Another role I have is the Lead S&C coach for the West Woman’s Player development programme. I attend Scotland camps to coach, educate and test junior athletes as well as delivering educational presentations and learning tools to assist with athlete knowledge of training, recovery and nutrition. I also coach within the Glasgow and the West U16-U18 junior male pathway.  

What was it about the MSc in Strength and Conditioning that helped you get there?  

The wide variety of courses that are delivered on the programme help to develop a large knowledge base including up to date research and best practices to aid with the development of well-rounded coaching ability which in my opinion are some of the most important factors in the field of S&C/sports science. In addition to this, due to the expertise of the staff involved in the programme the support and guidance is second to none. 

What are your future career plans?

I have recently been successful in obtaining funding to undertake a PhD with the University of the West of Scotland and Oriam; Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre. I am aiming to continue the sports scientist position at Hearts FC academy to stay involved within applied performance work alongside my research.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering studying Strength and Conditioning at Edinburgh?

If S&C is your chosen field look no further than this programme. One important piece of advice is to make the most of any opportunities to take part in internships/ voluntary experience alongside studying to allow the opportunity to apply the numerous taught topics to a real-life situation and to put you in the best position to be successful in the future. For me having this applied experience throughout the programme I found understanding the courses and completing assessments much easier.

Related links

Watch a compilation of video testimonials from graduates of our sport-related programmes