FAQs – Studying with Setanta College

In the lead up to new enrollments, many people often contact us with some questions around studying with Setanta College. We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive from people who are interested in joining one of our courses. I you can’t see an answer to your question below, then contact a member of our team here.

What courses do we offer?

You can find detailed information on our courses here, and we have also provided a brief description of each below.

• Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning: This is a dual qualification which gives graduates an internationally recognised qualification in both Personal Training and Strength and Conditioning (S&C). It combines our Certificate in Functional Screening and Resistance Training (NFQ Level 6) with a REPS Ireland accredited Diploma in Personal Training (NFQ Level 5). The duration of the course is 10 months with online lectures and 7 practical workshops. Throughout the course you will study 3 modules of Functional Screening, Resistance Training and Advanced Resistance Training, along with the following REPS Ireland 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

Following completion of this course, students are eligible to progress to module 5 of the BSc in Strength & Conditioning pathway through our Bridging module.

• BSc in Strength & Conditioning: This course has now become an industry leading sport coaching qualification. There are 18 modules in total delivered over 4.5 years. This award combines the six modules of the Certificate in Strength and Conditioning, the additional six of the Higher Certificate in S&C and the final six modules of the degree.
• MSc in Performance Coaching: Those studying this programme will gain a credential that is now in exceptionally high demand – not only within elite sports associations but indeed within the world of general exercise, fitness and wellness. This programme includes 6 Online Modules and 2 separate on-site workshop weeks where you will be brought through the practical applications and sports technology demonstrations.
• We also provide a range of short courses, which are list below. You can find more information about these courses here.
  • Certificate in Sports Technology
  • Certificate in Fitness Testing
  • Certificate in Sports Nutrition
  • Certificate in Growth Movement and Development
  • Certificate in Coaching Skills
  • Certificate in S&C for special populations.

Do I need previous sporting/coaching qualifications to apply?

As our courses are designed to prepare you from step one to all the way through the course, you don’t need any previous sporting or coaching qualifications.

In both our undergraduate and PT Diploma courses, you don’t need any external qualifications to actually join the course. We have students, both past and present, who have come from a variety of different sporting backgrounds. We also have students who don’t have a background in sport, but have a great interest in the physical preparation of athletes.

Find more information on the entry requirements for our Masters programme here.

What content is covered in the courses?

There is a range of content covered throughout the modules. On both our Diploma and BSc pathway programmes, very student begins with the Functional Screening module, examining how the body moves and assessing any limitations in the body. We then progress to strength and conditioning modules.

We have a number of different options for students depending on the level of qualification you want to reach. Our Strength & Conditioning pathway has a total of 18 modules, with different qualification stages within this.

Other modules include:

• Sports Nutrition
• Speed and Endurance Development
• Programme Development
• Growth and Movement Development for the Youth Athlete.

On our MSc programme, students will cover areas such as the technology, nutrition, and conditioning of performance coaching. Modules include Advanced Conditioning & Recovery Methods, Coaching & Monitoring Technology and Movement Analysis and Biomedical Aspects.

How much of the course is covered online?

The majority of course work is covered online. We recommend approx 4-5 hours of study per week. Additional videos and reading are available to supplement the written lecture notes.

I work full-time, is this a problem?

This isn’t a problem at all, as many of our students combine working full-time with their studies. Our courses are delivered through blended learning. We have an online portal where lectures are uploaded weekly, so you can study in your own time. When students have a busy week, it is possible to catch up on your course workload the following week.

Our courses are very well-suited to people who are working full-time and blended learning is a great method for these students. We hold practical workshops every 5-6 weeks (on a Saturday), with the dates for these workshops provided well in advance.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is a mix of online content with practical face-to-face content. Online content is provided through video format, which we record in our studio and upload to our online learning portal.

This content also includes notes in PDF format, while we also provide audio versions so you can listen to notes on-the-go.

Our practical workshops are delivered by our highly qualified tutors (masters level at a minimum), which will provide you with plenty of opportunities to follow-up on any questions you may have. We also have an online forum for students where you can keep in contact with your tutors.

What are my career opportunities once I am qualified?

You can find detailed career opportunities in each course breakdown here.

In general career development terms, the majority of our graduates have progressed to working in the health & fitness or sports industry. We have graduates who are now working with elite level sports teams, while some graduates have also gone on to set up their own facilities.

Students will be prepared to work with sport and recreational participants across a wide range of levels from beginners through to elite athletes. Additionally, students will be provided with the skills to perform effectively in a wide range of fitness related industries, such as rehabilitation, personal training, gym instructing, health and wellness, community activity, tutoring, etc.

How do I pay for these courses?

On our Diploma and Undergrad pathway programmes, course fees can be covered up front, per module or monthly. For more information, please see our enrolment page here.

What are the start dates for programmes?

The Diploma in Personal Training and S&C has three start dates annually – February, May and October. Our Undergrad pathway has similar starts – March, September and December.

The Masters of Performance Coaching commences yearly in September.

How do I sign-up?

You can sign-up through each individual course page here. Alternatively, if you would like to explore your opportunities with a member of the Setanta team, you can contact us below.