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Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning

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Become a Personal Trainer

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

For over 10 years we have helped our students develop a firm understanding and insight into the ever-changing science of Strength & Conditioning. Our new Diploma builds on this experience and includes an internationally recognised Certificate in Functional Screening and Resistance Training 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 (choose from Thurles, Galway, or Dublin) and have access to our tutors throughout your time with us. We will support you every step of the way.

What is Involved?

The course duration is ten months and student intakes occur at three stages throughout the year; during the first week of February, May, and again in October. Lectures are delivered online every week by industry leaders and internationally recognised fitness trainers. Meet the Setanta College Team here.

Course materials are studied in your own time, with continuous assessment and 6 practical workshops making up your final grade. You are assessed on your logbooks, assignments and final project where you must apply your knowledge in a practical way.

Setanta College are industry leaders in the field of Strength & Conditioning and Performance Science. Our Diploma in Personal Training 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.

“I have always had an interest in sport and fitness and this Diploma was a fantastic way for me to further develop my skills, knowledge and confidence in being able to train individuals and teams.”

Sinéad O'Regan - Diploma Graduate

Course Content

Students will study one module at a time, each lasting three months. 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
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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
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Advanced Resistance Training
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
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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

Career Progression

Continue Your Studies

Graduates of our Diploma in Personal Training can easily progress their career with Setanta College through our “Bridging Module”. The Bridging Module is designed to allow a direct progression for Diploma in Personal Training graduates onto our Strength & Conditioning pathway, meaning students would have the opportunity to enrol in our Certificate in Strength and Conditioning at a reduced price.

Due to the extent of Resistance Training material covered in the Diploma, students will be enrolled onto the bridging module. This consists of 6 weeks of content with one assignment to complete.

After completing the assignment, the student is prepared to enter directly onto Module 5 (Speed Development) of the Strength & Conditioning pathway.

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
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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
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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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