Performance swimming programme
The University of Stirling runs one of the world's leading performance swimming programmes, offering high quality coaching, training, competition and funding support to fit alongside your studies.
Based at the National Swimming Academy, we bring together high performance coaches, excellent facilities (including 50m pool) and unrivalled support service provision including sport science, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning and performance and lifestyle mentoring.
The programme allows you to focus on a dual career of study and sport, with a focus on preparing athletes for major Games and Championships within a unique and relaxed atmosphere. With a three-tiered structure, the programme is individually tailored to help swimmers meet their goals.
Having supported many student athletes fulfil their potential, our experience helps you establish an appropriate balance between study, training, competition, rest and recovery, creating longevity for your swimming career.
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Swimming success at Stirling
Our long-established performance swimming programme has helped to produce Olympic, Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth medal winners including Duncan Scott, Jack McMillan, Aimee Willmott, Robbie Renwick, Danielle Huskisson,
The University of Stirling continues to go from strength to strength, and when you put together the amazing facilities, staff and general support, it is the perfect place for a world-class performance programme.
Duncan Scott, Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth champion
Our high performance squads
HP1
Elite athletes training towards
international podium success
Coaches
Ben Higson, Bradley Hay
Training provision
Tailored to each athlete
Selection requirements
Case-by-case in collaboration with governing bodies
HP2
Athletes training towards international representation and national podium success
Coaches
Josh Williamson, Charlie Boldison
Training provision
18 pool hours, 3 x S&C sessions
Selection requirements
Approx 725+ WA Points
HP3
Athletes training towards national final success
Coaches
Chris Muir
Training provision
13-14 Pool hours, 2 x S&C sessions
Selection requirements
Approx 600+ WA Points
All prospective athletes must hold - or be in the process of applying for - a place on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course at the University of Stirling. Selection criteria is a guide and all applications will be subject to approval.
What our performance swimming programme offers you
- Professional swimming coaching services from Head Performance Swim Coach Ben Higson, Performance Swim Coach Brad Hay and Assistant Performance Swim Coach Josh Williamson
- Access to the National Swimming Academy and other high performance facilities
- Bespoke strength and conditioning programme
- High performance support service provision including sports psychology and lifestyle mentoring
- International training and competition opportunities
- Subsidised training fees and contributions towards competition costs
- Academic flexibility
- Opportunity to stay on campus
Interested in joining our performance swimming programme?
Submit an expression of interest form via the link below with details of your swimming background and contact details and
Sports scholarships (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, EU or International)
The University of Stirling offers sports scholarships to undergraduate students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, EU and International with a value of £2,000 per year of study. These scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate students who meet the sport-specific qualification criteria and who meet or exceed their academic conditions for entry.
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Sporting Excellence Fund
Your gift powers performance. Better equipment. Access to top coaches. International competition opportunities. Support that fuels the success of Stirling’s elite athletes - competitors with national titles, international experience, and global ambition.
Single gift or regular support – join the team that makes champions.
Contact us
If you would like to talk to us about our swimming programmes, please contact our Performance Swimming team.