More professional endorsement for USW sport programmes

The University’s School of Health, Sport and Professional Practice is celebrating further endorsement of the BSc Strength and Conditioning degree from United Kingdom Strength Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

The course has met the professional standards of Strength and Conditioning Trainer and Graduate Strength and Conditioning Coach. Students graduating from the degree will be able to use these official titles that are recognised by the strength and conditioning industry.

Earlier this year, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) endorsed BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer) and BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning (Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer).

CIMSPA’s professional standards have been developed with the contribution of employers, education providers, and sector leaders, to ensure current and future practitioners possess the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to be deployed and retained in the sector.

By aligning the degrees to professional standards, USW has demonstrated its ability to equip students with the skills needed to transition from the lecture room into operational roles within the sport and physical activity sector.

Paul Rainer, Academic Manger for Sport at USW, said: “The increasing interest and desire to work in the strength and conditioning industry has caused an expansion of the profession. Given this increase in popularity, it is necessary that graduates have the competencies to gain employment within the industry. The BSc Strength and Conditioning degree, mapped against a range of professional standards, will prepare students to enter a range of employment opportunities, including performance sport, fitness industry, PE, school sport, and the military.”

Helen Hiley, Education Officer (Higher Education) at CIMSPA said: “We want to create a respected and regulated sector. As many begin their journey at university, understanding their degree is endorsed against employer-led professional standards is continually important. Our partnership with the University of South Wales will be strengthened thanks to these degree endorsements.”

The CIMSPA and USW partnership is one of 25 Higher Education Partnerships that represents a growing commitment from higher education level institutes to align courses with the needs of the sector employers, as represented through professional standards.