USW students celebrate professional sports qualifications

Students at the University of South Wales (USW) have had their professional sports qualifications recognised at a recent celebration event.

As part of the BSc Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Therapy, or Strength and Conditioning courses, students were awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing, the Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training, and the Level 3 Certificate in Working with People with Long Term Conditions (LTC). This is the first year the University has offered the LTC qualification, which equips students to work with clients managing chronic health conditions.

These qualifications mean students have met the professional standards for the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector.

Recent graduate, Denise Cuer, said: “These professional qualifications are embedded into the course at no extra cost. They are offered in the first and second years of the degree, which means you can use these to earn money throughout your studies, whilst gaining tangible work experience. This, together with the hugely beneficial work-based learning opportunities that are proactively sourced for students, allow you to apply what you’ve learnt, in real world scenarios which helps enormously when you apply for jobs.

“I found that one of the best things about USW is the friendly, helpful and supportive learning environment. The lecturers and lab technicians are leaders in their fields, and they genuinely want you to succeed and be the best you can be. I have learnt so much, not just academically but about myself too. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at USW and highly recommend the BSc Sport and Exercise Science course to anyone interested in pursuing a career in sport or in a health-related field.”

Dr Adnan Haq, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, said: "Congratulations to all the students who have attained these additional certifications. These highly relevant qualifications embed professional standards, endorsed by CIMSPA, helping our students enhance their knowledge and professionalism and ensuring they are equipped for a competitive job market."