Strength & Conditioning Degree Accreditation

IUSCA Degree Accreditation

As the only dedicated international body for strength and conditioning (S&C) provision in the Higher Education (HE) sector, the IUSCA Degree Accreditation program is designed to recognize and accredit exceptional academic programs in sports performance and exercise science.

Our rigorous accreditation process ensures that the institutions we endorse consistently demonstrate excellence in curriculum, faculty, and resources, preparing their graduates for successful careers in the industry.

Degree Accreditation is "acknowledgement by an external body that a university degree program meets a defined set of overarching criteria."

The IUSCA Degree Accreditation program has therefore established a profile of skills that employers will be able to recognise in graduates from accredited degrees.

These qualities include:

The ability to utilise scientific thinking in a variety of contexts
Breadth and depth of knowledge within S&C
The ability to write and communicate with clarity and effectiveness
Demonstrated technical abilities
Significant experience as a practitioner (750 hours)
The ability to review and evaluate their own and others' practice and performance

We are very proud to have the BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Sport accredited by the IUSCA. The opportunity for students to work towards the IUSCA’s Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP) status provides a tangible industry qualification that evidences academic achievement (2.1 degree) and a depth of recorded practical experience

Dr. Thomas Gee, Senior Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Lincoln

Benefits of Accreditation

By pursuing an IUSCA-accredited degree, students gain access to cutting-edge education and resources, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in sports performance and exercise science. Accredited programs offer:

Comprehensive Curriculum: Our accredited programs provide a well-rounded education, covering a wide range of topics in sports performance and exercise science, including strength and conditioning, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, sports psychology, coaching, and more.
Expert Faculty: Learn from leading professionals and researchers in the field who are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise, providing students with valuable insights and practical guidance.
State-of-the-Art Resources: Gain access to top-tier facilities, equipment, and technology, ensuring that you develop the hands-on skills necessary to succeed in sports performance and exercise science careers.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow students, faculty, and industry professionals, expanding your network and opening doors to future career opportunities.
Competitive Edge: Graduating from an IUSCA-accredited program demonstrates your commitment to excellence, giving you a competitive advantage in the job market.

Benefits to Students:

Gain professional accreditation in your specific field of study
Increase employability in a competitive job market
Confidently pursue a degree of the highest quality
Enjoy international recognition and the ability to work immediately after graduation
Attend online conferences, webinars, and events for free
Access IUSCA Video featuring leading figures in the field
Unlimited access to On-Demand CPD Courses

Prospective Students:

Assurance that your intended degree course is fit for purpose and provides a competitive advantage in the job market
Guaranteed practical experience
Access to quality internships and industry placements

Benefits to Universities:

Confirmation of academic quality and integrity
All students get access to IUSCA Video and Short Courses
Increased potential for student recruitment (+31% applications)
Enhanced student satisfaction (+11%) and attainment (+14%)
Links to a wide network of partners, employers, and students
External, independent review and feedback
Sharing of best practices
International recognition and the ability to award graduates Accredited status

Benefits to Employers:

Confidence in hiring high-quality applicants with specific, relevant experience in the field
Access to internationally qualified staff that fulfils best practice guidelines and health and safety requirements
The only accreditation that guarantees significant practical experience

Benefits to Students

Benefits to Universities

Benefits to Employers

"The MSc Strength & Conditioning programme at the University of Salford prides itself on being one of the premier postgraduate programmes in the UK, with the sole aim of developing scientifically sound and highly competent practitioners. In order to achieve this aim, we place industry requirements at the forefront of our teaching, learning, and assessment strategy, and thus, the IUSCA degree accreditation is essential to enable us to ensure our graduates meet the required standards to be successful in the strength and conditioning field."

Dr. Paul Jones, Programme Leader for the MSc Strength & Conditioning
at the University of Salford

It is a matter of importance to us as an institution that we have accreditation of our degree programme by professional bodies like IUSCA. This is a mark of assurance that industry standards are met. Having a degree that is peer-reviewed and founded on the judgement of professionals within the industry says that our programme addresses the needs of employers and students, whilst also demonstrating our commitment to delivering the knowledge and practical skills needed for students to pursue a career in the field of strength and conditioning.

Nathan Evans, Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning at the University of South Wales

Which courses are eligible?

The IUSCA grants Degree Accredited status to BSc (Hons) and MSc degrees in the UK, or BS and MS degrees in the USA, or equivalent, depending on the country. While specialized courses in Strength and Conditioning may make it easier to meet all the necessary criteria, the IUSCA Degree Accreditation is suitable for any course related to Sports Science, Exercise Science, or other related fields.

For instance, a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science (SES) would likely satisfy most of the criteria, but students may need to be proactive in obtaining the required practical experience hours and submitting a substantial portfolio.

Accreditation Process:
The IUSCA Degree Accreditation process evaluates academic programs based on the following criteria:

Curriculum: Comprehensive coverage of essential topics in sports performance and exercise science.
Faculty: Highly qualified and experienced educators with a strong background in research and/or professional practice.
Resources: Access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and technology to support hands-on learning and skill development.
Student Support: Effective academic and career support services to foster student success and growth.
Continuous Improvement: Ongoing efforts to enhance program quality, incorporating feedback from students, faculty, and industry partners.

Get Your Degree Accredited:
If you represent a university or academic program interested in pursuing IUSCA Degree Accreditation, please contact us for detailed information on the process and requirements. We look forward to partnering with you in fostering excellence in sports performance and exercise science education.

We are very happy that our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programme has been endorsed by IUSCA and equally happy to have them as an academic partner. The aISCP scheme is a welcome addition because it gives students a focus following successful completion of the Level 2 and Level 4 awards attained during their studies. It also provides more opportunities for our students to develop their practitioner and translational skills, which I am sure will improve their attainment and employability prospects.

Dr. Darren James, Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at London South Bank University

International Recognition

The IUSCA Accreditation Board (IAB) awards Degree Accreditation, which is globally recognized due to our status as an international accreditation body. As the international voluntary regulator of S&C provision within higher education, we use standardized course levels rated on the International Qualification Framework (IQF) to ensure that stakeholders understand the requirements and competencies of suitably qualified individuals.

Graduates of our partner undergraduate degree programs (who attain a 2:1 or 3.0 GPA, complete the 750 hours of practical experience, and maintain a practitioner portfolio) are awarded Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP) status at IQF Level 6, which is equivalent to NSCA, UKSCA, and ASCA certifications.

Graduates of accredited master's degree programs are awarded aISCP*m status, signifying their attainment through an advanced degree. This is rated at IQF Level 7.

Additionally, institutions have the option to embed an IQF Level 2 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning within the first or second year of study and an IQF Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning within the second or third year of study. This gives current students an entry-level certification that enables them to gain employment within the sector.

International Qualifications Framework IQF 1200dpi.jpg

Learn about IQF

The emphasis on experiential learning requires more work for the students pursuing the IUSCA Accreditation, but the pay-off is well worth it, and is a great investment in their future successes. With students pursuing a broad range of Exercise Science careers, the IUSCA Accreditation will set our students apart from others.

From the field, to therapy, back to the field, the IUSCA Accreditation will help out students be best prepared for the next steps into their careers.

Dr. Timothy J. Piper, Program Leader for Exercise Science at Western Illinois University

Accreditation Board

The IUSCA Accreditation Board (IAB) develops and oversees the regulated Degree Accreditation process on behalf of the IUSCA. The IAB is responsible for assessing all applications, carrying out site visits to universities, and is authorised to award accreditation to qualifying programs.

Enquire now about Degree Accreditation

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