Strength & Conditioning Degree Accreditation

What is Degree Accreditation?

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

Accreditation by the IUSCA recognises and supports the advancement of skills and education in Strength and Conditioning (S&C).

The IUSCA Degree Accreditation program has 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

Benefits of Accreditation

Students:

Professional accreditation within your specific field of study
Greater employability within a competitive market
Confidence in the quality of your chosen degree
International recognition and ability to work immediately upon graduation
Free attendance at online conference, webinars and events
Access to IUSCA Video (featuring content by leading figures in the field)
Unlimited access to our On-Demand CPD Courses

Prospective Students:

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

Universities:

Confirmation of academic quality and integrity
Enhanced student recruitment potential (+31% applications)
Enhanced student satisfaction (+11%) and attainment (+14) scores
Links to a wide network of partners, employers, and students
External, independent review and feedback
Sharing of best practice
International recognition and ability to award graduates Accredited status

Employers:

Confidence in ensuring a high quality applicant, with specific and relevant experience in the field.
A internationally qualified member of staff, fulfilling best practice guidelines and health and safety requirements.
The only Accreditation to guarantee significant practical experience

Benefits to Students

Benefits to Universities

Benefits to Employers

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

Which courses are eligible?

Degree Accredited status can be granted to BSc (hons) and MSc degrees in the UK, or BS and MS degrees in the USA, or equivalent depending on the nation.

Does it have to be a specialised S&C course?

While being a specialised course may make it easier to align and achieve all of the designated criteria, in general, IUSCA Degree Accreditation is appropriate any Sport Science, Exercise Science, or other related courses.

For example, a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science (SES) would likely meet the majority of the criteria, but there may need to be more emphasis placed on the student being proactive in meeting the required number of practical hours and the completion of a substantial portfolio.

International Recognition

Degree Accreditation is awarded by the IUSCA Accreditation Board. As an Accredited International Awarding Body, our qualifications carry global recognition.

The IUSCA uses standardised course levels, rated on the International Qualification Framework (IQF), to ensure that stakeholders understand the requirements and competencies of suitably qualified individuals.

Accredited Practitioners (aISCP) from partner degree programs with be qualified at IQF Level 6 (equivalent to NSCA, UKSCA, and ASCA certifications).

In addition, institutions have the option of embedding an IQF Level 2 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning within the first or second year of study. This will give 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 Committee

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

Enquire now about Degree Accreditation

Email Us

Degree Accredited Institutions and Recent Partners