University College Birmingham (UCB), a highly-specialised university in the UK's second largest city, is the latest institution to obtain Degree Accreditation from the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).
This accolade, for their BSc (Hons) Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition degree, gives an industry ‘seal of approval’ and recognition for the quality and content of the course.
“University College Birmingham is delighted to have attained IUSCA accreditation to acknowledge the quality provision on the Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition course. With the accreditation being recognised by sector leaders, it is extremely rewarding to know that we are delivering industry standards and expectations for career development, alongside providing students with the best opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills. The combination of both Strength and Conditioning and Sports Nutrition puts students at an advantage upon entering a competitive industry." Said Darren Chesworth, Programme Leader and Deputy Head of Sport and Nutrition in the School of Health, Sport and Food.
The IUSCA Degree Accreditation has been developed through consultation with industry leaders, professional organisations, and leading universities. It is now recognised as the international industry standard for S&C related education.
Mr. Chesworth continued, "Providing students with the opportunity to attain a professional industry accreditation (aISCP) upon graduation is a fantastic incentive for students. The requirement to complete substantial experiential/work-based learning alongside this to attain the accreditation will bolster student skills and experience to better prepare them for industry in the range of roles they are prepared for."
To ensure high-quality outcomes for students and future employers, the IUSCA Degree Accreditation has established a profile of skills that will be recognisable 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
Graduates from Accredited degree programs will then be eligible for Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP) status with the IUSCA.
There is now also the opportunity to embed an industry Level 2 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning within the first year of the degree and a Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning within the second year. This culminates in the ability of the student to become a fully accredited practitioner upon graduation. This pathway has been developed utilising the International Qualifications Framework (IQF), which provides a global standard for certifications/qualifications.
Andrew Langford, Director of the IUSCA said “we are delighted to include UCB as one of our Degree Accredited institutions. They have demonstrated a high-quality curriculum, placed alongside excellent partnerships and links with other organisations to offer substantial practical experiences for their students. We have no doubts that their graduates will make excellent Accredited S&C Practitioners"
To find out more about the IUSCA Degree Accreditation, please click on the link below or email info@iusca.org
To find out more about the IUSCA Accredited Degree offered by University College Birmingham, please click the following link: https://www.ucb.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/strength-conditioning-and-sports-nutrition-bsc-hons-fdsc/
You can also find out more about all of the potential educational pathways within S&C and Sports Performance by downloading our Education Guide.
