The University of Lincoln, recently named Modern University of the Year by The Times, has become the world’s first institution to achieve Degree Accreditation from the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).
This accolade, for their BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Sport degree, gives an industry ‘seal of approval’ and recognition for the quality and content of its courses.
“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 International Accredited Strength and Conditioning Practitioner status provides a tangible industry qualification that evidences academic achievement (2.1 degree) and a depth of recorded practical experience," said Dr. Thomas Gee, Senior Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Lincoln.
The IUSCA Degree Accreditation has been developed over the past year through consultation with industry leaders, professional organisations, and leading universities. It was recognised that the recent growth of S&C degrees, without an industry standard or degree accreditation available, may lead to graduates without the key skills or experience that employers are looking for.
Dr. Gee continued, "the accreditation process is thorough and requires reflection and quality control from both a theoretical academic perspective and regarding the practical provision of S&C coaching opportunities and development for the student. As such, IUSCA Degree Accreditation offers our institution, and our students, an advantage in an increasingly competitive market.”
To ensure high quality outcomes for students and future employers, the IUSCA Degree Accreditation program 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
Andrew Langford, Director of the IUSCA said “we looked at what knowledge an S&C coach or practitioner should have and what kind of experience they need to achieve. After seeking industry feedback, we noticed that for S&C graduates to be taken seriously by employers, we needed them to be able to think independently as practitioners and really understand the scientific rationale behind what they learn. We also found that most employers listed ‘lack of experience’ as a major reason why candidates were overlooked at interview. We therefore decided to make the attainment of 750 hours of practical experience a minimum requirement for achieving IUSCA Degree Accreditation”
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 the University of Lincoln, please click the following link: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/sesscsub/