Sporting Endorsements for Degrees Encourage Future Employment in Industry
1 November 2022
Written by: hgamble
Several undergraduate sporting degree programmes have been endorsed against rigorous criteria which represent employability standards for professional roles in the sport and physical activity sector.
Several undergraduate sporting degree programmes have been endorsed against rigorous criteria which represent employability standards for professional roles in the sport and physical activity sector.
The School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln, UK, has entered a higher education partnership with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA).
This significant achievement highlights how the taught content and assessment strategies the school deploys are aligned to producing high quality graduates ready for employment and up to standards expected by the sector.
Programmes meeting CIMSPA’s professional occupational standards include: the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Exercise Science, Exercise and Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning in Sport, and Sport Development and Coaching. These occupational standards will develop a wealth of key employable skills, opening career pathways into the fitness industry and strength and conditioning, the health sector, and sports coaching.
The School’s Enterprise Lead, Geoff Middleton, said: “CIMPSA are now the main development body in the sector of physical activity and sport and their commitment to help professionalise roles for young people leaving University includes recognition of graduate programmes which have high quality practical and theoretical components in their curricula.
“Previously some graduates may have been leaving with the great skills, but perhaps struggled to make impactful careers in this sector which previously lacked professional recognition – with this endorsement and the chance of discounted CIMPSA membership for students; students are in a better position and have more than a degree after coming to Lincoln on these endorsed courses.
“A degree which has sound elements including ‘hands-on’ practical experience and assists in the student understanding of what it is like to work in the sector is a fundamental concept the school has always believed in.”
The professional body gives a platform for further development and opportunity to network which is timely for graduates leaving University and entering the world of full-time work.
CIMSPA Higher Education manager Helen Hiley said, “We want to create a respected and regulated sector. As many begin their journey at university, understanding their degree is endorsed against employer-led professional standards is continually important.
“Our partnership with the University of Lincoln will be strengthened thanks to these degree endorsements.”
In addition to the CIMSPA endorsement, the BSc Sport and Exercise Science programme has also been endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
The accreditation from BASES recognises the high-quality education and training provided to students.