Strength, conditioning and sports nutrition undergraduates benefit from new industry accreditation

Students on the Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition degree at University College Birmingham now have wider access to industry networks and opportunities thanks to a brand new course accreditation from a top industry body.

The University’s Strength, Conditioning and Sports Nutrition BSc (Hons) degree has been awarded the industry seal of approval from the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).

It means students have the opportunity to gain IUSCA’s Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP) certification upon graduation, tap into its research and educational resources, and receive additional strength and conditioning support to build on the support provided by the University.  

As part of this, students will also be able to attend IUSCA workshops, conferences and networking events to build on their knowledge, professional experience and CVs. 

Andrew Langford, Director of the IUSCA, said: “We are delighted to include University College Birmingham 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 strength and conditioning practitioners." 

Darren Chesworth, course lead and Deputy Head of the Department of Sport and Nutrition at the University, said it was fantastic to earn even more recognition for the quality and content of the course, which is already accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). 

“University College Birmingham is delighted to have attained IUSCA accreditation to fully acknowledge the quality provision on this course, ensuring high-quality outcomes for students and future employers," said Darren.

“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 as they become fully-qualified practitioners.  

"Crucially, the accreditation also provides students with the opportunity to attain the professional aISCP industry accreditation upon graduation, a fantastic incentive for students. The requirement to complete substantial experiential and 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." 

The IUSCA accreditation has been developed through consultation with industry leaders, professional organisations and leading universities and is now recognised as the international industry standard for strength and conditioning-related education.  

To earn the accreditation, universities must show they are committed to the best student-athlete health and wellbeing and adhere to best practice guidelines.​ 

Students must have the ability to utilise scientific thinking in a variety of contexts, breadth and depth of knowledge within strength and conditioning, the ability to write and communicate with clarity and effectiveness, demonstrate technical abilities, and have the ability to review and evaluate their own and others' practice and performance. 

They must also have 750 hours’ experience as a practitioner.