St Mary’s Strength and Conditioning Courses Awarded Prestigious Accreditation

The BSc Strength and Conditioning Science BSc, MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science, and MSc Strength and Conditioning (Distance Learning) courses at St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) have all been awarded Degree Accredited status by the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA).

The IUSCA Degree Accreditation is a prestigious award that signifies SMU’s alignment with the highest international standards in strength and conditioning (S&C) education and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the industry.

SMU is internationally recognised as a front-runner for strength and conditioning education, with the BSc Strength and Conditioning Science and distance learning MSc courses the first of their kind in the UK. In the undergraduate course, students train to coach sports performers by gaining gym- and field-based practical skills as well as expertise in anatomy, neuromechanics, and applying their knowledge effectively in the workplace.

The MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science and MSc Strength and Conditioning (Distance Learning) courses focus on building practical skills such as effective coaching, athlete monitoring and testing, biomechanics, and training exercises. The distance learning course supports the continued professional development of experienced coaches, with the Applied MSc offering training for S&C enthusiasts who are in their early careers or hoping to break into the industry or want a London-based postgraduate experience.

Students on the S&C courses at SMU are taught with world-class facilities and equipment on campus, including the Performance Education Centre (PEC). The PEC is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suite where S&C practical content is delivered.

The IUSCA is the sole dedicated international body for strength and conditioning provision in Higher Education, with its accreditation status signifying excellence in curriculum, faculty, and resources. Students who graduate from IUSCA accredited degrees are able to show the following qualities:

• 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.

Speaking on this achievement Associate Professor and Subject Lead Dr Alex Bliss said, “Our guiding principle across all of the courses at St Mary’s is to provide the best possible experience for our students. We have been working with Andrew and Aden at the IUSCA for a number of years, particularly to support the expansion of our international placement opportunities for students.

“With us having a diverse educational offering for students, we are delighted to have all three of our eligible S&C courses accredited by the IUSCA. We have a large student base here at St Mary’s in S&C and having our courses recognised in this way will allow us to continue to be an internationally leading institution for high-quality S&C education.

“Our students are excited by the opportunity to work towards accreditation and to benefit from the various opportunities the IUSCA provide including vocational experiences and additional educational materials that support their learning journey here at St Mary’s.”