A Narrative Review of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Strength and Conditioning Course Recognitions and Accreditations in the United Kingdom

As the popularity of strength and conditioning 
\n(S&C) continues to grow, there are now an 
\nincreased number of S&C degrees offered in 
\nthe United Kingdom (UK). These degrees can 
\nbe recognised and accredited by the National 
\nStrength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), 
\nthe Chartered Institute for the Management of 
\nSport and Physical Activity in collaboration with 
\nthe United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning 
\nAssociation (CIMSPA-UKSCA), and the International 
\nUniversities Strength and Conditioning Association 
\n(IUSCA). As each association requires different 
\nand specific criteria to be met this paper aimed to 
\nsummarise this information and present the number 
\nof S&C degrees recognised and accredited in 
\nthe UK. Criteria for each awarding association 
\nwere obtained and consolidated into a check�list format. The number of courses recognised 
\nand accredited by each awarding association 
\nwas obtained by reviewing the websites of each 
\nS&C degree, which were sourced from the 
\nUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service 
\n(UCAS), NSCA, UKSCA, and IUSCA directories. 
\nIn total, 20 undergraduate and 29 postgraduate 
\ncourses were identified. The NSCA recognised 
\n10 undergraduate and 12 postgraduate courses, 
\nCIMSPA-UKSCA accredited 11 undergraduate and 
\n7 postgraduate courses, and IUSCA accredited 5 
\nundergraduate and 2 postgraduate courses. Our 
\nfindings show that recognitions are inexpensive 
\ncompared to accreditations due to fewer criteria. 
\nMost undergraduate degrees held 1-2 recognitions 
\nor accreditations, which was 0-1 for postgraduate 
\ndegrees. All recognitions require specific module, 
\npractical, and assessment content to be covered, 
\nwhich in part should be delivered by staff holding a 
\ndiscipline-specific undergraduate or postgraduate 
\ndegree accompanied with a professional S&C 
\ncertification. All accreditations require courses 
\nto include supervised practical experience and 
\nevidence suitable learning environments. The 
\nNSCA and IUSCA accreditations require degree 
\ntitles to indicate the course specialisation (e.g., 
\nBSc in S&C) and include a site visit to validate and 
\naccredit each course. The CIMSPA-UKSCA and 
\nIUSCA accreditations require courses to evidence 
\nthat transferable graduate knowledge and skills 
\nare being developed. This paper may inform (a) 
\ncourse representatives of the criteria to obtain 
\neach recognition or accreditation; (b) prospective 
\nstudents to understand and distinguish between 
\neach recognition and accreditation, and observe 
\nwhich degrees have received each award; (c) 
\npotential employers to tailor job profiles to align with 
\ngraduate capabilities; and (d) awarding associations 
\nto compare and review their recognitions and 
\naccreditations with others, to support their continued 
\nenhancement or diversification.