Higher Education in sport and physical activity
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Higher education in sport and physical activity

Looking to build a career in sport and physical activity? Higher education allows you to gain in-depth sector knowledge, with diverse opportunities to suit everyone.

A group of college students meeting up and talking in a communal area

What is higher education?

Higher education is study after secondary and further education (college) that results in a qualification, usually a degree, but sometimes a diploma or certificate

Choosing an endorsed course

The key benefits of choosing a CIMSPA Endorsed Degree:

  • Dual Qualification: Earn your academic degree and professional certificates (like PT or Gym Instructor) at the same time.
  • Work-Ready Faster: Gain the credentials to start working in the sport and physical activity sector as early as your first year of study.
  • Cost-Effective: Professional qualifications generally embedded in the curriculum, saving you the extra fees of external courses.
  • Industry Standards: The course content is mapped directly to the sport and physical activity sector professional standards.
  • CIMSPA Student Membership: Complimentary CIMSPA student membership for students on CIMSPA endorsed degrees.

What is a Higher Education Partner?

CIMSPA Higher Education Partners represent the sport and physical activity sector’s leading universities and higher education institutes. The endorsement of CIMSPA reflects a commitment by higher education providers to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively transition into roles in the sector by aligning courses with professional standards.

CIMSPA-endorsed degree programmes are certified as meeting professional standards set by the most highly regarded employers in the sector. Once an institute has become a CIMSPA partner, all degree programmes relating to a career within the sport and physical activity sector will be eligible to be endorsed and quality-assured.

We already work in partnership with some of the leading sport and physical activity education institutions in the country.

Find training

Find CIMSPA endorsed training and CPD opportunities to support you throughout your career in sport and physical activity.

Find endorsed degrees

What universities offer CIMSPA endorsed degrees?

To offer a CIMSPA endorsed degree, a university must become a Higher Education partner. CIMSPA Higher Education Partners represent the sport and physical activity sector’s leading universities and higher education institutes. The endorsement of CIMSPA reflects a commitment by higher education providers to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively transition into work in the sector by aligning courses with professional standards.

We already work in partnership with some of the leading sport and physical activity education institutions in the country. Discover our partner universities through our easy-to-use search tool. 

What is professional status and why is this important?

Having a professional status is a way to show the world that you are a trained and highly skilled professional in your chosen career.

As you progress in your career, you can gain new professional statuses that celebrate your expertise and allow you to explore more opportunities in your work.

A professional status is: 

  • Earned – by successfully completing learning and development that is aligned to the sector’s professional standards (including CIMSPA endorsed degrees)
  • Issued – by CIMSPA as a chartered professional body and recognised regulator 
  • Maintained – through continuous professional development and by being professionally regulated by the CIMSPA code of conduct for members. 

By completing a CIMSPA endorsed degree, you can gain professional status and get a title, a digital accreditation credential and postnominals that celebrate your skills and knowledge.