University of Brighton recognised as top sports education provider

The university, which offers a range of sport and health degrees at its recently improved and expanded Falmer campus, has received the prestigious 3-Star ‘Enhancing’ grade accreditation - the highest possible standard of educational quality by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). This means sports courses at Brighton are delivered under the best processes and procedures.

As the professional development body for professionals and organisations within the UK’s sport and physical activity sector, CIMSPA conducts periodic quality assurance reviews to maintain standards and ensure inclusion within the field.

Student analysing in the Strength and Conditioning suite

This latest review highlighted quality of education, supportive learner journey and dedicated placement programmes as key areas of excellence across courses offered at the university’s School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences. The CIMSPA review commended individual programmes such as the Sport Management BSc(Hons) for its alignment with professional standards in equipping students with vital knowledge, skills, and behaviours.

Dr. Marc Keech, Principal Lecturer in the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences, who leads the partnership with CIMSPA, said: “The sport and physical activity workforce has never had such a vital role in society as it does today. Through the endorsement process and quality assurance review, we can publicly demonstrate how our courses not only provide high levels of knowledge but also develop the skills, abilities, and behaviours essential for workforce success.”

As a CIMSPA Higher Education Partner, several University of Brighton courses including Strength and Conditioning BSc(Hons), Sport Coaching BSc(Hons) and Exercise, Health and Rehabilitation Science BSc(Hons) have already been endorsed by CIMPSA. This latest institutional accreditation is evidence of the innovative approach to placements and professional development employed by the university to ensure students gain real-world experience, enhancing their employment prospects.

A student focus group, including third-year Sport Management students Jack Coltherd-Lyttle, Matthew Dudzinski Lebouvier, Charlie Fowler, and Matt Rule, emphasised the value of their education at the University of Brighton. They said: “The course alignment with professional standards and the support from staff have been instrumental in preparing us for future careers. The dedicated placement coordinator who provides placement support across all sport degree programs is a real advantage.”

Andy McGill, Higher Technical Education Manager for CIMSPA, said: “The University of Brighton is a valued Higher Education Partner which should take pride in what they have developed and aligned to their degree programme. Each course continues to be held in high esteem by us and the wider sector, and we hope they ensure the offerings remain as a key driver and support of all sport and physical activity provision.”

This accolade reflects the University of Brighton’s dedication to shaping the future of the sport and physical activity sector and its continued leadership in delivering industry-aligned, high-quality education.