Hartpury University is celebrating being a finalist at the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) Academic Employability Awards for its pioneering HYPER (Hartpury Youth Performance, Education and Research) project in the Postgraduate Employability category.
This celebrates Hartpury University’s commitment to enhancing postgraduate student outcomes through innovative, forward-thinking employability initiatives. The AGCAS Awards highlight best practices across UK higher education, so becoming a finalist is particularly notable considering the awards received 200 nominations across the categories.
Transforming postgraduate futures through HYPER
The HYPER project was created to address two areas within sport science. The first being there is a significant lack of research being undertaken in youth female athletes. The project aims to undertake high impact research, carried out by staff and students, to help develop youth female athletes across Gloucestershire.
Secondly, to address an issue within the strength and conditioning industry on female coach representation by providing early career female practitioners with a platform to develop their coaching practice.
Ultimately, this tailored, research-informed initiative is intended to boost the career prospects of postgraduate students, allowing them to work across industry-relevant research projects alongside staff and industry partners.
By integrating employability skills, professional development, and real-world experiences into postgraduate education, HYPER ensures students are career-ready upon graduation.
This is already evident from the first cohort of graduates to have worked with HYPER. Georgina Beavis - a former MRes Sport and Exercise Science student has continued to work within the sports science arena, following her research project exploring coaching cues in youth female athletes to develop hamstring strength. Jess Little - a former MSc Strength and Conditioning student, is head of athletic development at a gym.
A testament to Hartpury University’s vision
Greg Henry, Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at Hartpury University, said: “Being a finalist in such a competitive and prestigious category is a powerful endorsement of our mission to deliver outstanding student outcomes. HYPER reflects our commitment to developing confident, skilled postgraduates who are ready to meet the demands of today’s industries. We are proud to receive recognition from AGCAS, a leading authority in graduate employability.”
Why this matters
- Focused postgraduate support: Being a finalist in this category specifically highlights Hartpury University’s effective approach to supporting postgraduate employability—a critical area of focus in the evolving graduate job market.
- Strong employability track record: Hartpury University continues to achieve excellent employability results, with 97% of Hartpury University graduates in employment, further study, or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes 2024).
- National recognition: AGCAS is a respected voice in the sector, and even being a finalist in such a category serves as a benchmark of quality and innovation in career development support.
- Broader excellence: Hartpury University holds a TEF triple Gold rating and works closely with industry to ensure all academic programs meet current professional and employer demands.
Supporting future leaders
Alongside HYPER, Hartpury University offers a suite of initiatives designed to empower students at every stage, including funded studentships, hands-on learning opportunities, academic mentorship, and access to a robust network of industry connections.
Learn more about postgraduate study at Hartpury University here.
