Hartpury University has become the first higher education institution in the UK to achieve Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) endorsement for a postgraduate programme against the Coaching in High Performance (Environment) professional standard.
The University’s MSc Sports Coaching has been endorsed with 100% mapping against the professional standard and awarded 10 CIMSPA Endorsed CPD points, recognising that the programme fully meets the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of coaches operating in elite performance environments.
The achievement further cements Hartpury University’s position as one of the UK’s leading providers of coach education and reflects its commitment to producing graduates who are equipped to excel in high-performance sport.
Dr Martin Longworth, Programme Manager at Hartpury University, said: “Becoming the first higher education institution in the UK to receive CIMSPA endorsement for a postgraduate programme against this highly sought after professional standard is a landmark achievement for Hartpury and for coach development.”
“Our MSc Sports Coaching is designed to help coaches critically examine their existing practice, challenge assumptions, and develop a more intentional, evidence-informed and contextually responsive approach to coaching. Through the integration of theory, reflection, practical application and industry placement experiences, students are supported to develop the professional capabilities required in high-performance environments.”
“Achieving full alignment with the CIMSPA professional standard provides external recognition of the quality and relevance of the programme. It gives current and aspiring coaches confidence that their postgraduate studies are aligned with the needs of the profession, while providing employers and governing bodies with assurance that graduates are equipped to make an impact within their coaching environments."
Alongside the MSc, Hartpury’s Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching is also accredited against the Coaching in High Performance (Environment) professional standard, providing a flexible route for coaches wishing to gain industry-recognised qualifications.
Students studying at Hartpury benefit from access to world-class facilities, internationally recognised academic staff and extensive links with professional clubs, governing bodies and elite athletes. The programme combines applied research with practical coaching experience, preparing graduates to make an immediate impact in high-performance sport.
Rosie Scott-Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “This is another outstanding example of Hartpury setting the benchmark for higher education in sport. Being the first university in the UK to achieve this postgraduate endorsement reflects the quality of our academic provision, our close collaboration with industry and our commitment to developing coaches capable of making a difference at the very highest levels of performance.
“As the coaching profession continues to evolve, it is essential that education keeps pace with the demands of the sector. This endorsement demonstrates that Hartpury is leading that evolution.”
The recognition adds to Hartpury’s growing portfolio of professionally accredited programmes and reinforces its reputation as a destination of choice for those aspiring to careers in elite coaching and high-performance sport.
The achievement also contributes to Hartpury’s growing reputation for excellence in higher education, following its recent Top 10 ranking in the UK for Academic Support in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, alongside 95% of graduates progressing into employment, further study or other purposeful activity, outperforming the national average in the latest Graduate Outcomes survey. The institution is also Specialist University of the Year 2026 according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
