Sheffield Hallam University sets benchmark for professional development of sports scientists

27th July 2026

Sheffield Hallam’s School of Sport and Physical Activity has become the first higher education institute to be accepted onto the CASES (Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) Accreditation Partnership Scheme

Sheffield Hallam’s School of Sport and Physical Activity has become the first higher education institute to be accepted onto the CASES (Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) Accreditation Partnership Scheme, whilst simultaneously holding the full range of CASES endorsements for undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as a laboratory accreditation.

Hallam’s acceptance onto the scheme recognises the University as a world leading centre for physical activity research and innovation, setting a new industry benchmark for education, practice, and professional development in the sector.

The Accredited Partnership Scheme is seen as the professional standard in the sports and exercise science sector, and gives Hallam academics, scientists, and researchers a direct route to apply for CASES Accreditation via a ‘streamlined’ route, providing support and opportunities for career development.

Sheffield Hallam is one of only two universities currently accepted on to the Accredited Partnership Scheme, which is increasingly becoming an essential requirement for many employers in the field, such as the English Premier League and the UK Sports Institute (formerly the English Institute of Sport).

The announcement of its official accreditation status puts the university on a prestigious list of sporting institutions that have achieved accreditation, including the UK Sports Institute, Everton FC, Newcastle United FC, Leicester City FC, sportscotland, the national agency for sport in Scotland, and Keele University.

Dr Chris Kirk, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology at Sheffield Hallam University, said:

“We are extremely happy to have been accepted as a CASES Accreditation Partner. Sheffield Hallam University has been a central player in sport and exercise sciences for many decades, with previous faculty members being involved in the founding of CASES in the 1980's, and current staff remaining heavily involved in the Association.

“Becoming an Accreditation Partner demonstrates our continuing commitment to the development of our field through world class education, student support, sector leading research, and development of colleagues in all areas of scientific practice.”

Dr Ruth Crabtree, Head of the School of Sport and Physical Activity, said:

“The School of Sport and Physical Activity have a long, distinguished history of delivering world class teaching and research, working alongside professional bodies, international sport organisations, accreditation, and industry partners. This enables us to be at the leading edge of providing impactful research and developing career ready graduates to ensure we meet the dynamic needs within the global sport industry.”

Dr Paul Jones, Chair of CASES Accreditation Advisory Group, added:

“We are delighted to accept Sheffield Hallam University as only the second higher education institute (HEI) on the Accreditation Partnership Scheme.

“We are looking forward to working more closely with them as they support their employees to achieve CASES accredited status, thus ensuring the highest standards of quality assurance and impactful practice for their institution. With an additional HEI partner, we hope this will encourage more to apply to be part of the scheme.”

Sheffield Hallam University holds CASES endorsements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, is a member of the postgraduate sport and exercise psychologists in training scheme and has CASES registered laboratories.