RSU Sports study field accredited for the maximum term of six years

On 25 March, as part of the accreditation process coordinated by the Quality Agency for Higher Education, the Study Quality Commission decided to accredit the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Sports study field for the maximum period of six years, implementing the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE) study programmes: the professional bachelor’s study programme Sports Science and the short-cycle professional higher education study programme Health Sports Specialist (Sports Coach).

The newly licensed RSU LASE academic master’s programme Sports Science is also included in this study field. 

Accreditation provides students with the assurance that an RSU degree obtained in the accredited study field will be recognised both nationally and internationally, while also confirming the study quality and the sustainable development of the study field. 

Experts highly rate the study quality and competence of teaching staff 

During the accreditation process, the study field and the study programmes implemented were evaluated by a team of Latvian and international experts. The experts analysed the content of the study programmes, the study environment, and the quality assurance system. They had a meeting with the university’s management, programme representatives, lecturers, students, alumni, and employers; they also conducted on-site assessment of the material and technical resources of RSU and the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education. 

The experts highly appreciated the development of the study field, the competence of the academic staff, cooperation with the industry, and the organisation of studies. At the same time, a detailed report with recommendations for the further improvement of the study field was prepared.

Integration of sports science, pedagogy, and healthcare 

Diāna Laipniece, Director of the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education, emphasises that accreditation is an important recognition of the development of the study field and the team’s work:

‘Our goal is to provide high-quality sports studies, deepen the integration of sports science and pedagogy with healthcare, offering internationally competitive study programmes and strengthening our research capacity. 

This enables us to contribute both to the development of professional sports and to the well-being of every individual, promoting sustainable and healthy societies. The strength of RSU LASE lies in teamwork, collaboration, and openness to new ideas, which allows us to move forward and make an impact both in Latvia and across the Northern European region.’

Inese Ļubinska, Head of the Sports Study Field, highlights the continuous development of the study quality: 

‘The high evaluation of our study programmes given by the experts is a significant recognition of our work, still the constant improvement of the study quality means that the programme content must always be kept up to date. This is a task we will continue to work on purposefully.’ 

Our thanks to the team and partners 

The accreditation outcome of the study field is the result of joint effort by the university management, lecturers, students, alumni, and employers. During the accreditation process, a self-evaluation report of the study field was prepared, expert visits organised, and extensive information exchange ensured.

The RSU LASE management expresses its gratitude to all colleagues and collaboration partners for their professional, dedicated, and committed work throughout the accreditation process.