3rd November 2003

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An innovative programme being run by the University of Ulster to help elite athletes enter third level education has been singled out for praise by a high-ranking European Parliament committee.

The UU’s Elite Athlete Application Programme recognizes the sacrifices in time, effort and examination performance which pursuing sport to its highest level may entail. It, therefore, allows high performing sportsmen and women to enter full-time undergraduate courses with a reduction in academic entrance points if required.

A report from the European Parliament Committee on Culture, Youth, Education, the Media and Sport highlights the UU programme which, it points out, is at the forefront of educational provision for elite athletes in the UK.

Now in its third year the UU programme attracts 50-60 elite athletes to the university each year.

Once at the University there are a number of scholarships available to help students develop their sporting prowess. A world-class performer may get up to £2000 per year towards travel and competition expenses and the purchase of equipment and clothing. There is also a full range of support services.

Outstanding golfers can also qualify for a number of bursaries from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews, which can include warm weather training in Florida, and a bursary from the Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch).

Dr Nigel Dobson, Head of Service Student Support (Sport and Recreation) said: “This programme is not about lowering university standards. Instead it recognises the demands on athletes and the time they spend training and competing. As a result they may not obtain the grades normally required for entry to a full-time undergraduate course but they can still enroll to take the course of their choice.

“Of course many elite athletes do reach, or exceed, the required entry qualifications for courses. The aim of the programme is to reduce the pressure on these young men and women who are trying to juggle their sporting and academic careers.”
Some 54 elite athletes enrolled at the university this year from sports as diverse as water polo, Gaelic games, boxing, athletics, basketball, boxing, cricket, golf, hockey, netball, road cycling, rugby, show-jumping, soccer, squash and water polo. There was even one student whose prowess is not on the playing field but on the dance floor – his ‘elite sport’ being Latin American and Ballroom dancing.

The European Parliament study looked at the provision in different member states for the secondary and third level education of elite athletes and it showed that the UK, generally lags well behind many other EU countries.

In Germany the German Sports Confederation has ‘co-operation agreements’ with 39 of the country’s universities to help students pursue a professional sports career while in full-time education. These universities offer reduced entry criteria and flexibility in timetables, examination scheduling and practical courses.

In Greece legislation sets quotas for athletes who have achieved special distinction in sport and who want to enter university. They are also given a 10% bonus on their exam results to help them achieve entry qualifications and are given two months leave per academic year.

In Spain a maximum of 3% of all places on regular university degree courses and 5% of places on bachelor’s degree courses in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences are assigned to high-level athletes. The demands of their sports are also reflected in their education arrangements.

Peter McCabe, athlete career and education co-coordinator at the Sports Institute Northern Ireland, based at the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus, said: “It is interesting to note that some of the countries which have the best provision for athletes in education are those that have either hosted the Olympic Games in the past, like Spain and Germany, or who are about to, like Greece.

“If London’s bid to host the Games in 2012 is successful, then the period between the hosting decision (2005) and the Games may see the establishment of better provision for elite athletes in the UK”.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk