Research
UniSport Student Wellbeing Survey
UniSport is committed to delivering evidence-based advocacy that represents the voice of university students. To support this, we have initiated a student wellbeing index to measure and report on the impact of participating in sport on student's mental and physical wellbeing, as well as their sense of inclusion and attainment at university.
To start this process we included 10 questions on wellbeing as part of the 2019 Div 1 Nationals registration process. Of 5,016 participants at Div 1 we received 2,737 responses (55%).
The results show that students who participated in sport are very likely to feel:
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well connected to their university
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positive about their results and employability
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positive and satisfied with life
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physically fit
The value of sport in higher education
Australian and international research projects indicate university sport participation builds student experience and employability
An abundance of research exists internationally, predominantly in North America and Europe, providing evidence verifying the value of sport as part of the higher education student experience. Although this type of research is in its infancy in Australia, this study unearthed a number of projects initiated and completed by Australian universities, which form an evidence base that illustrates the value of sport as part of the student experience in the Australian higher education environment.
March 2018
British Active Students Survey
In 2018, British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) contributed to a survey of the role physical activity can play in a university student’s life. The survey found that active students have higher wellbeing, inclusion and perceptions of employability and attainment compared to inactive students.
This report shows that when universities invest in opportunities and provide students with support to be physically active it can lead to more positive outcomes. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have an important role to play in the physical and mental wellbeing of their students, whilst ensuring they have the skills needed to excel.
The ‘British Active Students Survey’, conducted at the end of 2017, followed on from the 2016 inaugural active ‘Scottish Active Students Survey’.
Participation in regular physical activity as well as sports participation and gym membership was found to improve students’ personal wellbeing, mental wellbeing, social inclusion and perceived academic attainment and employability.
The new findings, further reinforces the importance of doing some activity. Participation in sport and gym are required for the greatest benefits, as well as meeting the recommended levels of physical activity.
Download the full report via the link below.
July 2018
Elite Student-Athlete Research
