Qualification

HND (SCQF Level 8)

Starts

Aug 2026

Interests

  • Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services

Campus

  • Aberdeen City Campus

Why take this course?

Step into the world of sports coaching and development with a course designed to grow your talent, expand your experience and prepare you for a professional career in the sports industry.

This HND offers an exciting mix of practical coaching activities and in-depth theory, giving you the chance to learn new techniques, refine your coaching style and build a strong understanding of how to support athlete development. You’ll take part in a wide range of sporting events and festivals, and you’ll have opportunities to gain additional coaching and fitness qualifications along the way.

Throughout the course, you’ll work toward an industry-recognised qualification that opens doors to coaching roles in schools, clubs, community programmes and performance environments. You’ll also complete a range of National Governing Body awards, giving you official credentials in sport-specific delivery.

A key highlight is the industry-recognised PDA qualification, certified by Sport Scotland/CIMSPA, and aligned with Coaching Professional Standards. This provides clear, professional pathways and strengthens your credibility as an emerging coach.

With practical experience, specialist qualifications and strong industry links, this course equips you with the skills, confidence and knowledge to thrive in the sports coaching and development sector.

What you will experience

You’ll explore a wide range of practical and theoretical subjects designed to build your expertise as a sports coach and practitioner, including:

  • Knowing Yourself – develop self-awareness and personal coaching style
  • Knowing Coaching – understand core coaching principles and best practice
  • Knowing Others – learn to adapt coaching for different athletes and teams
  • Sports Development – gain insight into planning and delivering community and performance programmes
  • Graded Units – apply your learning in real-world coaching scenarios
  • Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity – deliver coaching that is accessible to all
  • Strength and Conditioning – enhance athlete performance through tailored training programmes
  • Prevention and Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries – support safe practice and recovery in sport
  • Human Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics in Sport – understand the scientific principles behind movement and performance