Qualification

HND (SCQF Level 8)

Starts

Aug 2026

Interests

  • Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services

Campus

  • Aberdeen City Campus

Why take this course?

If you’re passionate about fitness, health, and helping others achieve their goals, this HND course is your pathway into a rewarding and fast-growing industry. You’ll explore a broad range of subjects covering the full spectrum of sports science, exercise instruction and fitness leadership—along with the chance to complete a PDA in Personal Training.

Throughout the course, you’ll build advanced coaching, leadership and exercise-prescription skills, while developing a strong understanding of the scientific principles that drive effective training and performance. From anatomy and physiology to programme design and applied coaching, you’ll gain the expertise needed to work confidently with clients in real-world settings.

A key highlight of this programme is the opportunity to gain CIMSPA membership. CIMSPA—the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity—is the UK’s professional body for the sector. Membership connects you to industry-recognised standards, professional development opportunities, and a network of employers and practitioners dedicated to excellence.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, qualifications and professional recognition needed to succeed as a fitness professional, personal trainer, or health and exercise specialist.

What you will experience

You’ll dive into a wide range of practical and scientific subjects that prepare you for a career in the fitness and health industry, including:

  • Gym-Based Exercise – develop confident coaching skills in a gym environment
  • Group-Based Exercise Sessions – learn how to lead motivating and effective group workouts
  • Fitness and Health Screening – understand how to assess client needs and set safe, tailored goals
  • Exercise Prescription – design personalised training programmes that deliver real results
  • Nutrition for Fitness and Health – explore how diet supports performance, wellbeing and body composition
  • Exercise Physiology and Anatomy – discover how the body responds and adapts to exercise
  • Strength and Conditioning – build advanced coaching skills for performance and athletic development
  • Personal Training Experience – gain hands-on experience working with real clients or scenarios