Entry requirements
- Ideally, pupils should be studying other SCQF Level 6 qualifications (Highers).
- Pupils must be aged at least 16, as per SQA requirements.
Why take this course?
This course is ideal for pupils who enjoy sport and physical activity and want to develop essential practical skills for study or careers in the sports and fitness industry.
Through a blend of sports coaching and fitness planning sessions, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in leading others and designing safe and effective training sessions.
You will also grow your understanding of how fitness training supports health, wellbeing and performance.
Alongside the practical elements, this course helps you build confidence, communication and leadership skills while earning nationally recognised SQA credits. It offers an excellent introduction to college learning and provides a strong foundation for progression into sport, fitness or coaching pathways.
What you will experience
The course offers a balanced mix of practical and theory-based learning that reflects real college study and the sports industry.
You will experience:
- Practical sessions – planning, delivering and taking part in sports coaching and fitness activities.
- Theory sessions – exploring key concepts such as training principles, health and safety and effective coaching methods.
- Working both independently and as part of a team to complete planning tasks and build evidence for assessment.
- A supportive and active learning environment.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will get
The units included in this NESCol qualification are:
- SQA Planning Gym-Based Fitness Sessions (SCQF Level 6)
- SQA Sports Coaching: Knowing Coaching (SCQF level 6)
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College (with one additional Higher or SCQF Level 6 qualification):
Student Stories
Ruby Watt
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Sports Coaching & Development
“College was the best thing. If I had stayed on at school and not come here, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
Read more about Ruby's story
Kerin Watt
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
“I didn’t know if College was the right thing for me because I was so young, but the sports lecturers are so welcoming and they’re always happy to help.”
Read more about Kerin's story
Coby Keith
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Sports Coaching & Development
“There are excellent volunteering opportunities during the course and it’s so useful to be able to apply your newly learned knowledge in a real-life setting.”
Read more about Coby's story
Casey Spriggs
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
“Everyone, regardless of age or background, deserves success. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; if you have a goal, believe in yourself and take that first step.”
Read more about Casey's story
Jenny Duncan
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Fitness, Health and Exercise; Sport and Exercise Massage (part-time )
“After finishing the evening course my mind was set on Sports Massage as my future career and I knew that I no longer wanted to go to University.”
Read more about Jenny's story
Karen Watson
Part-time
Sport and Exercise Massage (Introductory & SCQF Level 6) followed by HNC Soft Tissue Therapy
“The evening class was a revelation. I never dreamt of a different career path but I just got completely hooked!”
Read more about Karen's story
Lyn Taylor
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science
NC Applied Science
“College has given me confidence to try challenging things out of my comfort zone. It’s better to try something and reach your full potential. I wouldn’t have considered working with children before or had the confidence to look at university degrees to consider applying for in the future. College has made me truly happy about my future and optimistic I can succeed and achieve things even at my age.”
Read more about Lyn's story
Lee Goodwin
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
Entry to Uniformed Services – Level 2 Diploma
“The air cadets boosted my passion for joining a service, and College gave me the confidence to grow as a person and develop my social skills in an environment where I felt I could thrive. It’s important to push yourself – you may surprise yourself by how much you can actually achieve.”
Read more about Lee's story
Christopher Hay
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Health, Fitness & Exercise
“I’d recommend the course to anyone interested in a career in sports & fitness. The facilities at College were great, the course was really interesting and I made some good friends along the way.”
Read more about Christopher's story
James Pert
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
“It’s a qualification that definitely leads directly to related employment which is what most people want out of their College experience.”
Read more about James's story
Applications
This course is only available to pupils in S5 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
Currently unavailable
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our online and distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
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