Eligible Schools
All Ayrshire schools
Location/Day/Time
Kilwinning Campus Tuesday and Thursday 09:00 - 16:00Overview
If you'd like to work in a sport or exercise, for example in an athlete support capacity, this is the course for you. It covers all the key aspects of sports and exercise science, including Physiology, Sport Psychology, Nutrition and Mechanics.
The course would suit learners with a keen interest in sport, exercise and physical activity who perhaps have strengths in these areas but who also wish to investigate the factors that sit behind strong sporting performance.
Learners will investigate how the body and brain reacts to physical challenges and learn how to best prepare participants for exercise.
An HND takes 2 years to complete but please read on to learn the options for learners to complete only year 1 but still leave with and excellent collection of qualifications.
Course Content
The first year of the HND mirrors the HNC Fitness Health and Exercise course closely and covers all the main knowledge required to begin work in the fitness industry.
Why Choose This Course
By enrolling in our HND Year 1 Applied Sport and Exercise Science course, you can:
- develop practical skills in instructing, analysing and testing clients
- access industry-led experiences and expert advice from professionals
- develop your Meta Skills applicable in various career settings
- unlock your potential in the exciting realm of sport and exercise science.
Year 1 focuses on the foundation of safe and effective exercise training and as the course develops through the 2 years you will:
- gain hands-on experience in fitness suites and facilities
- learn more about sport psychology and mechanics
- learn the nuances of exercise physiology and anatomy
- explore the psychology of exercise and safely supporting clients
- look at optimising performance through biomechanics
- develop skills in planning, teaching and evaluating gym-based exercise sessions
Entry Requirement
2 Graded Highers (A-C)
How will I be assessed
Ongoing assessment in practical and theory settings. Theory assessments will be a mix of closed book assessments and essay style assignments. Lecturers will offer detailed guidance and support surrounding all assessments.
What should I expect
A mainly theory course with practical application of your learning within the gym or other exercise environment. Expect to be challenged to grow your understanding of Sport and Exercise Science allowing you to take that knowledge and make practical use of it in your next role whether that be at college, university, gym work or coaching.
Careers and Further Study
We are keen to provide multiple exit points to suit the needs of each learner that joins us.
School pupils who join us for this course will have the following options on completion.
- Progress within Ayrshire college: Learners, on successful completion of their S6/HND1 year, can move directly to our HND Year 2 Applied Sport Science course.
- Learners will have already achieved 12 SQA Unit credits at SCQF Level 7 and will also be awarded the HNC in Fitness Health and Exercise (which includes the required learning to join CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) with Gym Instructor accreditation.
- Coming to Ayrshire College would allow learners to remain with their current lecturers and further develop their knowledge, skills and confidence.
- Returning to Ayrshire College for 1 year (post school) then results in the award of HND Applied Sport Science (along with the HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise/CIMSPA recognition).
- Previous learners have successfully accessed degree programmes with advanced entry (Year 3) thanks to the completion of the HND.
- Progress to other education or opportunities: During their S6 year learners would, if successful, complete all the requirements of HNC in Fitness Health and Exercise (which includes the required learning to join CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) with Gym Instructor accreditation. Learners are awarded the HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise after this 1 year.
- Learners can therefore leave after the HND 1 year (choosing not to come to college) taking these qualifications which would be a great addition to any UCAS application while also opening employment doors in the fitness industry.