HNC Physical Activity and Health*
Designed to prepare you for roles in the physical activity and health sector, this NextGen course combines theoretical knowledge, practical skills development, and industry-relevant standards to support you in understanding how physical activity influences health and wellbeing and how to work effectively with clients in real-world settings.
Giving you both a theoretical foundation and practical experience in designing and delivering physical activity programmes and supporting behaviour change, you will:
- Gain an understanding of the science behind exercise and human movement, including anatomy and physiology.
- Apply training principles to design and evaluate safe and effective exercise programmes.
- Support clients through health promotion and behaviour change and understand the role of nutrition in wellbeing.
Alongside mandatory modules you will be able to choose from a selection of optional modules that let you tailor your learning to your interests or career goal. Plus, with industry-recognised professional standards built into the course, you can meet standards for Gym Instructor Practitioner, Group Exercise Instructor and Health Navigator, through alignment with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). This course is also certificated with Sportscotland and CIMSPA, linking academic achievement with real world professional relevancy and organisational endorsement.
This course is subject to approval.
Special Features:
- Industry-aligned qualification endorsed by CIMSPA and Sportscotland.
- Balanced academic and practical curriculum covering science, nutrition, exercise and behaviour change.
- Develops transferable, employability and meta-skills valued by employers.
- Clear progression routes to higher study or careers in health, fitness, community activity and sports.
Entry Requirements
- Two Highers
- A relevant National Certificate, NC, NQ, or SCQF Level 6 qualification in sport, fitness, health or a related subject
- A Foundation Apprenticeship or similar vocational qualification in sport, fitness or physical activity
- Relevant industry experience in fitness, sport, health or physical activity settings
Access routes:
Applicants who do not meet the standard academic entry requirements may still be considered through alternative access routes, including:
- Completion of an Access to Higher Education or SWAP-type programme
- Relevant work or voluntary experience within the physical activity, sport or health sector
- Evidence of prior learning, motivation and commitment demonstrated through interview or personal statement
All applicants should have a keen interest in physical activity, health and wellbeing, and be prepared to engage in both practical and academic study.
Content
Content
Course Content Includes:
Core modules are:
- Exercise Practitioner
- Training Principles for Exercise
- Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Human Movement
- Health Promotion, Behaviour Change and Nutrition
- Preparing to Work in the Physical Activity and Health Industry
You will also choose one of the following optional modules:
- Research Skills
- Strength and Conditioning
- Psychology of Physical Activity
Study Mode
Study Mode
How will I study my course?
- Full-Time
- Part time
You will study through a combination of face-to-face classes on campus and remote learning via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), with support from your lecturers.
How long will my course last?
- Full-Time: 1 Year (32 weeks)
- Part time: 2 Years
How will this course be assessed?
This course is assessed using a continuous assessment approach, in line with SQA guidance. There are no final exams; instead, students are assessed throughout the course using a range of practical and written assessment methods.
Assessment methods may include:
- Practical assessments – planning, delivering and evaluating physical activity or exercise sessions
- Written assessments – reports, case studies, reflective accounts and short answer tasks
- Open-book assessments – research-based assignments completed over a set timeframe
- Presentations – individual or group presentations linked to applied learning
- Portfolios / evidence logs – demonstrating professional skills, competence and reflective practice
- Project work – integrating theory and practice across units
Career
Career
Upon successful completion of this course, you can progress onto further study including:
- HND Physical Activity and Health (UHI Perth or Inverness)
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness
- Sport and Exercise Science (at other universities)
- Physical Activity and Health (at other universities)
- Sports Coaching (at other universities)
- Sport and Fitness Studies (at other universities)
Alternatively, you may progress onto roles in a variety of different workplace settings including:
- Gym Instructor / Fitness Instructor
- Group Exercise Instructor
- Physical Activity Instructor
- Health and Wellbeing Coach
- Community Health or Physical Activity Officer
- Exercise Practitioner
- Leisure Centre Assistant or Supervisor
- Sports Development Assistant
- Health Promotion Assistant
The course is aligned with industry-recognised professional standards, supporting employability and readiness for work in the physical activity and health sector. The integration of practical experience, applied learning and professional skills helps students meet employer expectations and adapt to a wide range of career pathways.
Fees and Funding
Fees and Funding
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
|
Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) |
2025-26 |
2026-27 |
|
Full-time per year |
£1,285 |
£1,285 |
|
Part-time (per HN credit) |
£86 |
£86 |
Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.