Sport & Fitness
HND Fitness Health and Exercise
Campus
Granton Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 8
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2024
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is designed to develop your learning skills and ability to work independently, studying topics such as Exercise Physiology and Anatomy, Gym based Exercise, Group based Exercise, and Nutrition.
Offering a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in the Fitness Industry, this course will allow you to join CIMSPA, the professional development body for the UK’s Sports and Physical Activity sector, as a Gym instructor practitioner or potentially a Personal Trainer practitioner.
School leavers or adults returning to education are welcome to apply, as well as those already working in the leisure industry and looking to gain more formal qualifications.
What you will learn
Year One
- How to work with a range of groups in physical activity and health improvement settings
- How to develop your practical skills and techniques in structured sessions
- How to plan, prepare and carry out fitness training programmes
- An understanding of nutrition for fitness
- Research and reporting skills
- Level 2 Gym Practitioner; Achieving this award will allow you to apply for CIMSPA Level 2 accreditation
Year Two
- Awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of fitness and health
- Skills in exercise application and leadership
- An understanding of the role and impact of exercise for different population groups
- Ability to incorporate a Level 3 Personal Training Award; Achieving this award will allow you to apply for CIMSPA Level 3 accreditation
Placement information
Edinburgh College has vital industry connections and there will be opportunities to gain valuable experience working with local partner groups across a range of businesses. You will be expected to organise your work placement with help and guidance from the lecturing staff.
How the course is assessed
You will be continually assessed in both practical and theoretical settings. This will include
- class-based assessments
- practical observations
- report writing
- presentations
- e-assessment
Number of days per week
- 3 days per week
Entry requirements
- Two Highers at C or above (preferably English, PE or Science) or
- One Higher at C or above (English, PE or a Science) plus a National Qualification at SCQF Level 6 or S/NVQ level 3 (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject area such as Exercise and Fitness, Sports Massage or Sports Development
- Core skills profile at SCQF Level 5 with communication or an equivalent at SCQF Level 6
- Two A levels at grades A - D in relevant subjects
- If you don’t have the formal entry requirements but are a mature returnee who wishes to change careers or perhaps retrain following a career break to raise a family, you are welcome to apply. We would consider work experience, life skills and potential ability.
- You should currently be participating regularly in exercise and fitness activities.
- You must achieve a suitable level of clearance through the PVG scheme.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You must attend an information session, dates will be sent to you with your conditional offer. The session will include information on the course and a discussion on your suitability. Please prepare to discuss your career aspirations and fitness experience.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 6.5Progression and Articulation Routes
Following successful completion of HND Year 1 or 2, you may be able to access a range of degree-level courses at universities across Scotland and the UK in relevant subject areas. Although direct entry is not guaranteed, examples include:
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Abertay University
- Stirling University
- University of West of Scotland
- Heriot-Watt University
We strongly advise contacting universities directly to discuss potential progression routes with them.
Career options
A wide scope of employment opportunities relating to fitness health and exercise could be accessed in areas such as:
- Active schools programmes
- Fitness and leisure development roles
- Private health and fitness clubs
- Local authority sports centres and fitness clubs
- Hotels and conference centres with fitness facilities
- Sports clubs with a need for a fitness professional to support training
- You can start your own fitness, health and exercise business
Study Options
| Campus | Year of entry | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | 1 | Full time | 26/08/24 |
| Sighthill Campus | 1 | Full time | 26/08/24 |
| Granton Campus | 2 | Full time | 26/08/24 |
