Sports Coaching and Development HNC (Football)

Course overview

The HNC in Sports Coaching and Developing Football provides the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a professional within the sector. The topics covered range from human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to sports coaching, sports development and professional practice — including research skills.

This qualification will provide you with structured opportunities to experience the culture required for successful employment in the football industry. It will allow you to develop confidence and interpersonal and leadership skills while enhancing your knowledge and expertise in football coaching.

The course includes a stand-alone, industry-recognised Professional Development Award in Sports Coaching at SCQF level 7. This one-year course can also form the first year of our 2-year HND Sports Coaching and Development course. When applying for this course, on successful completion of the application and interview, you will be offered the opportunity to enrol for the two-year HND option. 

What you will learn

• You will learn methods and techniques used in football coaching to develop yourself as a football coaching practitioner, which could ultimately lead to a range of employment opportunities.
• You’ll be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and develop transferable and employability skills such as independent research, planning, evaluating, presenting and working in a team.

How the course is assessed

• Course assessment is ongoing throughout two 18-week blocks.
• Assessments are varied and can include written assessments, oral presentations, group exercises, projects, case studies and practical exercises.

Number of days per week

• 3-4

Entry requirements

• A minimum of 2 Higher passes at grade A-C.
• Other relevant and similarly levelled qualifications will be considered such as:
• NPAs at Higher level in appropriate subject areas (Sport and Recreation/Sports Development/Achieving Excellence in Sport)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Subsidiary Diploma in Sport
• S/NVQs at level 3
• SGAs at Higher level in an appropriate subject area (Sport/Fitness).
• A minimum of 2 GCE AS and/or A levels at grade A-C in relevant subjects.
• You should be able to provide evidence of, or are expecting to meet, the minimum entry requirements by August 2025. 
• You should currently be participating regularly in coaching and football. 
• Being able to achieve a suitable level of clearance through the PVG scheme will be expected of all applicants.

You may be a candidate who comes from a non-traditional route such as a mature returnee or one who wishes to change career or perhaps retrain following a career break to raise a family. In these or other cases we would consider work experience, life skills and potential ability. You may be expected to submit a brief written assignment or essay, before the interview, to provide some indication of academic standing and communication skills.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

The interview process (dependant on the public health status) may include any of the following:

1. One to one interview with a member of the sports team
2. A discussion on your aims, objectives and personal goals
3. Practical assessment to include football performance and problem solving/team building activities

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

Following successful completion of HNC you may be offered progression to Year 2 (HND), or 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 of universities, where Year 2 entry may be available, 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

You may gain direct entry to employment in a coaching or sports development capacity in a range of fitness or sports-based environments such as: 

• Football Clubs
• Private and Local Authority sport and fitness clubs.
• Sports clubs that require coaching and sports development personnel to support training players/athletes.