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HNC: Fitness Health and Exercise

The HNC in Fitness, Health and Exercise (SCQF level 7) prepares students for careers in the fitness industry, covering topics like exercise programming, health screening, nutrition, and first-aid. CIMSPA membership offers professional recognition and development opportunities, enhancing students' skills and knowledge.

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Level:

SCQF Level 7

Duration:

One year full-time
Attendance is normally over 2-3 days

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Struggling with all the qualifications and what they mean? Check out our guide.

Qualifications explained

Not sure what funding you may be eligible for?

Student funding & fees

What if English is not my first language? Can I still apply?

English Language Requirements

Got any questions? Learn more about applying.

Help with the application

Who is this course for?

The HNC in Fitness, Health, and Exercise (SCQF level 7) is tailored for individuals aspiring to enter the fitness, health, and exercise industry. It equips students with essential knowledge and practical skills in exercise programming, health screening, nutrition, and more. Membership with CIMSPA is offered for professional recognition and development.

What skills will I learn?

Health & Wellbeing for Fitness and Exercise
Performance Practice
Observation and Analytic Skills
Communication Skills
Supporting, Mentoring, Motivational and Role Model Skills
Working effectively with different ages, stages and abilities
Ethical Practitioner

What will I study?

HNC Core Units

Working effectively and safely with clients
Exercise and fitness: health and safety management
Exercise physiology and anatomy
Exercise principles and programming
Health screening
Nutrition for fitness, health and exercise
Fitness, health and exercise graded unit 1
First Aid for sport and fitness

Key Optional Units

Plan, teach, and evaluate a group exercise with music session
Plan, teach, and evaluate a gym-based exercise session

Application Information

Apply online
You may be required to take part in an informal conversation as part of the application process. This group/individual conversation may be an information session, a portfolio discussion, or a skills based exercise.

External Candidates:

Two Highers at Grade C ideally from English, a Science subject or PE (You must have English at a minimum of National 5 Pass)
Or
Higher English at Grade C or above plus either NPA: Sports Development SCQF Level 6 or NPA: Exercise and Fitness Leadership SCQF level 6

Successful completion of a Sport & Fitness course at SCQF Level 6

Internal Candidates

Successful completion of a Sport and Fitness course at SCQF Level 6 (with a minimum of 13 assessed credits) and a positive ILR.

All successful applicants will need to have a successful PVG Scheme Membership check through Disclosure Scotland in order to go out on a Coaching placement(s) as part of the course.

Fitness related kit is required to take part in practical activities, such as trainers, tracksuit bottoms, training tops, and shorts

?Professional Membership: CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector which recognises the qualifications and expertise of health-enhancing exercise instructors in the UK. We encourage you to sign up as student member initially.
More information about at this link CIMSPA (opens in a new window)

What further study options are available?

HND: Fitness, Health and Exercise SCQF Level 8
It is possible to progress on to a degree at university from this course - see our HE and Degree Pathways guide for more information.

What career opportunities are there?

On successful completion of the HNC/HND, you may gain employment with Local Leisure Trusts, private health and fitness organisations, sports clubs, or become self-employed as a freelance instructor or personal trainer.

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HNC: Fitness Health and Exercise

Level:

Duration:

Who is this course for?

What skills will I learn?

What will I study?

Application Information

What further study options are available?

What career opportunities are there?

Related courses

Sports Coaching and Development (Football Coaching)

Sports Coaching and Development (Multi Sport Coaching)

Courses

Study at Fife

Business & training

Campuses & facilities

More

Apply

HNC: Fitness Health and Exercise

Course information

Level:

Duration:

Who is this course for?

What skills will I learn?

What will I study?

Application Information

Application process

What are the entry requirements?

Are there any additional costs for this course?

What further study options are available?

What career opportunities are there?

Related courses

Sports Coaching and Development (Football Coaching)

Sports Coaching and Development (Multi Sport Coaching)