Sport & Fitness
HNC/D Sports Coaching and Development Level 7/8
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 8
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
The HND in Sports Coaching and Development is a two-year course providing 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 sports coaching and/or sports development industry. It will allow you to develop confidence, and interpersonal and leadership skills while enhancing your knowledge and expertise in sports coaching and development.
Year 1 includes a stand-alone, industry-recognised Professional Development Award in Sports Coaching at SCQF level 7. Year 2 advances the PDA in Sports Coaching to SCQF level 8.
What you will learn
- You will learn methods and techniques to develop yourself as a practitioner in the sports industry which could ultimately lead to a range of employment opportunities.
- You’ll be encouraged to take responsibility for your learning and develop transferable and employability skills such as; independent research, planning, evaluating, presenting and teamwork.
How the course is assessed
For both years, course assessment is ongoing throughout two 18-week blocks. Methods of assessment are varied and can include:
- written assessments
- oral presentations
- group exercises
- projects
- case studies
- practical exercises
Number of days per week
- 3-4
Entry requirements
- A minimum of 2 Higher passes at grades A-C.
Other relevant and similarly levelled qualifications will be considered such as:
- NPAs at Higher levels 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 A levels at grades A-D in relevant subjects.
- You should be able to provide evidence of, or are expecting to meet, the minimum entry requirements by August 2024.
- You should currently be participating regularly in coaching and physical activities.
- 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 careers or perhaps retrain following a career break to raise a family. In these or other cases we would take into account 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 (dependent on the public health status) may include any of the following:
- One to-one interview with a member of the sports team
- Participation in a sports-related group discussion
- Practical assessment to include sports participation and problem-solving/team-building activities
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
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:
- Active Schools programmes
- Sports-specific development roles
- Local authority sports centres and clubs
- Sports clubs that require coaching and sports development personnel to support training players/athletes
- School and community sports clubs and projects
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
