HND Fitness Health and Exercise

Course overview

This course is a nationally recognised qualification endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), which means students on this course will join CIMSPA as a 'Student Member' for a reduced fee. Student membership will introduce you to the sector’s chartered professional body and will support you to develop your skills and improve employability, ready for a smooth transition into the workplace.

On this course you will develop learning skills and the ability to work independently; and you will study topics such as Exercise Physiology and Anatomy, Gym-based Exercise, Group-based Exercise, and Nutrition.

On completion of year 1 you will be eligible to apply for a CIMSPA Gym Instructor practitioner membership; or in year 2, a Personal Trainer practitioner membership

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 award

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
• Level 3 Personal Trainer Award

Placement information

• Edinburgh College has vital industry connections and there will be opportunities to gain valuable experience working with local partner groups across businesses. You will be expected to organise your work placement with help and guidance from the lecturing staff.
• Placement providers include Edinburgh Leisure and Midlothian Leisure.

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

Progression 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
• Queen Margaret 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