Sport & Fitness
Exercise Instructor Course
Campus Milton Road Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Duration 41 weeks
Start date
Aug 2022
Course enquiry form
Course overview
The Exercise Instructor Course will allow you to gain industry-specific exercise and fitness skills and is designed to equip you with the qualities you need to work in the fitness industry. You’ll be based in a professional working environment and will demonstrate what you have learnt through practical work-based assessments. You’ll have to be reasonably fit and have good interpersonal skills and whilst not as academically demanding as an HNC course it is still intensive.
You will find it demanding physically and you’ll be required to participate fully in all classes. This course may appeal to you if you are a school leaver an adult seeking to return to education already working in the leisure industry and looking to gain more formal qualifications or perhaps you are ready for a career change.
What you will learn
Develop a wide portfolio of skills helping you to access jobs within the leisure industry or progress onto further study. This course includes units at SCQF levels 5 (Intermediate 2) and 6 (Higher)
- Instructional skills
- Anatomy and exercise
- Physiology
- Introductory exercise programming
- Nutrition planning and teaching
- Gym and exercise classes
- First aid (incorporating First Aid at Work)
- Where appropriate you may study essential skills such as; communication, ICT, numeracy, working with others and problem-solving. It will also provide an understanding of the work environment in the exercise and fitness industry.
Placement information
You will be expected to organise your own work placement with help and guidance from lecturing staff where appropriate, in order to be visited and assessed in the work environment. This should take place in semester two of the course following the achievement of basic competency and skills assessment throughout semester one.
How the course is assessed
The course is assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year using a variety of methods which can include: written assessments logbooks group exercises assignments practical tasks and observations and portfolio work.
Number of days per week
- 3-4
Entry requirements
- 1 Higher (or equivalent) in a relevant subject plus 3 National 5s at `C` or above, preferably to include English and/or a science subject
- National 4 Biology would also be advantageous
Appropriate experience would be advantageous either from placements undertaken at school or other involvement in the industry. You may be a candidate 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 take into account work experience life skills and potential ability.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
At the interview, you will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge of and active participation in exercise and fitness, therefore, it will include a practical element. The interview session may also include some written work to assess your general knowledge in exercise and fitness activities anatomical systems and identify your personal aims objectives and potential career path. There will be a one to one discussion with a member of the sport and fitness team.
English Proficiency Requirements
EILTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
You may go directly into the world of work or progress onto further study in an appropriate course such as the HNC/D in Fitness, Health and Exercise.
Career options
You can gain direct entry to employment as a Fitness Instructor Leisure Attendant or similar posts within either private health clubs or local authority leisure centres. Previous students from the college are employed in fitness facilities within Edinburgh the Lothians and Scottish Borders.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milton Road Campus | Full time | 29/08/22 | 41 Weeks |
