Sports Coaching and Development HNC

Course overview

The HNC in Sports Coaching and Development is a one-year course that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a professional in the sector. The topics covered range from human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to sports coaching, sports development and professional practice — including research skills.

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

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, interpersonal and leadership skills, while enhancing your knowledge and expertise in sports coaching and development.

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

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 C, D or above in relevant subjects.

Other relevant and similarly levelled qualifications will be considered in place of the second higher at D grade, 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 a Higher level in an appropriate subject area (Sport and Fitness).
• A minimum of 2 A levels at grades A-D in relevant subjects.
• You should be able to provide evidence of, or be expected to meet, the minimum entry requirements by August 2025. 
• You should currently be participating regularly in coaching and physical activities. 

All applicants will be expected to achieve a suitable level of clearance through the PVG scheme.

You may be a candidate who comes from a non-traditional route, such as a mature returnee, someone who wishes to change careers, or someone who retrained 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 (dependent on the public health status) may include any of the following:

1. One-to-one interview with a member of the sports team
2. Participation in a sports-related group discussion
3. Practical assessment to include sports participation 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 the 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