Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

The course is a two year diploma that introduces and develops the skills and knowledge you will need for a career in sports coaching. Together we'll examine the principles of good coaching practice, as well as developing a wide range of practical and theoretical knowledge of games and sports. Work experience is included in our HN programmes and you will also have the opportunity to qualify for Sports Coaching awards from national governing bodies. 

You will lead practical coaching sessions, in college and schools.  An Enhanced Disclosure Scotland check must be successfully completed before you coach young people in schools.

This HND also includes two embedded, stand alone, industry-recognised Professional Development Awards in Sports Coaching at SCQF Level 7 and level 8.

This is jointly certificated by SportScotland and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Two Highers at Grade C or above including English (or Modern Studies, History, Geography, Media Studies) and PE or level 6 Sports Leadership; OR
• NQ/NC qualification at SCQF level 6 in a Sports related subject; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications or coaching experience.

Additional selection requirements

• You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form. 
• The interview will consist of a group discussion and practical exercise with other interviewees.  Please bring suitable indoor gym wear.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

First year:-

• Knowing Coaching.
• Knowing Others.
• Knowing Yourself.
• Developing Professional Practice.
• Human Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics.
• Sports Development.
• Coaching Children.
• Inclusive coaching.
• First Aid.
• Prevention of Sports Injuries.
• Graded unit 1.

Second year:-

• Knowing Coaching 2.
• Knowing Others 2.
• Knowing Yourself 2.
• Sports development 2.
• Physical Preparation for Sports Performance.
• Applied Psychology in Sport and Exercise Performance.
• Nutrition in Sport.
• Current Exercise Trends.
• Graded unit 2.

After the course

Careers

This course prepares you for a career in sports as a Sports Development Officer, or a Sports Co-ordinator/Coach.

Continuing Study

1st or 2nd year of a sports-related University degree programme.

Continuing study

Successful students can progress on to:

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods

Additional Information

Materials

Dress code