Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

This course is most suited to those with an interest in the fields of fitness, health and exercise. The framework has been developed to include industry recognition in the form of the endorsement by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)

On successful completion of Year Two, you'll be awarded Personal Trainer accreditation.

This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8. 

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

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

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

Year one (HNC/D):

• Exercise Physiology and Anatomy.
• Exercise Principles and Programming.
• Plan, Teach and Evaluate a Gym-based Exercise Session.
• Flexibility Training.
• Strength and Conditioning; an introduction.

Year two (HND):

• Applied Exercise Prescription.
• Applied Nutrition.
• Core Strength and Posture.
• Current Exercise Trends.
• Metabolic Considerations.

After the course

Careers

After the course, you can pursue careers in sports clubs, private fitness facilities, local authorities and government sports initiatives; ranging from personal training and exercise instruction to teaching physical education or working within sports science.

You may also look at self-employment in fitness, exercise prescription and athletic conditioning.

Continuing Study

Successful students can progress to degree courses in related courses, including:

• BA Sports at Stirling University.
• BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning at Abertay University.
• BA Sport and Physical Activity at Strathclyde University.
• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at West of Scotland.