HNC/D Sports Coaching and Development level 7/8

Course overview

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

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

Year 1 includes a stand-alone, industry-recognised Professional Development Award in Sports Coaching at SCQF level 7. Year 2 advances the PDA in Sports Coaching to SCQF level 8. 

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

For both years, 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 A-C.

Other relevant and similarly levelled qualifications will be considered 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 Higher level in an appropriate subject area (Sport/Fitness).

• A minimum of 2 A levels at grades A-D in relevant subjects.

• You should be able to provide evidence of, or are expecting to meet, the minimum entry requirements by August 2024. 

• You should currently be participating regularly in coaching and physical activities. 

• Being able to achieve a suitable level of clearance through the PVG scheme will be expected of all applicants.

You may be a candidate who comes from a non-traditional route such as a mature returnee or one who wishes to change careers 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.

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:

• One to-one interview with a member of the sports team

• Participation in a sports-related group discussion

• Practical assessment to include sports participation and problem-solving/team-building activities

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 6.5

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

• 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

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