HNC Fitness, Health & Exercise

• Work Placement 
• Research in Sport and Fitness: An Introduction 
• First Aid for Sport and Fitness 
• Psychology of Sports Coaching 
• Working Effectively and Safely with Clients 
• Exercise and Fitness: Health and Safety Management 
• Exercise Physiology and Anatomy 
• Exercise Principles and Programming 
• Health Screening 
• Nutrition for Fitness, Health and Exercise 
• Plan, Teach and Evaluate Gym Based Exercise Sessions 
• Plan, Teach and Evaluate Group Exercise Sessions 
• Fitness, Health and Exercise: Graded Unit 1 

• Employment in the area of general exercise assessment and provision 
• Personal Training (both private and public sector) 
• Fitness/Gym instructor 

Candidates who successfully achieve the HNC award may progress onto advanced entry (Year Two) at universities, which have an agreed articulation route with Forth Valley College. Year Two articulation requires the candidate to meet the relevant University entrance criteria.

Forth Valley College has formal articulation links in place for entry into Year Two of the following degree programmes:  

• BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching - Edinburgh Napier University 
• BSc (Hons) Physical Activity & Health - Edinburgh Napier University 
• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science - Edinburgh Napier University 
• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise – Abertay University 
• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science – Abertay University 
• BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning – Abertay University 
• BSc (Hons) Fitness, Nutrition and Health – Abertay University 
• BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Health – Abertay University 
• BSc (Hons) Food Science, Nutrition and Wellbeing – Abertay University  
• BSc (Hons) Physical Activity and Health – Abertay University 
• BA (Hons) Sports & Fitness - University of the Highlands & Islands 

 
Please note articulation links are subject to change and do not guarantee a place on any university course. Students should check with individual universities for more detail. Each institution will have specific entry requirements.

Mandatory:  

• Attendance at a group-based course information and Q&A session. 
• Clear Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check required. Further information on the PVG Scheme will be issued to successful applicants prior to enrolment. 
• Ability to demonstrate current active involvement within Fitness, Health & Exercise. Possession of Fitness/Exercise industry qualifications would also be desirable. 
• Positive consensus reference from lecturers. (progressing students only).  

Plus one of the following:  

• Two Highers at grade C or above, including Physical Education and English (Communication 4/Literature 1 also accepted) and three National 5 awards (or equivalent), including Maths or a Science subject at grade C or above. 
• Successful completion of the NQ Pathway to Fitness, Health & Exercise or NQ Pathway to Sports Coaching (SCQF Level 6). 
• Applicants who do not meet these criteria, but have relevant paid workplace experience or alternative qualifications will be considered. 

Further advice for full-time applicants:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk