HNC Sports Coaching and Development

This course is designed to provide a foundation for anyone wishing to enter the field of Sports Coaching and Development. 

The course will prepare students for entry into employment within the Sports Coaching & Sports Development industry or onto higher study at university.

There is also a PDA (Professional Development Award) in Sports Coaching at SCQF Level 7, which is embedded into the HNC in Sports Coaching and Development course. This PDA is jointly certificated by SportScotland and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

The College has close links with local councils, schools and voluntary based sporting organisations throughout Forth Valley and many students complete their coaching placement hours within these organisations.

  • Sports Development 1
  • Human Anatomy, Physiology & Biomechanics in Sport
  • Sports Coaching & Development: Developing Professional Practice
  • Sports Coaching Practitioner: Knowing Yourself
  • Sports Coaching Practitioner: Knowing Others
  • Sports Coaching Practitioner: Knowing Coaching
  • Sports Coaching and Development: Graded Unit 1
  • Coaching Children
  • Psychology of Sport and Exercise
  • First Aid for Sport & Fitness
  • Prevention & Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries

Career opportunities available in both public and private sectors in:

  • Sports Coaching
  • Sports Development
  • Sports and Leisure Facilities Management

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 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, Fitness and Coaching - The Open University

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 sports coaching. Possession of current national governing body coaching qualifications would also be desirable.
  • Ability to demonstrate access to Sports coaching placement
  • 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

Additional requirements:

  • Students will be required to purchase personal equipment e.g. sports clothing and books

Further advice for full-time applicants: 

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to September 2016, 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

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

19 August 2024

SCQF Level

Level 7