HNC Sports Coaching & Development (Schools)
***PLEASE NOTE - only pupils who will be at school during session 2026/27 can apply for this course***
This is a recently revised and popular course designed to provide a foundation for anyone wishing to enter the field of Sports Coaching and Development.
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 course is designed to prepare students for entry into employment within the Sports Coaching & Sports Development industry or onto Higher study at university.
The College has close links with local councils and voluntary based sporting organisations throughout Forth Valley and many students complete their coaching placement hours within these organisations.
This course will run on Tuesday 9am - 3.40pm, Wednesday 1.50pm - 3.40pm and a Friday 9.00am - 12.55pm
Academic Progress will be relayed to school on a regular basis (twice per block)
Please note that the course you are applying for is split across two sessions. When submitting your application, the dates displayed will be for the June Induction in session 2025/26. Once successfully enrolled on this session, you will automatically be transferred to the 2026/27 session, which begins in August, for the remainder of the course.
Content
- 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
Career Paths
Career opportunities available in both public and private sectors in:
- Sports Coaching
- Sports Development
- Sports and Leisure Facilities Management
Progression
- Pupils can apply for advanced entry into a relevant degree programmes at a number of universities within Scotland.
Entry requirements
- Pupils who are interested in the course should have current active involvement within sport and a strong interest in sports coaching.
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) preferably including Maths (or Application of Maths) or a Science subject at grade C or above.
- If do not meet the academic requirements, alternative Sports based qualifications at SCQF level 6 (Sports Leaders, Duke of Edinburgh, NPAs and NGB awards) will also be considered.
Desirable:
- Current or recent coaching/volunteering experience within club based sport
More Info
Further advice for School College Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship applications:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to March 2025, 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, 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 to an information session
• If your application is unsuccessful, you should speak to a guidance teacher or SDS school liaison officer.
• If you are unable to attend the information session or wish to withdraw your application, please email the School Partnership team - school.partnership@forthvalley.ac.uk