Exercise & Fitness Leadership

Course description

Learn essential practical and theoretical skills for working in the sport and fitness industries.

The sport and fitness industry is becoming more regulated, and employers and insurance tends towards professional recognition for many positions. It is therefore seen as very important that candidates are as well-prepared as they can be. Throughout the course you will undergo significant personal development, and gain valuable skills in organisation, planning and leadership – essential for your future progression within education and/or employment.

This National Progression Award at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to a Higher) will improve your skills and knowledge relating to sport and fitness. You will be introduced to the rationale behind the use of circuit, cardiovascular and fixed weight training techniques, and equipment used in each exercise type. You will also develop safe and effective practical skills in these areas.

On successful completion of this course you will be able to identify safe and effective exercises, and describe their advantages and disadvantages. You will also be able to demonstrate and evaluate both the exercises and their own technical abilities, together with personal and facility equipment relating to the selected activities.

There are five units available, three of which must be completed to achieve the NPA. For some of the units teamwork will be involved, but all candidates must play a full part as it is the work/contribution of each individual that will be assessed. The units are designed to underpin the knowledge and skills required by employers, and are closely linked to the National Occupational Standards for each of the subject areas covered in the units. Units are as follows:

1. Exercise and Fitness: Cardiovascular Training
2. Exercise and Fitness: Fixed Weight Training
3. Exercise and Fitness: Circuit Training

The course is designed to enhance your interest in exercise and fitness training, improve personal performance, develop reflective learning, and aid progression to further study of the subject. During the course you will learn:

As well as this, you will build a valuable understanding of health and safety in the workplace.

You will be taught using a range of methods and technologies – this includes practical participation work, group work and theory-based classroom teaching. The course will also be supported via the use of the College’s Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

To achieve the full qualification, you must attend regularly and successfully complete all units. Assessment will be carried out using a range of formative and summative approaches including observation of practical performance, closed-book assessment and review of case studies. Assessment is carried out on an ongoing basis, meaning there are no end of course exams.

Whilst you are taking part in the course, you will be required to provide and wear a sports kit and indoor trainers for the fitness and sports elements.

Learning outcome

Progression:

Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.

Upon successful completion of this course (if accompanied by the required Higher and/or NC level qualifications) you may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:

Articulation with Degree studies in courses such as Applied Sports Science at RGU may available. Possible subject areas include:

• Sport Coaching with Sport Development
• Fitness Health and Exercise
• Sport and Recreation Management
• Sports Therapy
• Applied Sports Science
Employment:

Those who wish to progress directly to employment within the sport and fitness sector will find that there is a substantial range of job opportunities available for properly qualified staff.