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Course overview

Dreaming of a career in the ever-expanding physical activity, fitness and health industry? Whether you’d like to take your own classes, become a personal trainer, a PE teacher or work in a gym, this course will give you the knowledge and practical leadership skills you’ll need. You’ll get experience with client groups on work placements, including children, people with additional support needs and sports-specific clients. The course is jointly certificated with SportScotland and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). Gym Practitioner and other fitness qualifications are embedded within the course, including kettlebells, indoor cycling and boxercise.

Course description

HNC Physical Activity and Health, which is a Next Generation pilot course, comprises of a range of practical sessions, lectures and group workshops delivered by vastly experienced health and fitness professionals and instructors. 

During the course you'll cover the following units: 

  • Training principles of exercise 
  • Preparing to work in the physical activity and health industry 
  • Anatomy and physiology for exercise and human movement 
  • Health promotion, behaviour change and nutrition 
  • Exercise practitioner 
  • Strength and conditioning 

Work is assessed throughout the year and assessments may be in the form of assignments, project work, case studies, oral and poster presentations, open and closed book assessments and tutor observations of practical performance.  Ongoing tutor support ensures that you're provided with support and feedback to meet the demands of this innovative course. 

The award is jointly certificated with Sportscotland and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).  This partnership will allow you to gain employment in a variety of roles and gain a better understanding of how you can support people becoming more active and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Entry requirements

  • Minimum of one Higher at C or above, which must be English-based
  • NQ Fitness, Physical Activity and Health (Level 6), or equivalent, which must include Communications or an English-based subject at Level 6 
  • You should demonstrate an active interest in fitness and/ or studio/gym- based exercise in your application
  • Applications may be considered for those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements but who can demonstrate a keen interest in fitness or sport and/or have other relevant prior learning, life or work experienceEach applicant will be considered on an individual basis. 

Entry requirement equivalency table

  • If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.


Please note:
A Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check will be required to undertake any coaching placements/work experience which may be included in the course.

Course options

Course Type: Full-time
Details
Date: 24/08/2026 Cost: Get in touch with the course provider or visit their website for more information
Venue details

Cardonald Campus

690 Mosspark Drive

Glasgow

Course provider

Glasgow Clyde College