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Course overview

Adventure Sports Coaching – Take Your Passion Outdoors!

Adventure sports coaching is at the heart of the UK’s dynamic and fast-growing sports industry. If you have a passion for the outdoors and inspiring others, this course will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to thrive in a thrilling career as an outdoor instructor.

This qualification opens doors to coaching opportunities across a range of adventure sports. As part of the course, you’ll earn an industry-recognised PDA in Sports Coaching, jointly certificated with sportscotland and CIMSPA—boosting your credentials and employability.

Hands-On Learning

Your training goes beyond the classroom! You’ll learn at Springburn Campus, Pinkston Watersports, and other exciting off-campus venues including Europe, where you’ll immerse yourself in adventure sports including:

Paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, hill walking, white water rafting, and more!

The course includes a range of National Governing Body (NGB) awards. Assessments are designed to be flexible, taking place when you’re ready to showcase your skills.

Boost Your Career with Practical Experience

Throughout the course, you’ll have exclusive opportunities to work with public, commercial, and voluntary organisations, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Plus, you can earn additional coaching qualifications—many of which are either free or subsidised—to enhance your job applications and give you a competitive edge in the industry.

To undertake the mandatory work placement, a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check is required.

This course isn’t just about learning—it’s about experiencing, coaching, and leading in adventure sports. Whether you dream of coaching in the mountains, on the water, or in a sports development role, this qualification will equip you with everything you need to succeed!

Are you ready to turn your passion into a career?

Course description

Year 1:

  • Sports Development 1
  • Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics in Sport
  • Sports Coaching: Developing Professional Practice
  • Sports Coaching: Knowing Yourself
  • Sports Coaching: Knowing Others
  • Sports Coaching: Knowing Coaching
  • Graded Unit 1
  • Psychology of Sport & Exercise
  • Outdoor Activities Provision
  • Personal Development Planning
  • Safe Practice
  • Work Placement – this can be with your own sports club

Year 2

  • Sports Development 2
  • Sports Coaching: Knowing Yourself 2
  • Sports Coaching: Knowing Others 2
  • Sports Coaching: Knowing Coaching 2
  • Applied Psychology
  • Graded Unit 2
  • Physical Prep for Sports
  • Skills in outdoor activities
  • Inclusive Sport

Entry requirements

At least one of the following:

  • Two Highers at Grade C or above, one of which should be English based (English, Modern Studies, History, Geography, Media Studies) OR
  • NQ/NC qualification at SCQF level 5/6 in a Sports related subject; OR
  • Other equivalent qualifications or coaching experience.
  • Mature learners with experience but no formal qualifications, will be considered on merit.

For this course, if English is not your first language

  • you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
  • If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.

All candidates will participate in a recruitment process

Progression

Further study

Successful HND students can progress to 3rd year at a variety of Universities including; University of Highlands & Islands, UCLAN, Cumbria, & West of Scotland.

Employment within the outdoor education sector.

Students can progress into Sports Coaching and Sports Development roles in the industry, both in the UK and overseas

Career opportunities

  • Sports Coach
  • Sports Development Officer
  • Educational Physical Activity Co-ordinator
  • Sport Lecturer
  • Course options

    Course Type: Full-time
    Details
    Date: 01/08/2025Cost: Get in touch with the course provider or visit their website for more information
    Venue details

    Springburn Campus

    123 Flemington Street

    Glasgow

    Course provider

    Glasgow Kelvin College