Higher National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science (120 credits)

Whittingham Campus/Coombswood Campus

This is an ideal course for those interested in a career in the sport or leisure industry.

The course develops your knowledge of key sporting concepts with a strong vocational focus designed to equip you with the skills to develop your career within the sports industry.

You will be introduced to a range of topics which underpin your ability to work within a range of sporting industries such as leisure, coaching, teaching and sport science.

You are provided with the knowledge, expertise and additional qualifications to progress either into the job market or to continue your studies at a further or higher education level. Those wishing to continue their studies can use this qualification to progress to a full honours degree at many universities, in sport-based subject areas, once the HND has been achieved.

You will study the coaching science pathway that will provide both theoretical and practical development in a range of topics including training, testing and fitness, psychology, and injury prevention. In addition, you will have the opportunity to complete a Level 3 Personal Training qualification, improving your employability and knowledge.

The design of the course, with the opportunity for additional qualifications will enable potential progression into employment, on to further study and could therefore achieve careers in teaching, coaching, health and fitness and sports science.

Full Time: One Year

Sport and Exercise Science

Year 1

• Nutrition
• Sport & Exercise Psychology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Professional Skills
• Coaching Practice and Skill Development
• Training, Fitness and Testing
• Technology in Sport
• Injury Prevention
• Additional Qualifications*
• Level 3 Personal Training

*Additional qualifications may be dependent on number of enrolments.

Full Time available for Autumn 2025 entry:

Full time timetables usually consist of two full days (12 hours of contact time per week) which includes a tutorial session.

A range of online support materials are available from the online learning environment, Moodle, to access to a range of journals from online databases.

Assessments are work related and you will need to submit a portfolio for each of the modules, all of which must be passed.

There is a mixture of assessment methods across the course including practical assessments and observations, essays, reports, presentations, exhibits and one online examination.

We aim to design assessments around practical experience where possible, so expect to work with external partners and clients, such as grass roots clubs.

Full-time students should apply via UCAS Apply, using the UCAS code: B411

• Click here to watch a video on how to use UCAS Apply

If your qualification(s) are not listed, please contact Halesowen College’s Admissions Team for further guidance on 0121 602 7607.

48 UCAS points
A Level 3 qualification in Sport or a similar discipline;
GCSE grades A* to C (or 4) in Maths and English Language
Or
2 or more A Levels
Or

An Access to Higher Education Certificate

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

A DBS will be required dependent on the environment of your second year work experience placement.

Work experience will be completed in the second year of study if learners continue to the Higher National Diploma, a DBS will normally be required for this depending on the environment.

Students are required to purchase practical kit to be worn in practical sessions, visits and placements where necessary.

September 2025

September 2025 course timetable to be confirmed

September 2025 course timetable to be confirmed

Full Time: B40011

Full Time available for Autumn 2025 entry