HNC in Sport & Exercise Science

Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Study Area: Higher Education
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Full Time

Course Overview

Why not challenge yourself to go further and gain a starting point for an academic or professional career in sport and exercise science. UCAS Code: 1C25

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport & Exercise Science offers an introduction to the subject area. The course will include a range of activities to support your learning, using the outdoor pitches, sports hall and gym at the College’s Inspire Centre. This course will effectively build underpinning core skills while preparing you for progression to further study at Level 5 or employment in the field. You should gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained during research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios. 

On the HNC you will be taught to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of Sport & Exercise Science. You will learn to communicate accurately and appropriately and will have the qualities needed for employment that requires some degree of personal responsibility. You will develop a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence and problem-solving strategies. You will need to show adaptability and flexibility in your approach to Sport & Exercise Science, show resilience under pressure, and to show the capability to meet challenging targets within a given resource. 

Units to be studied include:

  • Unit 1: Nutrition (15 credits) 
  • Unit 2: Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Psychology (15 credits) 
  • Unit 3: Anatomy & Physiology (15 credits) 
  • Unit 4: Professional Skills (Pearson-set unit) (15 credits) 
  • Unit 5: Coaching Practice & Skill Development (15 credits) 
  • Unit 6: Training Fitness, Testing (15 credits) 
  • Unit 7: Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Health (15 credits) 
  • Unit 10: Technology in Sport (15 credits) 

You will be given a handbook with full details of each Unit and the assessment tasks you need to complete.

  • For a full list of the University Centre’s regulations and policies please click HERE

Alongside your studies, you will also have access to the Sport Academy programmes in Football, Rugby or Basketball, where you may be able to be part of the teams and represent the College, depending on your age.  Our professional and semi-professional sport partner links with FC Halifax , Halifax RFL, Bradford Dragons Basketball and HTFC Women’s Football closely work with the College to offer the best pathways and opportunities for our students within the sporting landscape.

Start Date

September 2024

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

Applicants will need 48 UCAS Tariff points (or equivalent) that may include qualifications from the following (others may also be considered): 

  • A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Sport or Sport & Exercise Science 
  • A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject.  This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades A* to C (or equivalent) and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as maths and English 
  • Other related Level 3 qualifications 
  • An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Sport or Sport Science or a related subject area 

Offers will be made to students on the basis of both their academic qualifications and interview.

If you do not meet the entry criteria but have substantial professional, voluntary experience in a relevant role then the University Centre will consider your application. Please ask about this when you enquire; applications will be considered on an individual basis. 

Progression

The main progression opportunity is to the HND in Sports Science top-up. You may also meet admission requirements a Sport & Exercise Science degree, for example: 

  • BA (Hons) Sport & Fitness Studies 
  • BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science  
  • BSc (Hons) Sports Studies. 

Please check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific Higher Education providers.

Assessment Methods

Before you hand-in or present a final piece of work there is usually an opportunity for a discussion with your tutor in a one-to-one tutorial. You will be encouraged to submit or present your work-in-progress to your tutor – which will not be graded – to see whether you are on the right lines. There is usually a limit to the amount of feedback that your tutor can give you – please ask them about this. 

Your assessed work will go through a rigorous process of internal moderation and then will be checked by an externally appointed person called an external examiner. At each stage this means that marking and grading is checked and may be adjusted. 

Course Fees

£7950 per year

Eligible to receive the £500 University Centre Bursary in Year 1. 

All higher education students must apply to Student Finance England for assistance towards fees. For help or advice with this please contact our Guidance Team on 01422-399367.

The University Centre has a HE Hardship Fund which students may access if they are facing financial difficulties. 

Additional information on fees and funding

Awarding Body

This qualification is awarded by Pearson

HNC in Sport & Exercise Science

Study Area: Higher Education
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Full Time
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