The Higher National Certificate in Sports Science is designed to develop the student’s knowledge, understanding and skills required for successful employment or progression to an undergraduate degree. Learners receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in the Library and Resource Based Learning centre. Reading lists are provided to students during the introduction of each module of the course.

The qualification has been designed to meet the major functions in Sports Science . The course is designed to meet the following aims:To contribute to widening participation in education within the region.To provide a foundation in higher education for a range of careers in the appropriate field.To develop confidence and self-esteem among mature learners.To enable learners to make a contribution in employment.To provide flexible and challenging curricula as a basis for future studies and career development.To provide an educational experience to enable learners to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the subjects.To develop learners' abilities by utilising the knowledge and applying the skills they have acquired in the programme.To meet the demand of learners for progression from further to higher education.To use student and employer feedback to influence continuous improvement of all programmes.To provide a nationally recognised qualification relevant to the learner's career aspirations.To develop and enhance lifelong learning skills.

To study the HNC one year programme you need to hold one of the following Level 3 qualifications: You will need to have UCAS points 64, GCE 'A' level (grade E minimum) in Sport or other relevant subject area. BTEC National Diploma in Sport or equivalent in an appropriate subject area. Prior to enrolment on this course, you will need to have an Initial Assessment in Literacy and/or Numeracy. This will ensure that you are enrolled on the right level of course to succeed and help us to identify and provide any support that you might need. You will be contacted and given a date to come in to do your assessment.

Classes are a combination of formal lectures, discussion, group work, tutorials and practical workshops. Throughout the student is encouraged to undertake independent reading/research to supplement and consolidate what has been taught/learned and to broaden their understanding of the subject. Students will develop a knowledge and understanding in the following areas:Mandatory Modules:Unit 1 – Anatomy for Sports and Exercise ScienceUnit 5 – Research ProjectUnit 6 - Nutrition for Sport and ExercisesUnit 7 – Training and Fitness for Sports ScienceUnit 21 - Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Well beingUnit 41 - Health PromotionOptional Modules include:Unit 4 - BiomechanicsUnit 9 - Principles of Sports CoachingUnit 24 – Employability SkillsUnit 25 - Work based ExperienceUnit 33 - Functional Exercise PhysiologyUnit 36 - Applied Sport and Exercise PsychologyUnit 37 - Sport and Exercise RehabilitationA variety of teaching methods are included, aimed at developing the student’s cognitive skills, particularly discussions and group work. Many group exercises involve problem solving techniques and the application of theoretical work covered in formal lectures. *Optional modules subject to change

You will be given advice on how to top up to a full degree qualification. You will be offered support in progression into employment should that be the route you choose.