Course overview

The HND in Sports Coaching and Development is a two-year course providing the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a professional within the sector. The topics covered range from human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to sports coaching, sports development and professional practice - including research skills.

This qualification will provide you with structured opportunities to experience the culture required for successful employment in the sports coaching and/or sports development industry. It will allow you to develop confidence, and interpersonal and leadership skills while enhancing your knowledge and expertise in sports coaching and development.

Year 1 includes a stand-alone, industry-recognised Professional Development Award in Sports Coaching at SCQF level 7. Year 2 advances the PDA in Sports Coaching to SCQF level 8.

What you will learn

You will learn methods and techniques to develop yourself as a practitioner in the sports industry which could ultimately lead to a range of employment opportunities.

You’ll be encouraged to take responsibility for your learning and develop transferable and employability skills such as independent research, planning, evaluating, presenting and teamwork.

How the course is assessed

For both years, course assessment is ongoing throughout two 18-week blocks. Methods of assessment are varied and can include:

• written assessments
• oral presentations
• group exercises
• projects
• case studies
• practical exercises

Career options

You may gain direct entry to employment in a coaching or sports development capacity in a range of fitness or sports-based environments such as:

• Active Schools programmes
• Sports-specific development roles
• Local authority sports centres and clubs
• Sports clubs that require coaching and sports development personnel to support training players/athletes
• School and community sports clubs and projects