You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen Pathway and a grade 4 within GCSE Science grades or a merit in a vocational Level 2 Science qualification.
For further information on the pathways, please click here.
HNC takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. This information is for guidance only. The College reserves the right to update and amend course information and entry criteria as and when necessary. Please note that from time to time we may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on applicant demand and other factors. Please check this website for the latest information and our current course offer.
This is a full-time qualification that is equivalent to 3 A Levels, so is most suited to you if you are hoping to pursue a career in the sport sciences industry. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of a range of Sport and Exercise theories, ensuring you are well prepared for your next steps. Topics will include:
- Functional anatomy
- Applied psychology
- Coaching for performance and fitness
- Physical activity for individual and group-based exercise
- Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science
- Fitness training and programming
- Application of fitness testing
- Sports event organisation
- Investigating business in the sport and active leisure industry
- Skill acquisition in sport
- Research methods in Sport
- Lab and field-based fitness testing
- Nutrition for sports performance
- Sports injuries
An enriching experience
Studying Applied Sport at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our Applied Sport students enjoy include:
- Work placements, including to international destinations such as Lisbon and organisations such as Opta Sports
- Visiting guest speakers who play sport at a national and international level
- Visits to grow your physical skills such as to the English Institute of Sport and various outdoor challenge centres
- Taking part in lunchtime enrichments such as Sports Psychology, Tag Rugby and Match of the Day Analysis
- Use of the indoor and outdoor gym facilities
- Trips to universities and visiting guest lecturers
Through your experience of practical activities and academic theory you will develop your self-confidence and communication skills. Inside the classroom you’ll enjoy a variety of learning methods, including group work, role play and presentations, which will develop your confidence, teamwork and communication skills – all of which are essential in the world of work.
Enlightening opportunities
We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our subject specialists will instil in you a love of learning, and challenge you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career. Throughout your studies, your teachers will create an environment where you will be encouraged to discuss a wide-range of topics which will support you to develop an enlightened approach to the world around you. These discussions will be linked to your passions, study programme and your wider career ambitions.
How will you be assessed?
This course is assessed via presentations, group work and assignments, and externally assessed exams.
Students who gain this qualification progress on to a wide range of destinations, and the opportunities you can experience are vast, with students studying this qualification progressing to university, the world of work or degree level apprenticeships or successfully competing as professional athletes. There are naturally progression routes within the industry and our students secure careers in areas such as coaching, teaching and leisure centre management.
Popular degree pathways and jobs within the sector for students who complete this course include:
- Physiotherapy
- Sports Therapy
- Teaching
- Nutritionist
- Sports Journalist
- Sports Rehabilitation
Please note, this course is an Extended Diploma. This means it is a full time study programme and therefore is not available to study alongside any other subject. If you would like to study Applied Sport and Exercise Science as part of a wider study programme, this course is also available as:
• A Certificate (1 A Level equivalent)
• A Diploma (2 A Level equivalent)