Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications are designed to develop practical skills alongside specialist knowledge and understanding of the subject area. These qualifications have been well respected and recognised by employers and higher education institutions. The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 5 qualification which is equivalent to the second year of the Bachelor Degree. The HND qualification can be studied by those in employment for professional development to enhance their career prospects or HNC students can use this as an alternative path to gain higher education locally at lower cost.
This course is designed for you if you would like to be involved with sport and the fitness industry, with an emphasis on sport science, exercise, health and lifestyle. The course aims to develop a sound understanding of the major theoretical and practical principles associated with working in the sport, health, exercise and fitness industry, a growing sector. A significant focus is placed on the skills required for effective communication, self-development and career progression. If you are looking to pursue a career in sports science or the health and fitness industry, or you are currently employed in a sports environment and wish to combine work with study to develop your skills and knowledge to enhance your career prospects, then this course may be for you. This course will draw on a range of industry links and local employers to provide you with vocational experience. Work placements may be offered during the programme to provide direct industry experience in an area of your choice, developing and enhancing your employment prospects.
For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:
• A HNC Sport and Exercise Science qualification with an overall Merit grade
and
• A* to C or 9 to 4 grades in GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent)
On receipt of your application to study this course you will be invited to attend an admissions interview with a member of the teaching team to discuss the course and its requirements further. Please note that meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee an offer will be made. Offers are made based on the interviewer’s professional judgement.
You will study a total of seven units throughout the HND course. One mandatory core units will provide a general foundation and two specialist and four optional units will introduce you to particular sports science, exercise, health and lifestyle topics in more depth. Please note that only one Specialist unit can be selected from each Specialist pathway group.
Units for the HND
• Unit 14: Research Project (Pearson-set) – (Core)
• Unit 16: Performance Analysis (Specialist)
• Unit 19: Contemporary Issues in Health (Specialist)
• Unit 24: Personal & Professional Development (Optional)
• Unit 25: Work Experience (Optional)
• Unit 29: Teaching Practice (Optional)
• Unit 33: Strength & Conditioning for Coaching (Optional)
Note: Optional units may change to meet local employment need.
Unit Specification: Sport and Exercise Science (2018) | BTEC Higher Nationals | Pearson qualifications
HNC units are assessed internally. You will be graded for each individual unit with a Pass, Merit or Distinction. You may be assessed in a number of different ways, such as presentations, written reports, logbooks and practical tasks.
Fees: £2900.00
On successful completion of this course you can continue with employment or use the HND as an entry to apply for other Higher Education qualifications e.g. Bachelor Degree, Top-up Degree. You can apply to university to complete a degree in a related subject; entry to the degree may be at Year 3 dependent upon the university and degree programme. This qualification can also be used to support a job application within a related profession.
During your interview you will be advised for any additional course requirements and costs. The information on the college policies and procedures, Terms and Conditions and the Student Protection Plan (SPP) are available on the college website
https://macclesfield.ac.uk/awards-policies-and-values/student-and-college-policies/. Also, a copy of these terms and conditions and the Student Protection Plan will be given to you to read before enrolling on the course.
Next course available: September 15th, 2025
Number of Weeks: 33
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