HND Sport and Exercise Science
Key details
Award
Higher National Certificate / Higher Technical Qualification
UCAS Course Code
C007
Fees
£6,360 per year
Awarding Body
Pearson
Course Length
1 year
Course Start Date
September 2026
Course overview
The HND in Sport and Exercise Science is an ideal progression from the HNC Community Coaching for England, designed to deepen your knowledge and expand your practical skills within the sport and active leisure industry. You’ll gain the expertise needed to operate effectively, efficiently, and confidently across a range of professional roles, whether advancing your current career or pursuing new opportunities.
This course emphasises hands-on learning and work experience, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and develop practical skills that set you apart in the job market. You’ll explore both performance-focused coaching and participation-oriented approaches, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and enabling access to sport for all.
You will bridge the gap between theory and application, developing a comprehensive understanding of human performance, health, and wellbeing while gaining experience in coaching, exercise prescription, fitness testing, and lifestyle management. The course reflects the dynamic nature of sport and exercise, ensuring you are equipped to adapt to emerging trends and challenges in this fast-paced industry.
Why study with us?
Small class sizes with experienced tutors guiding your learning
Industry recognised qualifications from Pearson
Strong links with local employers and industry experts
What you’ll study
In this one-year course, you will build on the knowledge and skills gained from HNC Community Coaching for England, focusing on advanced coaching, performance development, and supporting diverse participant groups. You’ll engage in practical, research-based, and applied learning to prepare for professional roles in sport, exercise, and community coaching. Modules include:
- Research Project
- Advanced Coaching
- Performance Analysis
- Talent Identification and Development
- Sport and Exercise for Specific Groups
- Physical Education and School Sport
- Strength and Condition Coaching
Following successful completion of this HND course, students can progress to BSc (Hons) Sport Science (Top Up).
Future careers
Upon completing the HND Sport and Exercise Science course, you’ll be well-equipped for a wide range of rewarding careers, or further study such as the BSc (Hons) Sport Science (Top Up), including:
SPORTS COACH
Salary: £15,000-£45,000+
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Salary: £20,000-£60,000+
PERSONAL TRAINER
Salary: £13,000-£40,000+
Data collected by Lightcast. Lightcast is a leading provider of labour market analytics, offering data-driven insights to connect people with jobs. It integrates economic, labour market, demographic, and job posting data from various sources
Facilities
With state-of-the-art recording studios and dedicated edit suites, our facilities are designed to mirror professional studio environments, with industry-standard equipment. These study areas are available beyond timetabled hours, allowing you to refine your skills and develop your projects independently.
Explore our creative resources in more detail using our interactive 3D map:
Fees and entry requirements
HNC Community Coaching for England
Tuition Fees
This course is £6,360 per year. Find out how to secure student finance here.
Course Related Costs
Please see the Course Factsheet for details on other course-related costs.
Funding and Bursaries
Please see Additional Funding and Bursaries for more information.
Click here to view the full Course Factsheet.
More courses for you
How to apply
Apply for this course through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), using the UCAS Hub. UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for the full-time undergraduate courses at University and Colleges in the United Kingdom.
Please search for ‘West Suffolk College‘ as the institution name on UCAS.
Progressing students at Eastern Education Group
If you are already a student within the Eastern Education Group (West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College or One Sixth Form College), or have been within the last three years, you can apply directly through our Internal Application Form and save up to £1,000 off your first-year tuition fees*.
*This course is Subject to Validation.
**The College offers a discount to students who have studied a full-time qualification within the Eastern Education Group in the past three years. Fixed discounts of £1,000 on the first year of a degree course and £500 for first year of a HNC, HTQ or HND course. Students are only allowed to benefit from one discount within any three-year period. Higher or degree apprenticeships are not eligible for this award. The College reserves the right to remove this offer at any time. Other terms and conditions are not affected by this offer.
Disclaimer: There is no need to apply for this award. Full terms and conditions as outlined apply. The progression discounts are in place for students applying to start at University Centre at Eastern Education Group for entry in the same year as their application. Students must be enrolled and in attendance at University Centre at Eastern Education Group.