Introduction
Elevate your future in Sport and Fitness
This full-time programme at SCQF Level 5 provides a strong foundation for those who are motivated to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence within the sport and fitness industry.
You will be introduced to a wide range of practical and academic learning experiences. Study at this level is intentionally challenging, and consistent commitment is essential. We have an experienced and supportive teaching team who will guide you throughout the course, but your success will depend on your engagement, attendance, and willingness to participate fully.
Employability is embedded throughout the programme. Regular attendance and active involvement in both practical and classroom-based learning are vital—not only for your academic progress but also to ensure continued eligibility for EMA or Bursary funding (where applicable).
You will participate in varied practical sessions and classroom activities, and you’ll develop your digital skills through regular use of Microsoft Teams for communication, learning, and assessment.
Whether your aspirations involve personal training, sports coaching, fitness instruction, or exploring other dynamic roles in the sector, this course provides a valuable first step toward a rewarding career.
Your journey starts here.
Our sport and fitness provision in the College is recognised as a CIMSPA 3-star ‘Enhancing’ provider — meaning our learners benefit from industry-aligned teaching, proven support mechanisms and a direct pathway into the sport & physical activity workforce.
This badge recognises CIMSPA education partners who have evidenced best practice within most of their operations, processes, and practices, and are seen to be offering highest quality provision to its learner. This involves completion of CIMSPA’s annual quality assurance review in order to maintain this badge.
Course code
NSFI
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Attendance: Full Time 3 days per week, additional hours encouraged for volunteering experience and attendance in the evening may be required.
Entry Requirements
- Four National 4 awards or equivalent, or&#nbsp;
- Other related qualifications and/or considerable experience
- Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses.
Applicants must declare any criminal convictions when applying. While each case is considered individually, some convictions may mean you are unable to undertake activities or work in this sector, and we may not be able to offer you a place. This is because you may be in settings with children and/or vulnerable adults. We want to ensure that every applicant can successfully complete the course and move into employment, so openness at the point of application is essential.
All students will undergo a PVG (criminal records check) to ensure you can progress within this industry and gain employment. If you are already ‘barred’ or ‘under consideration for listing’ we cannot legally offer you a place.
Current Dumfries & Galloway College students will require a positive progressing learner reference, successful completion of all the units on your current course and consistently have above 80% attendance as well as being fully engaged.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
Once we have received your application you may be given a date and time slot to take part in an interview. This can be face to face or over the phone.
It is important that you put effort into your application. This allows us to ensure the entry requirements are met and your aspirations and career plans are appropriate for the course and the level of course you have applied for.
You will be expected to provide positive responses to questions relating to your course choice, your future career and your previous experiences in sport & fitness.
Course Content
You will study:
- Contemporary Fitness and Exercise Training Methods
- Leadership within Physical Activities
- Nutrition, Health, and Wellbeing
- Teamwork through Sport and Recreation Activity
- You will reflect on meta-skills
- You will get career and further study advice
- You’ll use Teams regularly for your coursework
The course content is subject to change.
Assessments
Assessment is ongoing throughout the year and includes practical assessments and project work.
Progression
Previous students on this course have moved on to:
- SCQF Level 6 Certificate in Sport & Fitness&#nbsp;
Then progressed to
- HNC Fitness, Health, and Exercise
- HNC Coaching and Developing Sport
Career Prospects
Careers in:
- Leisure facilities
- Sports coaching
- Fitness Instructing
- Roles in non-sport and fitness related industries
Additional funding information
You may be eligible for Bursary or EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) funding for this course. Please contact a member of the funding team for details.
Selling Points
You will be taught by sports coaching staff with significant industry experience and a proven record of accomplishment in bringing out the best in their students. Students will have exciting practical and theory-based experiences in Sport & Fitness.