Adventure Sports: Coaching and Development: HND

Qualification

HND

Study Mode

Full Time

Duration

2 Academic Years - 2.5 Days p/w

Start date

Aug 2025

Campus

Springburn

Applications open January 2025

Course overview

Adventure Sports coaching is a key aspect in the expanding sports industry across the UK, from grass roots level to high performance sports.

This qualification will help you to pursue a career in outdoor coaching across a range of sports.

This course includes an embedded, stand-alone, industry-recognised PDA in Sports Coaching at that is jointly certificated with sportscotland CIMSPA.

Your learning will take place in Springburn campus, Pinkston Watersports and other off campus venues. You will experience a range of adventure sports throughout your time with us, such as Paddle Boarding, Skiing, Bouldering and Power Boat Level 2.

Your assessments on this programme take place throughout the year but at a time when you are ready to be assessed.

You will have the opportunity to work with organisations in the public, commercial or voluntary sector. You will also be able to undertake a range of short coaching qualifications, which are either free of charge to you or subsidised by the college. These qualifications can add real value to your job applications in the industry and give you the competitive edge to start your career in sports coaching.

A PVG will be required to undertake the mandatory placement which is embedded in the course.

What you will learn

Year 1:

Sports Development 1
Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics in Sport
Sports Coaching: Developing Professional Practice
Sports Coaching: Knowing Yourself
Sports Coaching: Knowing Others
Sports Coaching: Knowing Coaching
Graded Unit 1
Psychology of Sport & Exercise
Outdoor Activities Provision
Personal Development Planning
Safe Practice
Work Placement – this can be with your own sports club

Year 2

Sports Development 2
Sports Coaching: Knowing Yourself 2
Sports Coaching: Knowing Others 2
Sports Coaching: Knowing Coaching 2
Applied Psychology
Graded Unit 2
Physical Prep for Sports
Skills in outdoor activities
Inclusive Sport

Entry requirements

At least one of the following:

Two Highers at Grade C or above, one of which should be English based (English, Modern Studies, History, Geography, Media Studies) OR
NQ/NC qualification at SCQF level 5/6 in a Sports related subject; OR
Other equivalent qualifications or coaching experience.
Mature learners with experience but no formal qualifications, will be considered on merit.

For this course, if English is not your first language

you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.

All candidates will participate in a recruitment process

Career Opportunities

Sports Coach
Sports Development Officer
Educational Physical Activity Co-ordinator
Sport Lecturer

Future prospects

Successful HND students can progress to 3rd year at a variety of Universities including; University of Highlands & Islands, UCLAN, Cumbria, & West of Scotland.

Employment within the outdoor education sector.

Students can progress into Sports Coaching and Sports Development roles in the industry, both in the UK and overseas