Sport and Fitness - Introduction to: NQ (Level 4)
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Course overview
Take the next step in your sport and fitness journey.
The NQ Sport and Fitness (Level 5) course builds on your existing skills and confidence from introductory study or personal experience. It develops your practical coaching, teamwork, and fitness performance in preparation for higher-level courses or employment in the fitness industry.
Learning takes place in our high-performance gyms, Games Hall, and classrooms, with additional industry visits to broaden your understanding of professional environments.
You’ll take part in a range of sports such as basketball, football, badminton, and personal fitness training. The course combines fun, challenge, and professional growth — ideal if you want to move toward roles in fitness, coaching, or sport development.
You’ll also have opportunities to gain short, industry-recognised qualifications such as Boxing, Football, and Volleyball, adding real value to your CV.
A PVG check is required to undertake the mandatory work placement embedded in the programme.
the mandatory work placement.
This course is perfect if you:
- Want to improve your fitness and develop practical coaching skills.
- Are aiming to progress to NQ Level 6 or HNC/D Sport programmes.
- Enjoy working in a team and motivating others.
- Are interested in exploring a variety of sports and exercise settings.
- Have a passion for health, activity, and wellbeing.
What you will learn
You’ll study both practical and theoretical aspects of sport and exercise to build a solid foundation for further study or work.
Course content may include:
- Badminton and Basketball – improving personal skills and tactical awareness.
- Football – developing teamwork, communication, and coaching techniques.
- Introduction to Inclusiveness in Sport – understanding equality and accessibility in sport.
- Fixed and Free Weights Training – learning safe and effective resistance-training methods.
- First Aid for Sport – gaining essential emergency and safety skills.
- Nutrition for Health and Fitness – learning how diet supports training and performance.
- Skills for Employment – building confidence, communication, and teamwork skills for the workplace.
Entry requirements
To apply for the NQ Sport and Fitness (Level 5), you should have:
✅ Three National 5 qualifications or equivalent, OR
✅ Relevant experience in sport or fitness with a demonstrated interest in the industry.
A passion for sport, exercise, and health, along with a good level of fitness, is essential.
Mature learners with experience but no formal qualifications are welcome to apply and will be considered on merit.
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (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.
Career Opportunities
This course provides a pathway into a variety of roles in the sport and fitness sector, including:
🏋️♀️ Gym Instructor Assistant
🤸♂️ Group Exercise Coach
🏟 Sports Coaching Assistant
💪 Recreation or Leisure Assistant
Graduates will be well equipped to work in local authority leisure centres, private gyms, or sports development programmes.
Future prospects
Successful learners can progress to:
- NQ Outdoor Adventure Leadership (Level 6)
- A variety of Sports and Fitness HNC/D programmes
These qualifications open doors to higher-level study and specialist coaching careers.
Real Industry Connections
Our Fitness and Sport team bring extensive experience from across the fitness industry — including personal training, gym management, group exercise, and sports coaching.
They have worked in both private and public sectors, with several having international experience, ensuring your learning reflects the latest industry standards and practices.
