HNC/HND Sports Coaching and Development

Higher National Qualifications have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry - so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.

The unit-based structure supports flexibility. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

There are opportunities to liaise with industry stakeholders and to offer internal cross-college projects.

The HNC Sports Coaching and Development is suitable for a wide range of learners including:

• school leavers
• adult returners to education
• individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
• people who wish to start their own business

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following:

• SVQ at SCQF level 6 in appropriate subjects
• occupationally relevant skills and experience
• some experience in sports coaching

Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.

Successful completion of the HNC may lead to career opportunities which include, but are not confined to: sports coaching and/or activity leadership, active school roles, sports development, disability sports development, fitness/gym staff, leisure centre staff, swimming pool staff, and health and fitness staff.

Employers may include: local authorities, leisure trusts, national/sports governing bodies (NGB/SGB), local sports organisations, and private clubs/hotels.

The practical nature of the course will equip learners for work within the promotion and development aspects of sports or sports coaching. Throughout the sports coaching and sports development mandatory units there is a strong emphasis on placement learning and developing the practical skills relevant to modern sports coaching and development.

The PDA is mapped to the sportscotland Effective Coaching Map. It is recognised by Community Leisure UK (Scotland) as a qualification that will meet their workforce needs and therefore represents a passport to employment.

The HNC in Sports Coaching and Development will articulate directly to the HND in Sports Coaching and Development which is due to be validated in spring 2020.

Additionally, local agreements exist with a number of universities to allow entry into year 2 (or 3 following the HND) of a variety of degree pathways for those who wish to develop their knowledge and skills.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process. Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

The embedded Professional Development Award in Sports Coaching at SCQF level 7 is available for delivery within further education colleges only.