Interested in sport, fitness, and how exercise affects the human body? You’re not alone. Sports Coaching and Sport and Exercise Science industries have seen continued growth in line with the expansion of the sport and physical activity sector, offering a rich variety of interesting and rewarding career opportunities.
We’ve developed a series of courses that allow you to kick off at level 1 or, if you already have appropriate qualifications, jump in at a higher level and progress up to level 3 and onto University.
Each level adds additional depth and knowledge with units ranging from Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Biomechanics of Movement, Nutrition, and Sports Injuries. You can choose from pathways in Sports Coaching and Development, or Sport and Exercise Science, and you’ll benefit from a well-rounded educational and sporting experience. Students also develop skills that are transferable and valued by other industries such as leadership and teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Choose the college with a proven track record that will inspire you to succeed and turn your passion into a career. Join North Hertfordshire College for a Sport & Fitness course today.
Whichever track you choose during your studies at NHC, our team of expert tutors will help you gain the skills and experiences you need for a successful career in the Sports and Fitness sector.
Your career options include, but are not limited to:
Sports Coaching
Sports and Exercise Science
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science.
I am really enjoying my time at NHC, it’s a good environment and everyone is so happy and cheerful. The teachers, and everyone around the college, are ready to support us with anything from assignment work, to pastoral concerns and they always do their best to help- it feels like a big family!
BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.
The Sports Coaching course is very fun and interesting. I learn new things all the time, even when I think I know something it goes into more depth! This course is all coursework based, I find this really supportive as it as it helps you to track your progress and grade throughout the year. The practical side is great as you get plenty of opportunity to coach lessons, as well as learning new sports that you may not have played before. I have had the opportunity to learn about the business side of sports, as well as target groups. The assignment briefs and specifications are easy to follow, and the sports team are really friendly and are always there to help you.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science.
I’ve really enjoyed being a student at NHC studying on the Sport and Exercise Science course. The programme is brilliant, very interesting, and in-depth; there is so much to learn and the practical sessions are really fun too! My favourite unit that I have studied this year has been anatomy and physiology as I particularly enjoy learning about the structure and function of the body. Additionally, we have had guest speakers deliver virtual talks to us about the different courses they have studied at university, how it helped them to achieve their goals and how they handled any challenges they faced along the way. I would definitely recommend this course to anybody who is interested in learning more about the body, muscles, and sports related topics - the teachers are very good at their job so coming to NHC is a win win situation!
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.
After two years, and lots of hard work, I am over the moon to receive such good grades. I have made so much progress since starting at the College, and that is all down to the support of my tutors at NHC. In September I am off to UCFB Etihad to study Physical Education which will hopefully lead me on to teaching PE in the future.
Liz Calver
Head of Curriculum for Sport and Public Services.
My name is Liz and I am the Head of Curriculum for Sport and Public Services here at the College.
I am really pleased you’ve found your way to this part of the website- if you’re someone who is passionate about sport, or making a difference in your community, then one of our programmes could definitely be for you! We have a wonderful team of dedicated staff within the department who are all experts in their fields; you can read more about them in the ‘who’s who’ below.
On behalf of all the team, we look forward to meeting you soon and welcoming you to NHC!
Emma Ball
Deputy Head of Curriculum for Sport and Public Services
Hello, my name is Emma and I am the Deputy Head of Curriculum for Sports and Public Services here at the College. My role is to assist with the day-to-day running of the department as well as teach and support the delivery of programmes across the department. My background is in sport, as I previously worked as a strength and conditioning coach, but I have a keen interest in criminology, politics, and love a good crime documentary. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Georgie Burns
Deputy Head of Sport, Public Services, Business, and Travel & Tourism
My name is Georgie Burns, and I teach on our Protective Services qualifications and am also Deputy Head of the department. My aim is to create a fun learning environment by prioritising the student experience for my groups. During my free time, I volunteer as a Special Constable with Hertfordshire Constabulary, supporting the constabulary by tackling crime and protecting our community. Being a Constable allows me to offer real-life insight for our students by helping them through the application and selection process for their intended destinations.
Chris Bentley
Sport Tutor
Hello, my name is Chris Bentley, and I am a tutor of Sport and Public Services at North Hertfordshire College. Previously, I have worked in the Sport Science industry working for elite football clubs such as Reading and Arsenal FC. I have completed an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Master’s Degree in Sport Performance Analysis and a PGCE. I have a passion to support students with developing a life-long love of sport and physical activity whilst striving to reach their potential. We look forward to welcoming you to our fantastic college.
Chris Lawson
Sport Tutor
Hello everyone, I’m Chris! I teach across our Sport programmes here at the College. I have a master’s degree in Sports Science Performance, and have previously worked at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and in FE for 4 years. I am passionate about teaching sport and seeing young people achieve their best and progress into careers within the sector. If you see me around campus, then be sure to say hi!
James Noonan
Sport and Public Services Success Coach.
Hi, my name is James and I’m one of two Success Coaches at NHC working within the Public Services and Sports department. My goal is to make sure that you as students succeed academically whilst also gaining knowledge on our Bridge programme, learning skills that will help you grow as an individual and prepare you for your next steps. I also like to prioritise the mental health of the students over the academic year and will regularly have one-to-one catch-ups with you to make sure you’re on track to succeed and are doing okay.
George Payne
Sports Tutor
Hello, I’m George and I’m one of the Sports Tutors here at NHC. I look forward to taking you through your learning journey and providing you with the opportunities to be the best version of yourself.
Ryah Vyse
Sports Tutor
Hi, my name is Ryah and I have been a part of the teaching team here since 2018. I have a degree in Physical Education and a second in Psychology. I studied in America on a soccer scholarship which allowed me to play football for four years, alongside my studies. When returning to England in 2017, I continued my playing career at Spurs Women for two seasons and I am now in my second season with Watford Women!
I’m always excited for the new students to arrive and to take their next steps into college life. Watching students develop not only as pupils in the classroom but also as people is the highlight of my job!
Ross Ward
Sports Tutor
I am a passionate educator and have been working at NHC since 2011 working on a wide range of courses from Level 1 to Level 5 Foundation Degree/ HND programmes. My values include professionalism, respect, honesty, accountability and self-development which have been developed through my experiences teaching and coaching. I enjoy new challenges and have taken part in a wide range of fitness and coaching qualifications including UEFA B certification using this to work as an academy coach at Stevenage FC as well as being a qualified personal trainer and assessor supporting learners to enter the fitness industry.
At North Hertfordshire College, our Sport and Fitness team has developed strong links with the local community to help support our students. When you join a Sport and Fitness course at NHC, you’ll benefit from regular talks with guest speakers from across the sport and physical activity sector, as well as attending external trips to sporting venues and sports clubs to see your learning in action.
Work experience opportunities during your course include shadowing professionals in the industry, from physiotherapists providing gait analysis and deep tissue massage, to PE teachers in local schools designing and delivering sessions, through to personal trainers at local gyms teaching and supporting clients from a range of fitness levels.
We’re very proud that some of these partnerships now also include our alumni, helping further support the next generation.
North Hertfordshire College is proud to offer a range of professional and leisure courses to adults in the local community.
Whether you’re looking to change career, improve your skills, or pick up a new hobby and make new friends, NHC has a course for you.
