Develop your understanding of Sports & Exercise Science with a HNC or HND ⚽
This two-year course will give you the knowledge and skills for gaining employment in the sector or progressing to degree-level study at university.
Entry requirements:
You need 48 UCAS points to apply for this course.
Applicants also need: a Level 3 (or equivalent) in sport or physical education, GCSE English at Grade 4/C or above, and GCSE Maths at Grade 4/C or above.
How to apply for an HNC/D in Sport & Exercise Science at North Hertfordshire College
You can apply for a Higher National Certificate in Sport & Exercise Science through UCAS.
Application codes for HNC/D in Sport & Exercise Science:
Course code: C602 | Institution code: N57
Campus name: Hitchin | Campus code: H
Course content
During your HNC/D in Sport & Exercise Science at North Hertfordshire College, you’ll have the chance to take your knowledge of sports even further. You’ll study a mixture of core and optional modules to help you explore your interests and shape your course towards your future career.
This course consists of classroom-based assignments, projects, practical tests, and exams.
After successfully completing the first year of study, you’ll achieve your Higher National Certificate (HNC). You’ll earn your Higher National Diploma (HND) after successfully finishing your second year of study.
Year 1 modules – Level 4 HNC, 120 credits
Core modules:
- Unit 1: Nutrition (15 credits)
- Unit 2: Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Psychology (15 credits)
- Unit 3: Anatomy & Physiology (15 credits)
- Unit 4: Professional Skills (Pearson-set) (15 credits)
Optional modules:
- Unit 6: Training, Fitness, Testing (15 credits)
- Unit 7: Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Health (15 credits)
- Unit 9: Biomechanics (15 credits)
- Unit 10: Technology in Sport (15 credits)
Year 2 modules – Level 5 HND, 120 credits
Core modules:
- Unit 14: Research Project (Pearson-set) (30 Credits)
Optional modules:
- Unit 18: Exercise Prescription (15 Credits)
- Unit 31: Biochemistry of Exercise (15 Credits)
- Unit 26: Exercise Physiology (15 Credits)
- Unit 27: Advanced Nutrition (15 Credits)
- Unit 33: Strength & Conditioning for Coaching (15 Credits)
- Unit 32: Psychology for Performance (15 Credits)
Taught at NHC’s Hitchin Campus
This course is based at North Hertfordshire College’s Hitchin Campus (Cambridge Road, SG4 0JD). The campus features social spaces, an on-campus fine dining restaurant, and easy access routes from public transport and the motorway.
The campus is also home to the NHC Sports Hub, a high-spec gym and fitness training centre that’s designed to help you put your learning into practice. Equipment in the gym includes Peloton bikes, free weights, and assault treadmills.
Students aged over 18 can even use the gym for free!
Tuition fees and funding
You may be eligible for a student loan from Student Finance England to cover the cost of tuition for your HNC/D.
| EU | £4875 | Year 1 |
| England | £4875 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4875 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4875 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4875 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £4875 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
The course fee includes membership to BASES, trips and visits, and uniform.
Frequently asked questions about HNC/D in Sport & Exercise Science at North Hertfordshire College
An HNC (Higher National Certificate) at North Hertfordshire College is a one-year course that provides foundational knowledge and skills in sport and exercise science.
An HND (Higher National Diploma) builds on the HNC, and can be completed in the year after the HNC. This offers more in-depth study, and can lead directly to employment, or progression to the final year of university to complete a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science.
Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as:
- Fitness training and personal coaching
- Sports therapy and rehabilitation
- Health promotion and wellness coaching
- Strength and conditioning
- Progression to university degrees in sport science, physiotherapy, or teaching
