HND Fitness Health and Exercise at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The HND Fitness, Health and Exercise builds on the HNC to advance study of fitness, health and exercise activities, including exercise prescription and fitness assessment for specialist population groups. It develops the skills to design and deliver programmes for individuals and to involve participants in their own fitness and health development. The page notes a planned move to a new NextGen HN qualification for 2027 entry, subject to approval.

Duration: Full time: 2 years; part time: 4 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 is the HNC Physical Activity and Health. Year 2 mandatory units are applied exercise prescription and applied fitness assessment for specialist population groups, applied nutrition assessment and prescription, current exercise trends, graded unit 2 and getting started in business. Options include core strength and posture, personal training delivery and planning, flexibility training and research in sport and fitness.

Career pathways

Fitness instructor, personal trainer, gym supervisor or manager, community activity development and active schools coordinator, with opportunities in the NHS, private training providers and self-employment. Progression to year 3 of the BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry to year 1 (HNC): two Scottish Highers at grade C or above or two A levels at grade D or above, preferably including English plus a science subject or Mathematics; alternatively a relevant sports-related NC or NQ at SCQF level 6 or above. Mature entry with requisite experience and potential to succeed. Applicants without standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and an interview may be required. Year 2 entry requires the HNC Physical Activity and Health Group Award (15 credits) and PVG Scheme membership. This is a Category 1 PVG course.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland, full-time. Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 2 years; part time: 4 years

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