Physical Activity and Health HNC
Course code: 106C
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time., You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.
Course type: HNC
International: Not eligible for international students
Study at: Inverness; Moray; Perth
Start in: January; September
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at the local campus or learning centre.
Duration: Full time: 1 year; Part time: 2 years
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.
What is special about this course?
Do you want to inspire healthier lifestyles and make a real impact on your community? Could you create meaningful experiences that help others build strength, confidence, and wellbeing?
Our HNC Physical Activity and Health is your chance to shape a future that moves people and ideas forward. Learn in a way that centres your needs, building your knowledge of exercise programming, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and behaviour changes. Develop the skills to understand how physical activity supports healthier lives, and apply that knowledge in practical, real-world settings, strengthening your confidence as you explore how lifestyle choices shape long-term wellbeing.
Gain hands-on experience by working directly with employers across the physical activity, health, and sport sectors. Step into industry environments, connect with professionals, and grow your network while developing skills that support your career ambitions.
Whether you are leaving school, returning to education, or looking to progress in your current role, you'll find opportunities to expand your knowledge and move forward with purpose as you engage with local schools and communities, raise awareness of health and activity, and gain access to a wide range of careers and further study pathways.
Special features
Access to a modern fully equipped gym and practical learning facilities
Lecturing staff with excellent industry links and professional experience
Guest visits and lectures from fitness and health professionals
Shadowing, work-based learning, and placement opportunities
Clear progression routes into HND, degree study, or employment in physical activity, health and wellbeing sectors
Strong focus on applied learning, developing coaching, leadership, and employability skills for the active health workforce
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above, OR
- 2 A levels at grade C or above
- The above should preferably be in English, Physical Education, or a Science
- Alternatively, equivalent academic achievement at SCQF level 6 in an industry relevant PDA/NPA, or successful progression from a relevant full-time sport course
- Applications are also welcome from those holding alternative qualifications and/or relevant industry experience
- This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
You will study the following core modules:
- Anatomy and physiology for exercise and human movement
- Exercise practitioner
- Health promotion, nutrition and behaviour change
- Preparing to work in the physical activity and health industry
- Psychology of physical activity
- Research skills
- Strength and conditioning
- Training principles for exercise
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- This course is mainly delivered in-person, on campus
- Any online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year @ 35 hours per week
- Part-time: 2 years @ 18 hours per week
The number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent on online material as well as individual study and research.
- Inverness
- Moray
- Perth
Start date
- September
- January
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,440 | £7,886 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £496 | £526 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2025-26 | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,925 | £9,460 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £595 | £630 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider the following careers:
- Personal training
- Exercise referral specialist
- Strength and conditioning coach
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress from this HNC Physical Activity and Health to the following courses:
- HND Physical Activity and Health (coming soon to UHI)
- BSc Sport and Fitness (year 2)
Apply for Physical Activity and Health HNC
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.