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Entry Year

14/09/2026

Location

Millfield

Duration

1 Year (Full-Time)

Course Code

P00804-AA
Overview
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National CertificateSport & Exercise Science
Millfield
Full-Time
Higher Education
Start Date: 14/09/2026
End Date: 13/06/2027

Qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport & Exercise Science (603/2276/7)
Times: 09:00 - 16:30

Overview

This qualification examines the scientific principles which underpin health and sporting performance and will be of interest to anyone considering a career in the following.

  • Sport and exercise science
  • Sports nutrition
  • Sports psychology
  • Sports physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Physical education
  • Physiotherapy
  • Performance analysis
  • Sports Coaching

Collaborative partnerships with several leading universities, provide multiple opportunities to progress to BSc honours top up in relevant areas. You will study a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science. A Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science  may be offered following completion of the Level 4 HNC. However this is dependent on the number of students progressing to the Pearson BTEC Level 5.

You can complete a 1 year  Level 4 HNC and apply to Universities with your Level 4 HNC qualification if desired. This is a popular option for students applying to universities for a degree in Physiotherapy, Nutrition or Occupational Therapy.

The modules of the course are delivered predominantly at Millfield with Sports Massage delivered in our Sports Massage suite at the Castlereagh campus in order to allow the students access and use of some of the specialised facilities for strength and conditioning, sports massage and the sports science performance lab.

The programme has been designed and developed with leading employers, who have been instrumental in facilitating opportunities for work-based learning, and industry experience, which will enhance your employability in the burgeoning field of sport and exercise science.

The programme benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, including a sports science laboratory, biomechanics and performance analysis suite, sports massage therapy suite, Olympic standard strength and conditioning suite, and a wide range of cutting-edge equipment such as StatSport GPS, heart rate, video technology and Cortex Metalab Gas Analysis.

This is our most popular Higher Education course within the Sports Centre. Not only does this qualification examines the scientific principles which underpin health and sporting performance, but it is also delivered in a practical context and in normal class sizes. This makes the course substantially different from the more lecture-based delivery of Sport Science at some of the local Universities and it is consistently identified as a major strength of the course by our student surveys.

Advice
Pre-Entry Advice
Download the Pre-Entry Advice presentation to find out detailed information about the course. Play Slideshow in the presentation to activate any links or videos.

Gallery

Requirements

See College Entry Criteria for Level 5. Minimum of 96 UCAS Points.

Applicants with lower profile will be placed onto a waiting list and maybe offered a place depending on numbers

Fees

Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00

Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.

Visit our Student Funding page to find out how to fund your studies.

 

All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.

 

Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk

Assessment

A combination of assessment styles are used throughout the course. These include word processed assignments, presentations, lab reports, practical assessments and project based learning.

Careers
Made for More

Careers

This is an academic course primarily designed to facilitate your progression to Level 6 at University but can also be used as a foundation piece for a self-employment career within the Sport Science sector.

Most popular University Courses after HND completion:

  • Sport and Exercise Science Top-Up degree 
  • Physiotherapy
  • Strength and Conditioning accelerated degree
  • Sports Nutrition

The most popular career choices of former students are PE teachers, Allied Health Professionals, Performance Analysists, Strength and Conditioning coaches and Personal Trainer.

Interests

Interests

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Sports performance
  • Health
  • Fitness
Careers
Got a Question

Contact us

School Administrator Tel: 028 9026 5332 or email: hcslinfo@belfastmet.ac.uk