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.
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:
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
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
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
- Entrepreneurship
- Sports performance
- Health
- Fitness
Contact us
School Administrator Tel: 028 9026 5332 or email: hcslinfo@belfastmet.ac.uk
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