Advanced Sports Coaching & Development: NQ (Level 6)

Student mid-pull-up on gym rig with colourful wall graphics behind.

Qualification

Study Mode

Full Time

Duration

1 Year - 2.5 Days per week

Start date

Aug 2026

Campus

Springburn

Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Take your passion for sport to the next level with this hands-on coaching and development programme.

This Level 6 course is ideal if you’re enthusiastic about sport and ready to build the skills, confidence, and practical experience needed for a future in coaching or sports development. You’ll take part in real coaching sessions, match scenarios, and fitness-based activities while learning how to plan, deliver, and review coaching practice across different sports.

Alongside your practical work, you’ll explore performance analysis, inclusive coaching approaches, athlete development, and applied sports science. Learning takes place in a friendly, supportive environment where lecturers help you build strong foundations and grow your coaching abilities.

You’ll also have opportunities to engage with local and national sports organisations, giving you valuable industry insight and helping you build professional networks. By the end of the programme, you’ll be well-prepared for further study, volunteering, or entry-level roles within the sports sector.

This course is a great match if you:

Are passionate about sport and enjoy working with people
Want to build confidence and gain practical coaching experience
Are aiming for a future career in sports coaching, development, or fitness
Are progressing from a Level 5 programme (or equivalent experience) and want to advance your skills

What you will learn

You’ll develop the technical, physical, and professional skills needed to deliver safe, effective, and engaging coaching sessions. Over the year, you will explore topics such as:

Sports Coaching Practice – planning, delivering, and reviewing coaching sessions for different age groups and abilities
Performance Preparation & Analysis – understanding warm-ups, cool-downs, performance indicators, and how to evaluate athlete progress
Human Physiology & the Energy System – learning how the body responds and adapts to exercise
Nutrition for Physical Activity – understanding healthy eating, hydration, and energy balance
Strength & Conditioning – developing fitness principles and appropriate training methods
Development of Personal Fitness – improving your own fitness through structured training programmes
Teamwork, Leadership & Communication – developing essential employability skills for coaching environments

Your learning will be a mix of practical sessions, classroom activities, workshops, and real coaching scenarios.

Entry requirements

✅ Three National 5 qualifications, OR

✅ One Higher qualification, OR

✅ An NQ/NC qualification at SCQF Level 5 in a sport-related subject.

✅ A strong interest in coaching, fitness, health, or sport

Additional requirements:

Some experience playing or coaching football (highly recommended)
A reasonable level of physical fitness. You’ll be actively involved in drills, match scenarios, and coaching practice throughout the programme, developing both your coaching ability and personal performance in sport.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This course can help prepare you for roles such as:

🏃‍♂️ Sports Coach

⚽ Community Coach

🏋️ Fitness Instructor

🎽 Active Schools Assistant

📈 Sports Development Assistant

🧒 Youth Sport Leader

Future prospects

Successful completion of this course allows progression to:

HNC in Coaching & Developing Sport
Outdoor Pursuits programmes
Employment or voluntary coaching roles with local clubs and community organisations

You’ll also be eligible for early-bird internal progression within Glasgow Kelvin College.

Real Industry Connections

Delivered in collaboration with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local partners, this course offers:

Guest Speakers – Insights from professionals in coaching and sport development
Site Visits – Explore sport facilities and community programmes
Practical Coaching Sessions – Real coaching experience with peers and community groups
Professional Networking – Build connections and learn what employers look for