Course Overview

Our Physical Activity and Health course have been developed with you in mind. It will provide you with the knowledge and skills to study and analyze the various aspects of physical activity/exercise and health in different population groups, ensuring that you'll have both a firm theoretical and vocational grounding in the subjects that underpin the health and exercise industry.

You'll learn about the impact of physical inactivity on health and disease, the methods for tackling health-related issues in non-exercise populations, and the attached benefits. 

There is a strong emphasis on the practical application of theoretical knowledge, and the course has CIMSPA-endorsed vocational standards embedded within it covering:

• CIMSPA professional standard - gym instructor

• CIMSPA professional standard – personal trainer

• CIMSPA professional standard – working with people with long-term conditions

• CIMSPA professional standard - health navigator

• CIMSPA professional standard – safeguarding and protecting children

• CIMSPA professional standard – safeguarding adults and adults at risk

These are traditionally known as level 2 gym instructors, three personal trainers, and exercise referrals. Therefore, as well as a science degree focusing on physical activity and health, students are provided with all the knowledge, skills, and behaviors to meet minimum deployment standards in the health and fitness industry.

General Eligibility

Our entry requirements indicate standard and Minimum qualifications with which we usually accept students. However, competition for places varies yearly, and you aren't guaranteed a business if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

BBBC, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology at Grade C. Please note SQA Higher PE at Grade B will be accepted instead of Science if studied alongside SQA Higher Maths (Minimum Grade C required).

National 5 C in Maths  (excluding Applications of Maths and Functional Skills Maths) (can accept Lifeskills), National 5 C in English & an additional science including Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

BCCC, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology at Grade C. Please note: SQA Higher PE at Grade B will be accepted instead of a Science if studied alongside SQA Higher Maths (Minimum Grade C required).

National 5 C in Maths (excluding Applications of Maths and Functional Skills Maths) (can accept Lifeskills), National 5 C in English & an additional science including Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

A Level

BCC, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, or PE.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Double Award Science at Grades CC also required.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Grades H2, H3, H3, and H3 at Higher Levels, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.

Ordinary Level Grade 04 in Maths, English and & one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE Grade C in Maths, English, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Double Award Science at Grades CC also required.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.

A Level grade C

GCSE Grade C in Maths, English, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Double Award Science at Grades CC/4 also required

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, and 4, including a Science^ at minimum grade 5.

Four points in SL Maths (excluding Maths Studies), 4 points in SL English, and one in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

T Level 

Grade M

T Level must be completed in a Science subject, or Level Science may be required.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths, English & one Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Double Award Science at Grades CC also required.

 Minimum year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

BBC to include Biology

A Level

BBB to include Biology

HNC

Pass in a related subject* with an A in the graded unit.

*Fitness, Health, and Exercise, Sports & Exercise Science, Applied Sports Science, Applied Biological Science.

Minimum Year 3

HND

Pass in a related subject* with Grades AA at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units.

*Fitness, Health and Exercise, Sport & Exercise Science, Applied Sports Science, or Applied Biological Science.

Students with an HND in Fitness, Health, and Exercise must pass the following units: Mechanics for the Health and Fitness Professional OR Sports Mechanics OR Human Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics in Sport AND Psychology of Sport and Exercise OR Psychology of Exercise OR Psychology of Sports Performance OR Psychology of Sports Coaching.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours per week

Language Requirement

• IELTS (Academic)

  6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

  TOEFL Internet-Based Test

  80 overall, with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing

  Pearson’s Test of Academic English

  56 overall, with a minimum of 51 in each component

  Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)

  ISE III, ISE III, & ISE IV with a pass in each component

  LanguageCert English language qualification

  B2 Communicator Test with an overall 39 or above and 25 or above in all skills