NQ Applied Sports Science (Level 6)
- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- 24 Aug 2026
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 year (August to June)
Applications for Aug 2026 courses open Wednesday 14th January 2026
Ever wondered what makes athletes and teams perform at their best? NQ Applied Sports Science will help you explore the science behind athletic performance with hands-on learning in anatomy,
psychology, biomechanics, and nutrition. You’ll also develop practical skills in fitness testing, strength and conditioning, movement analysis and sport analytics to prepare for careers in Sport Science, coaching, performance analysis, or further study.
What will I learn?
The NQ Applied Sports Science course consists of SQA Level 6 and Level 7 units, SCQF level 6 units, as well as college-certified modules, covering a broad range of practical and theoretical sport science topics. Units may include:
- Anatomy
- Sports mechanics
- Supporting talented performers
- Principles of fitness training
- Strength and conditioning
- Fitness testing
- Research skills
- Psychology sports
- Nutrition
- Sport analytics and performance
- Unlocking athletic potential (Biomechanics)
- Codes of conduct
- Work placement
- Sport science concepts and applications
- Sport and fitness activities
Please note: A Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check will be required to undertake any coaching placements/work experience which may be included in the course.
A programme of team building, and leadership skills is undertaken along with a focus on gaining National Governing Body Awards where applicable.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- You should have National 5 English, or an equivalent English-based subject, for example History or Modern Studies, at B or above, plus two other National 5 passes at C, or above; OR
- NQ Fitness, Phsyical Activity and Health (Level 5), NQ Fundamentals of Sports Coaching and Fitness (Level 5), NQ Football Studies (Level 5), or equivalent
- You must have an active interest in sport and should demonstrate this in the application form
- We will consider your application if you can demonstrate an active interest in sport but have no formal qualifications
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (SCQF) Framework can help you to check if you're choosing the right level of study. Take a look at the SCQF Interactive Framework here.
Employer and industry links
We have links with:
National Governing Bodies
Glasgow Life / Sport
Local authorities including primary and secondary schools
Active School Co-ordinators
Various sport and fitness facilities
University of the West of Scotland
Hampden Sports Clinc
Sports science guest speakers from industry
Jobs and further study
You could go on to further study on HN courses at Glasgow Clyde College including:
- HND Coaching and Developing Sport
- HND Football Coaching and Development
- HNC Physical Activity and Health
Internships or employment with various professional sports / football organisations
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you will either be:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to interview, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you will not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date. This will normally be sent out in June / July.