In our latest catch up with a former South West College student, we talk to Glasgow based, physiotherapist, Joshua Kennedy, who completed a BTEC National Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science between 2016 and 2017.

What impact has studying at South West College had on your career?

Studying at SWC allowed me to top-up my A Levels, which aided in achieving the grades required to get into my university course.

Are there any staff members that you would like to recognise that played an important role in your time at the College?

Rodney Topping, Wayne Lyons and Chris McDowell - all helped to accommodate me as I was only studying for one year, rather than the two years, ensuring I got through the course and got the required grades to allow me to progress onto university.

What advice would you give to current SWC students or prospective students considering the college?

There is a lot of really good lecturers in the sport who all have a lot of knowledge and experience across a variety of sports.

Are there any specific career achievements or milestones that you would like to highlight?

I've been lucky to transition to a career in professional rugby, where I have got to work with incredible athletes and practitioners, whilst getting to travel to different countries. I have been involved in teams which have won the Premiership Rugby Cup and URC, as well as working with the Scotland U20s for this years 6 Nations.

Find out more about our Sports and Exercise courses available at SWC

L2 Apprenticeship in Active Leisure Learning and Wellbeing

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Apprenticeships Sport and Exercise Level 2 Full-Time

New for 2023/24 Some people often prefer learning “On the job”. This qualification is aimed at employees that work with staff and customers in a sport and activity environment, as well as those who use and maintain equipment and facilities, including caravan parks. It is a work-based Active leisure, learning and well-being qualification that assesses the competence and knowledge that is ...

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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (RQF)

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Level 3 Full-Time

If you are hoping to pursue a career in the sport or health industry, physical education or are interested in how the body works, then sports science and its related disciplines could prove to be the perfect programme for you. All students are expected to participate in a range of theory and practical activities during their time on the course. Students will be given the opportunity to g...

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Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Level 2 Part-Time

The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to be able to plan, deliver and supervise safe and effective exercise programmes within a gym or health club environment. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self-employed students. Please ask for further details. This course is delivered as a ...

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Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuit Sessions

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Level 2 Part-Time

The aim of this qualification is The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to be able to plan, deliver and supervise safe and effective group training sessions. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self-employed students. Please ask for further details. This course is delivered a...

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Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Level 3 Part-Time

The aim of this qualification is to recognise the skills, knowledge and competence required for an individual to work unsupervised as a personal trainer. This includes being able to offer one-to-one training, baseline assessment, nutritional advice and progressive programming which is specific to the individual needs of a client. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible e...

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BTEC Level 3 Dual Pathway in Sport and Exercise Science & Applied Science

Omagh Further Education Sport and Exercise Applied Science, Science Level 3 Full-Time

A Dual Qualification, combining two qualifications Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (equivalent to 2 A-Levels) and Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science (equivalent to 1 A-Level), which provides a well-rounded education in both sport and exercise science and applied science, equipping students with a diverse skill set an...

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Active IQ Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning (blended delivery)

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Sport and Exercise Level 4 Part-Time

This NEW Blended delivery course aims to provide students with the background knowledge and practical skills to be able to plan, deliver and review strength and conditioning programmes that work towards athletes achieving their performance goals. This course is suitable for those currently working in the fitness industry in roles such as personal trainers, sports coaches and strength and condit...

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Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise (Validated by The Open University)

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Sport and Exercise Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time

The Foundation Degree Sport and Exercise course will focus on developing knowledge of the field (content) whilst providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in practical contexts (experience) and enhancing their learning through problem solving approaches (challenging and authentic tasks). The learning approaches will take into account the diverse backgrounds ...

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BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Top-up) Validated by The Open University

Omagh Higher Education Sport and Exercise Level 6 Full-Time

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Top-up) course will focus on developing knowledge of the field (content), whilst providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in practical contexts (experience) and enhancing their learning through problem solving approaches (challenging and authentic tasks). South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organi...

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