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Student Handbook
Funding Support for Students
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 stand alone qualification, or it can be delivered as part of a package across the academic year. Starting in September students complete Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Coaching, progressing onto Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training starting in January, and finally adding Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuit Sessions in June. *Skills Focus funding is available for eligible employers to upskill staff.
For 2026/27 the Erne campus will deliver this qualification through blended learning method. Monday classes will be delivered 'face-to-face' on campus and the Wednesday the class will be delivered online.
Learners will cover a range of units which will include: Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of fitness training, Planning and delivering fitness sessions, etc.
All modules are mandatory
Some experience of gym-based exercises, including free weights, is highly recommended. The course requires physical exertion, and individual participation is essential; therefore, a degree of physical fitness is necessary. There is an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved and learners should have basic skills in communication pitched at level 2.
Coursework Multiple choice theory paper/Assessment Practical examination Worksheets
On completion of this qualification candidates may progress into employment or to the following qualifications:
Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral.
Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuits.
Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Kettlebells.
Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Suspended Movement Training.
Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Group Exercise).
During the qualification learners will cover: Anatomy, physiology and nutrition and how they relate to exercise and fitness. Health and safety in the fitness environment. The skills to conduct client and group inductions in a gym-based environment and support exercise adherence and a healthy lifestyle. The skills to plan, instruct and supervise safe and effective exercise and physical activity sessions. Professionalism for fitness instructing. Personal and professional development. Delivering exceptional customer service.
P2920EP10A
Session Code
1 Year(s)
Duration
Further Education
Mode of Study
30
Hours per Week
2
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
26/27
Academic Year
07/09/2026
Start Date
Subject to Timetable
Day/s
Christopher.McDowell@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee £480.00
Total Concessionary Fee £320.00
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
P2920DE10A
10
16
17:00-22:00
Time
Monday|Wednesday
Aidan.mccluskey@swc.ac.uk
P2920EE10A
Tuesday|Wednesday
donna.meade@swc.ac.uk
P2920OE10A
Monday|Tuesday
Brendan.McDevitt@swc.ac.uk
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Top-up) Validated by The Open University
BTEC Level 3 Dual Pathway in Sport and Exercise Science & Applied Science
Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training