Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
The Sport, Fitness, and Leisure Instruction program is a dynamic, one-year dual-certified course designed for individuals aiming to launch professional careers in personal training, sports coaching, or fitness facility management. The curriculum seamlessly balances advanced sports science theory with practical, hands-on instruction, covering key areas such as gym-based fitness instruction, coaching methodologies, and operational leisure skills.
Certification:
- QQI Level 5 Award in Sport and Fitness (5M5146) and the internationally recognized ITEC Certificate in Fitness Instruction (Gym-Based Level 2).
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Nutrition – Understand how diet impacts performance and wellbeing
Sport and Recreation Studies – Explore the structure and opportunities in the leisure industry
Communications – Develop essential workplace and interpersonal skills
Adventure Activities – Gain experience in outdoor and team-based physical challenges
Sports Anatomy and Physiology – Learn how the body works during exercise
Exercise and Fitness – Plan and deliver fitness programmes
Soccer Coaching – Build coaching skills with a focus on football
Gaelic Football Coaching – Learn to coach one of Ireland’s most popular sports
Work Experience – Apply your skills in a real sports or fitness environment
Additional Certifications
ITEC Certificate in Fitness Instruction (Gym-Based Level 2) – Industry-recognised qualification for aspiring gym instructors
RLSS Pool Lifeguard Qualification (optional) – Ideal for those interested in working in aquatic environments
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course results in a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a direct progression route, click below:
QQI Code
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
Graduates of this course in Sports Coaching and Leisure Management can find employment in the leisure and sports sectors, including fitness centres, gyms, hotels and leisure clubs, swimming complexes and in the coaching area.
