96% would recommend NESCol to others.
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
Bringing sport & fitness to life.
Courses
Make a positive impact in the community with an active career.
Working in sports, fitness or uniformed services (such as the Police, Armed Forces and Fire and Rescue) allows you to make a difference to the lives of individuals, as well as the wider society.
Supported by knowledgeable teaching staff, you’ll develop core practical skills, deepen your understanding of your field and grow your confidence.
NESCol also works closely with local organisations so you’ll gain valuable experience and insight into different career options.
View all full-time sport, fitness & uniformed services courses
As well as a host of full-time courses, we also offer part-time courses in sport, fitness & uniformed services, where you can study at a location near you with daytime, evening and weekend options.
View all part-time sport, fitness & uniformed services courses
14,200
people in sport and fitness occupations in Scotland¹
It has been a fantastic journey and I have really challenged myself to get to where I am now. I have, and am still building up a good, loyal clientele base and I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me on my journey. You never stop learning.”
Karen Watson
Karen was in employment when she decided to join a part-time class at NESCol in an Introduction to Sport and Exercise Massage. She enjoyed this so much she signed up for the full-time HNC in Soft Tissue Therapy. She is now a self-employed Sports Massage Therapist.
Career opportunities
British Army, Coastguard, Fitness Instructor, Outdoor Activities Instructor, PE Teacher, Personal Trainer, Police Scotland, Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Marines, Royal Navy, Scottish Fire & Rescue, Scottish Prison Service, Sport & Exercise Scientist, Sport & Leisure Manager, Sports Coach, Sports Professional and Sports Rehabilitator.
147,300
full-time Armed Forces personnel in the UK²
Where you can study
Dedicated, enthusiastic and industry experienced teaching staff guide students through their chosen course. Comprehensive online resources, engaging classroom sessions and innovative practical experiences are used to provide a springboard to future careers. Our nurturing learning environment and supportive approach aims to get the best out of every individual and ensure NESCol students fulfil their potential in employment and life.
Study sport, fitness & uniformed services in Aberdeen
- 4,500+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 4 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
Our Aberdeen City Campus is situated in the heart of Aberdeen city centre, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.
Study sport, fitness & uniformed services in Fraserburgh
- 950+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 2 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
The bright and modern Fraserburgh Campus provides a fantastic environment for NESCol students, staff and visitors.
Study part-time
Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.
View all part-time sport, fitness & uniformed services courses
What our students think
More than 4,100 full-time students responded in our Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, covering the 2025-2026 academic year. We are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.
"Learning at college has been incredibly fun."
96% feel safe and secure at College.
"I feel very supported in my learning and staff are very helpful."
93% feel College has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace.
"Staff use their industry experience well."
Student stories
Don’t take our word for it!
Charley Henderson
HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
At the end of her placement with Peterhead Football Club, Charley was offered a job. She is now a part-time massage therapist with the club, and is in third year of a BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science degree.
Connor Harcus
HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
Student athlete Connor juggled studying at NESCol with his athletics career. He is now preparing to study applied sport and exercise science at RGU and outside of education, has his sights set on next season.
Ruby Watt
HND Sports Coaching & Development
Golfer Ruby left school at 15 with a clear goal for her future. She balanced studying at College with competitions, and has now started the three-year Profession Golf PGA diploma through UHI.
Get in touch
Our student advisers can help with any application enquiries.
Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612330, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk. Student advisors are also available on LiveChat when the chat icon appears at the bottom of our website.
¹ Source: Nomis – Office for National Statistics (ONS)
² Source: UK Parliament