Connor Harcus
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
“I enjoyed my graded unit topics as they were very personalised, and I felt I could tackle them with my own knowledge. I would absolutely recommend studying at NESCol as the course can be tailored towards your goals.”
Student athlete Connor juggled studying fitness, health and exercise at NESCol with his athletics career.
Nineteen-year-old Connor Harcus grew up and went to school in Orkney. It was here that he discovered a love and talent for sprinting and athletics.
He said, “I compete in short sprints with the 200m being my best and favourite race.
“In Orkney, I started in athletics at age nine and have done it ever since alongside other sports. However, it’s been in the last couple of years that I’ve taken it seriously.”
After school, Connor moved to Aberdeen to study at College – a decision driven by his interest in fitness and NESCol‘s university links.
He said, “I came to NESCol as the idea of doing two years of College followed by two years of university intrigued me. It meant I could gain different experiences from both.”
Studying fitness, health & exercise
Connor started his HND in Fitness, Health & Exercise in 2024. He thrived at College, particularly valuing the opportunity to shape his own learning and explore topics that reflected his own interests and strengths.
He said, “I enjoyed my graded unit topics as they were very personalised, and I felt I could tackle them with my own knowledge. I would absolutely recommend studying at NESCol as the course can be tailored towards your goals.”
A particular highlight was getting to experience working as a personal trainer, putting his skills into practice.
Connor said, “I enjoyed taking on my own client the most. I could take them through the workouts and show them the facilities, which were all great and easy to navigate”.
College as a student athlete
Connor has an intense training schedule which he managed to keep up with during his HND. He also represented NESCol at events including the Scottish Student Athletics Outdoor Championships in April 2026.
He said, “Balancing studying and training can be difficult as I train five times a week.
“The College supported me and helped me sign up for Scottish Student Sport events. All my lecturers were very supportive and contactable.”
Next steps
Connor successfully completed his HND and is now preparing for the next stage of his journey at university. Through the RGU Degree Link pathway, he is progressing directly into third year of the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science degree.
Looking ahead, it’s no surprise that Connor hopes to build a career in the world of fitness and exercise.
He said, “I would like to gain experience as a personal trainer and explore other areas and sport and exercise science.”
Outside of education, Connor’s commitment to athletics is as strong as ever and he is already setting his sights on the next season.
He said, “My main aim for next season is the 2027 International Island Games in the Faroe Island. If I’m in university until 5pm, I can be out of the house from 7am to 8pm, but it’s all worth it when it summer comes around.”
Connor’s advice
Having balanced the demands of study and competitive sport, Connor’s advice to other students is simple: “Be proactive and take responsibility.”
Study sport and fitness at NESCol
Whether your goal is to compete at a high level, support others to achieve their fitness ambitions, or build a career in sport and exercise science, NESCol can help you get there.