Health, Nutrition and Movement - Certificate of Higher Education*
Support healthier lives through nutrition and movement
The Certificate in Higher Education (Level 4) is your entry point into a rewarding career in health, fitness, nutrition and coaching. Designed for those who want to make a real difference, this course builds the scientific and practical foundations needed to support healthier lives through nutrition, movement and physical activity.
You’ll develop core knowledge in:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Nutrition for health and weight management
- Strength and conditioning basics
- Coaching principles and professional practice
Learning is applied and hands‑on, with practical workshops and real‑world tasks that build confidence, skills and professional identity from the start.
Industry‑aligned and professionally recognised
At Level 4, the Cert HE is aligned to the CIMSPA Professional Standards Framework, supporting Entry Professional Practitioner status. This means your learning is mapped to industry expectations and recognised by employers.
You’ll also gain embedded Level 4 professional qualifications, including:
- Strength and Conditioning (Level 4)
- Nutrition for Health, Exercise and Weight Management (Level 4)
These are built into the course, helping you become work‑ready and employable as you study.
Clear progression, real impact
This Level 4 qualification supports national priorities around health, wellbeing and physical activity, preparing you to work with individuals and communities to tackle lifestyle‑related health issues. It also provides a clear progression route onto Level 5 study for those who want to continue their journey.
This course is currently Subject to Validation. For more information please visit our Subject to Validation, Revalidation and Approval page.
Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.
Entry Requirements
You’ll normally need 64 UCAS points from a relevant Level 3 qualification, such as:
- Extended Diploma: MPP
- Diploma: MM
- A levels: Two A levels at grade C or above
We also welcome mature students. If you don’t meet the qualifications listed above, you may still be considered if you have:
- Other relevant Level 3 qualifications, or
- Appropriate work or industry experience
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Roles include sports coach, health & wellbeing practitioner, fitness supervisor or community activity roles. Progress to the Foundation Degree and then BSc (Hons) Top‑Up to specialise further.
The Certificate of Higher Education can support progression into early‑career roles in coaching, physical activity delivery, health and wellbeing support and leisure/fitness environments
Next steps at B&FC
You can progress onto the second year of the Foundation Degree in Health, Nutrition and Movement, having successfully completed this programme.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Cert HE can enter roles in coaching, fitness, and community health or progress to the Foundation Degree (Level 5) in Health, Nutrition, Performance and Coaching. This qualification provides a strong foundation for careers in personal training, sports development, and health promotion, and sets the stage for specialisation in elite sport, nutrition, or education.
Key information
Qualification obtained
Health, Nutrition and Movement - Certificate of Higher Education*Fees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults or with disabiltiies.
Extra costs and equipment
All students are expected to provide their own stationery for taking notes during lectures and tutorials. Having access to your own PC or laptop is advantageous, but students can access these facilities onsite and can arrange to borrow a college laptop as required.
There is also the option to purchase B&FC-branded sports kit from £63.30, but this is not a mandatory requirement.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institute: N/A
Awarding Body: The University of Lancaster
Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)
Terms and conditions
Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.
What will I learn?
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Work‑based/industry learning is embedded through applied tasks and industry‑connected activity.
Industry engagement (e.g., employer‑linked experiences/visits where available) supports applied delivery.
How will I learn?
- On campus:
- Attend one full day per week, 9.00am–6.30pm
- Sessions include lectures, seminars, workshops and practical activities
- Independent study:
- Around 6–8 hours per week
- Supported by digital learning platforms and our Learning Resource Centres
Teaching and support
- A mix of teaching methods to support different learning styles
- Opportunities for one‑to‑one support during sessions
- Regular feedback to help you track progress and improve throughout the course
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 240 | 0 | 0 |
| Independent | 960 | 0 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 0 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is varied, practical and linked to real‑world practice.
You’ll be assessed through a mix of:
- Coursework: reports, essays and case studies
- Practical assessments: consultations, coached sessions and presentations
- One written exam (Level 4 Strength & Conditioning only)
Examples of assessment tasks
These may include:
- A digestion report and nutrition presentation
- Consultation and coached session assessments
- Applied nutrition case studies
- Live programme design and delivery tasks
- A digital portfolio, including a short literature review
Why this matters
Assessments are designed to reflect the tasks you’ll complete in the workplace, helping you develop:
- Practical and professional skills
- Critical thinking and reflection
- Clear communication with clients, colleagues and stakeholders
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 52% | 0% | 0% |
| Exam | 4% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |