Sports and Fitness Instruction

QQI Level 5

Course Code

Major Award Code

5M5146

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About This Course

Are you passionate about sports, fitness, and helping others achieve their goals?

This dynamic one-year course is designed for those interested in a career in coaching, gym instruction, or the wider leisure industry. Whether you're aiming to become a personal trainer, sports coach, or work in a fitness facility, this course provides the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to get you started.

This is a dual-certified programme, offering both the QQI Level 5 Award in Sport and Fitness (5M5146) and the internationally recognised ITEC Certificate in Fitness Instruction (Gym-Based Level 2). Learners also have the opportunity to complete the RLSS Pool Lifeguard qualification, further enhancing their employability in the leisure industry.

You’ll take part in hands-on coaching sessions, gain real-world experience through work placement, and build a strong foundation in sports science and fitness instruction. This course is ideal for school leavers, mature students, or anyone looking to turn their passion for sport into a profession.

Modules

Course Content

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

Progression

Completing the QQI Level 5 in Sport and Fitness opens up a wide range of opportunities for further study in both Ireland and the UK. Many of our past students have progressed to degree programmes such as:

BA (Hons) in Sport and Exercise with Business - Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
BEd (Hons) Sports Studies & Education – University College Cork (UCC)
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education - University of Limerick (UL)
Sports Science & Exercise Physiology – TUS Midlands
Sport & Exercise (Common Entry) – ATU Donegal
BEd (Hons) Physical Education with QTS – University of Sunderland (UK)
Sports Coaching & Business Management (Soccer/GAA) – South East Technological University (Carlow Campus)

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or LCVP or QQI Level 4 Award. Equal consideration will be given to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet these entry requirements.

Course Fees

At Cavan Institute, we believe that quality education should be within everyone's reach. That's why all our courses have a single, affordable fee of just €200 in total. No hidden costs, no complex fee structures. Just straightforward, accessible learning to help you achieve your goals. We're proud to offer a diverse range of courses at a price that sets us apart from other colleges with high fees.

Do you have a Medical Card? Your medical card will exempt you from the €50 QQI exam fee, resulting in a reduced fee of €150.

Amanda Black

Sports and Fitness Instruction Year 1

Amanda Black tells us about her sport and fitness learning journey and how Cavan Institute helped her change her career path. Amanda really enjoyed the course and it is so obvious from her story here. This course offers a very wide array of modules to help you be equipped and ready for the workplace or further studies. Work experience is an integral part of the course and is very beneficial to the learner. We wish you continued success Amanda with your business. Your energy and enthusiasm is infectious!