Galway Community College offers the widest range of fitness courses in the west of Ireland. By registering on any of its QQI Level 5 sports courses, students obtain an award in sport, recreation, and exercise and have the opportunity to qualify as a fitness instructor and sports coach. GCC is accredited with the NCEF in University of Limerick and ITEC and provides a wide range of additional qualifications from NGBs such as GAA, Basketball Ireland, and FAI.
Students have the opportunity to qualify as a pool lifeguard, spinning and kettlebell instructor, and achieve coaching badges in a range of activities. GCC offers additional certification from Sports Ireland such as child protection, inclusive physical activity, and sports literacy.
Students may progress onto a Level 6 QQI award in sport, recreation, and exercise and develop from fitness instruction to personal training.
GCC now offers a new diploma in Pilates instruction and exercise fitness specialist. In order to enhance the employability of students the college aims to provide them with all the necessary qualifications to acquire employment in the sector. Students complete modules in health promotion, nutrition, and anatomy which enables them to work with vulnerable adults and in specific areas such as heart health, obesity, sports injuries, and weight management.
All students must complete work experience and gain invaluable experience as well as potential employment as part of the course. GCC has strong links with a number of third level institutes and has a memorandum of understanding with GMIT Sports Science Department for its sports graduates. For further information and to apply see www.galwaycc.ie or contact course coordinator Claire Quinn at [email protected].
