Pathway to Health and Fitness Studies

NFQ Level 4

This Pathway course helps you to develop knowledge and essential skills in Health and Fitness. It will also help you build confidence and personal development to prepare for the workplace.

Available Locations:

Letterkenny

(Ref: 505996)

Starts: 07/09/2026

38 Weeks

Apply Now

Letterkenny

(Ref: 505996)

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

You’ll have the opportunity to learn:

English and Communications: Build effective communication skills in English.
Food and Nutrition: Understand and apply principles of healthy eating.
Health Related Fitness: Learn about fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Information Technology Skills: Develop proficiency in using IT tools and applications.
Mathematics: Enhance mathematical skills for everyday use and further education.
Personal Effectiveness: Improve personal skills such as time management and goal setting.
Work Experience: Gain practical skills and experience in a work environment.
Human Biology: Understand the human body and its systems.
Environmental Sustainability Awareness: Learn about environmental issues and sustainable practices.

This Pathway course includes interactive activities inside and outside of the classroom:

Field Trips: Educational visits to enhance learning.
Guest Speakers: Insights from industry professionals.
Workshops: Interactive sessions to develop practical skills.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 4 Certificate in General Learning.

On successful completion of relevant modules within this course, you will receive Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 4 Component Certificates.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

The course will have a range of field trips, guest speakers, and workshops and will run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm with a half day on Fridays.

Day	Morning	Afternoon
Monday	✓	✓
Tuesday	✓	✓
Wednesday	✓	✓
Thursday	✓	✓
Friday	✓

Module	Title
4N0689	English and Communications
4N2830	Food and Nutrition
4N2666	Health Related Fitness
4N1125	Information Technology Skills
4N1987	Mathematics
4N1132	Personal Effectiveness
4N1168	Work Experience
4N2910	Human Biology
4N21810	Environmental Sustainability Awareness

Progression / Career

After completing this course, students gain key skills. You can move into various roles across different health and fitness settings. This course also lays the groundwork for further education and training in specific health and fitness areas.

Entry Requirements

Students need to have level 3 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.
You must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

You might qualify for reduced course fees or even have your fees waived.

We will talk to you about course fees and potential fee reductions and fee waivers during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie