BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport

This course takes your knowledge of sport and exercise to the next level. You will build a comprehensive understanding of how the body and mind respond to training, how to design fitness programmes for different individuals, and how sport is delivered across the wider industry. You will develop key professional skills through applied projects, leadership experiences, and practical activities. You will also explore performance analysis, sports psychology, coaching methods, and the business side of sport. This two-A Level programme prepares you for progression into higher education or employment by combining theoretical study with practical hands-on learning.

This course gives you the opportunity to study sport in depth over two years, combining theory with applied learning in real sporting environments. You will complete a mixture of exams and coursework, gaining experience through practical leadership, coaching scenarios, and work-related activities in the sports industry. Working closely with local providers and industry contacts, students build valuable experience and develop skills that support university and career progression.

Mandatory Units:

• Anatomy and Physiology (120 Guided Learning Hours)
• Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-Being (120 Guided Learning Hours)
• Professional Development in the Sports Industry (60 Guided Learning Hours)
• Sports Leadership (60 Guided Learning Hours)
• Skill Acquisition in Sport (90 Guided Learning Hours)
• Investigating Business in Sport and the Active Leisure Industry (90 Guided Learning Hours)

Optional Units* (we will study 3x optional units each worth 60 Guided Learning Hours each)

• Application of Fitness Testing
• Sports Psychology
• Practical Sports Performance
• Coaching for Performance
• Research Methods in Sport
• Sports Event Organisation
• Research Project in Sport
• Sports Injury Management
• Leisure Management
• Leisure Centre Operations
• Sports Performance Analysis
• Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport
• Technical and Tactical Demands of Sport
• Principles and Practices for Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
• Environmental Sustainability for Outdoor and Adventurous Activities

*The choice of optional units is determined by the centre, taking into account class size and the knowledge and experience of teaching staff.

Assessment includes:

External Assessment:

• Anatomy and Physiology – written exam
• Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-Being – written exam
• Investigating Business in Sport – controlled assessment / written exam

Internal Assessment:

All other units are internally assessed through written coursework, practical demonstrations, video evidence, witness statements, and logbooks.

This qualification is equivalent to 2 A Levels and is graded from Pass to Distinction*.

Students should have studied Physical Education and / or Sport Studies at GCSE, achieving at least a Grade 4 (or equivalent).

Grades in Science will be reviewed, due to the Scientific content of the Anatomy and Physiology units. Again, a Grade 4 in Science will be required.

For those who have not studied Physical Education and / or Sports Studies at GCSE, may be considered providing you have a keen interest in physical activity and a Grade 4 in Science GCSE.

The sport and health sector is one of the fastest-growing global industries. This qualification can support you in:

• Applying for university courses such as Sports Science, Sports Coaching, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Sport Rehabilitation, PE Teaching, Sports Management, and more
• Progressing into careers within coaching, personal training, or fitness instruction
• Pathways in sports therapy, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, and sport media
• Degree-level apprenticeships within sport, leisure, and public services
• Roles in community sport development, gym and leisure management, and the wider health and well-being industry