Sport Level 3 Extended Certificate (equivalent to 1 A Level)

This course is designed for those with a genuine passion for all things sport, whether that be participating, coaching, volunteering or spectating, this is the course for you! By the end of this course, you will have the confidence to plan and lead sport and exercise in a wide variety of practical sport-based settings, you will develop a range of academic and wider communication skills required for a successful transition into higher education and the world of employment.

This course is available to study as an:

Extended Certificate (60-credit course, equivalent to 1 A Level)

Diploma (120-credit course, equivalent to 2 A Levels)

Extended Diploma (180-credit course, equivalent to 3 A Levels)

The Extended Certificate (60 Credit) comprises two exams, Anatomy & Physiology and Sports Development, and coursework-based units on sports coaching, sports injuries & rehabilitation, and organising sports events.

The Diploma (120 Credit) & Extended Diploma (180 Credit) are entirely coursework assessed and aimed at those looking for a career within the sport and health sectors. To prepare you for progression in this field, you will study a diverse range of topics, including Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Sports Coaching, Sports Psychology, Practical Team Sports, Applied Exercise Physiology, and Sports Rehabilitation. There is a significant amount of written coursework across the Applied Sport qualification options. It is particularly advantageous if you have strong organisational skills, a willingness to work independently 5–10 hours per week outside the classroom and, of course, participate in sport outside of college.

We work closely with senior staff at Cambridge United FC to deliver career workshops and have strong links with ARU Sports & Exercise Science Department, who regularly host progression days designed for our students. We attend trips such as the recent strength & conditioning day at St George’s Park and walking on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium roof!

Around half of all sports students go to university, studying in areas such as Sports Science, Sports Coaching & Teaching, Sports Therapy & Physiotherapy, Sports Marketing & Business, and even bespoke routes like Golf Course Management. Popular institutions include the University of East Anglia, Anglia Ruskin University, Birmingham University, Durham University, Leeds Beckett University & Nottingham Trent.

Our students also progress into sports-related careers in coaching, fitness, teaching, management, and healthcare through organisations such as Norwich City FC, Cambridge United FC, Peterborough FC, Cambridge Rugby Club, David Lloyd Leisure, local schools and the NHS.

Year 1 Modules

Principles of Anatomy & Physiology in Sport (Extended Certificate, Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Sports Injuries & Rehabilitation (Extended Certificate)

Organisation of Sports Events (Extended Certificate)

Sports Coaching (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Current Issues in Sport (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

The Physiology of Fitness (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Sports Nutrition (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Sports Psychology (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Practical Team Sports (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Analysis of Sports Performance (Extended Diploma)

Outdoor Education and Adventurous Activities (Extended Diploma)

Year 2 Modules

Sports Coaching (Extended Certificate)

Sports Organisation & Development (Extended Certificate)

Applied Exercise Physiology (Diploma)

Technical & Tactical Skills (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Instructing Physical Activity & Exercise (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Sports Injuries & Rehabilitation (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Organising Sports Events (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Fitness Testing for Sport (Diploma, Extended Diploma)

Applied Exercise Physiology (Extended Diploma)

Leadership in Sport (Extended Diploma)

Athletes' Lifestyle (Extended Diploma)

Training Fitness & Programming (Extended Diploma)

42% Exam

58% Coursework

Exam Board: OCR

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 including:

Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature

Grade 4 in GCSE PE or Merit in Level 2 Sport if taken

Grades 4 4 in Science

Approximately 50% of our students successfully make the transition to university across a range of sports-related courses including:

Sports Science

Sports Coaching & Teaching

Sports Therapy & Physiotherapy

Sports Marketing & Business

Bespoke routes like Golf Course Management!

Popular universities for our students include the University of East Anglia (UEA) Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Birmingham University, Durham University, Leeds Beckett University and many more.