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Sport and Exercise Science, Extended Diploma Level 3

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2025

  • Venue
    Easton College

  • Course Code
    A0138

Start Date

  • September 2025, Full Time

Summary

Considering a career in sport and a have passion to develop further in the field of Sport and Exercise Science? The Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 Extended Diploma is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles and practical applications in the field of sport and exercise. This diploma offers valuable opportunities for aspiring sports scientists, exercise physiologists, sports therapist and fitness professionals to develop their knowledge, skills, and practical expertise in the context of sports performance, exercise prescription, and health promotion. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma studied, is the equivalent to 3 A Levels.

This course is ideal for applicants who actively wish to progress to higher education to study sport and exercise sciences, physiotherapy, nutrition, biomechanics or sports psychology. The Extended Diploma investigates the science behind sports performance, training, health and fitness. The course consists of seven mandatory modules plus a number of specialist modules.

Experience is highly valued by employers, and it will improve your career prospects. The course brings classroom work into real work-based practice by making use of the state of the art Perform Better Gym and the Sports Science Lab for fitness testing. As a department, we work closely with local employers in Norfolk including School Sports Partnerships and local Gyms to provide hand on experience in the industry for our learners.

Trips may include universities visits such as UEA and University of Bedfordshire, Norwich City Football club psychologist and nutritionist talk, local sports and leisure centres and a residential trip to Wales in the 2nd year of study.

You will also study a professional qualification, a VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, in your 2nd year of study which will provide students with hands on practical clinical experience working with our academy athletes and members of the public. This i

Why Our College?

Experience Adventure

Each year our Outdoor Leadership students complete a 48 hour bush craft survival assessment and an expedition that has seen them travel the width of the country on bikes they built themselves.

Entry Requirements

Achieve 5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including English Language and maths. Science would be preferable.

Learning Outcomes

Unit of study may include:

Year 1:
Functional Anatomy (Exam)
Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (Exam)
Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science
Coaching for Performance and Fitness
Socio-Cultural Issues
Physical Activity for Individual and Group Based Exercise

Year 2:
Sport and Exercise Physiology (Exam)
Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance (Exam)
Sports Injury and Assessment
Technology in Sport and Exercise Science
Specialised Fitness Training
Field and Lab Based Fitness Testing
Sports Injury and Assessment
Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science

*Please note that units are reviewed every year and may change.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of methods including some externally assessed core units and internally assessed mandatory and optional units. Assessment methods could include assignments, research projects, presentations, roles players, group discussions.

Progression

On successful completion of your Extended Diploma in Sport Science, options could include study a degree at a University or College. City College Norwich offers a BSc (Hons) Sport, Health and Exercise Science.

Please ensure that you check the UCAS points required at your University choices.

Career Progression

The sport and active leisure industry supports over 450,000 jobs in the UK. Over the last five years it has become a £20 billion industry and experts predict it will continue to grow faster than other sectors in the economy.

This course will allow you to progress onto many careers which include sport and exercise scientist or psychology, a gym instructor or leisure centre assistant, personal trainer, sport development, sports nutrition and sports physiotherapist. Some of these careers will require further study at degree level. If you are looking for a career in non-sports physiotherapy this may be a suitable pathway but check with your university or college of choice.

For further information about specific job roles please check the National Careers Service website for;

  • Sport and Exercise Scientist
  • Leisure Centre Assistant
  • Physiotherapist

Fees

If you are a UK or home- fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 years and over please contact the Advice Shop. Please check our Finance pages for information on loans, bursaries, fee information and student travel offers that are available. Alternatively please contact the Advice Shop.

Where Next?

Why Our College?

Experience Adventure

Each year our Outdoor Leadership students complete a 48 hour bush craft survival assessment and an expedition that has seen them travel the width of the country on bikes they built themselves.