BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science

Key Information

1080 Guided Learning Hours

Equivalent in size to three A Levels.

13 units of which 7 are mandatory and 4 are externally assessed.

  • Mandatory content (67%)
  • External assessment (42%)

The qualification is a two-year, full-time qualification designed for Sixth Form learners who want to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the sport and exercise science sector and may be delivered for some students in conjunction with the Solihull Moors Football Club Academy.

What will I study?

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners choosing to enter employment in the sport and exercise science sector.

The qualification gives learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin study of the sport and exercise science sector, and gives learners additional breadth and depth to prepare them fully for further study or training. This includes the opportunity for learners to study several topics from a selection of options (determined by the Academy) reflecting progression in sport and exercise science. Learners will study seven mandatory content areas. These are:

  • Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science
  • Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness
  • Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology

The final third of the qualification comprises of units have been designed to support progression to sport and exercise science courses in higher education, and again, are determined by the Academy. The additional content areas may include:

  • Research Project in Sport and Exercise Science
  • Physical Activity for Individual and Group-based Exercise
  • Sociocultural Issues in Sport and Exercise
  • Specialised Fitness Training
  • Sports Injury and Assessment
  • Sports Massage
  • Technology in Sport and Exercise Science.

What could this qualification lead to?

This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to employment after further study at university. However, it also supports learners who may choose to progress directly to employment, as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give learners an advantage in applying for entry level roles or ‘school leaver’ industry training programmes and Higher Apprenticeships in areas such as sport and fitness training, coaching, and sports performance research.

In addition to the sector-specific content, the requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, the study of applied research methods and the research project require learners to carry out individual research and to give evidence in a sport science context, evaluating and justifying their findings.

The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses, for example:

  • BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science
  • BSc (Hons) in Sport Science
  • BSc (Hons) in Sport and Coaching Studies.