Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport

There are two pathways that you can study at Level 3, and this is dependent on your GCSE results or choice of pathway. You will study a vocational sport programme equating to either 2 or 3 A-Levels:

Extended Diploma: The 3 A-Level equivalent qualification (Extended Diploma) is a full Level 3 qualification. You will be enrolled onto this course if you meet the full entry requirements and do not need to resit Maths or English GCSE. On this course, you will study 14 units, 4 of which are externally assessed over the two years.

National Diploma: The 2 A-Level equivalent qualification (National Diploma) is an alternative pathway designed to increase opportunities and allow you to study at Level 3 whilst resitting either GCSE Maths or GCSE English. On this course, you will complete 9 units, 3 of which are externally assessed over the two years.

Both of these Level 3 qualifications cover a wide range of opportunities for you to develop within your chosen sporting field. You will research different careers in sport and gain real-life experience of applying for jobs in the industry. You will also take part in various practical sessions, including Practical Sport, Fitness Testing, and Fitness Training. In addition, you will investigate how the body works and adapts to different training programmes, as well as how performance can be improved.

Facilities / Where will I study?

You will study across different areas of the college in both practical and theory settings. You will have exclusive use of a £3 million sports facility development, created in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council. This includes two full-size sports halls, a fully equipped gym, spinning studio, fitness studio, swimming pool, and performance lab. Some of your lessons will take place in these facilities.

Your classrooms are fully equipped with interactive whiteboards and spacious learning environments. You will also have access to computer rooms, which are used in lessons to help develop your confidence in using ICT for learning and completing your work.

During your programme, you will study different units that include:

Year 1 modules:
Anatomy and Physiology (external exam)
Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing (external exam)
Professional Development in the Sports Industry
Sports Leadership
Practical Sport Performance
Application of Fitness Testing*
Research Methods in Sport*

Year 2 modules:
Investigating Business in Sport and the Active Leisure Industry (external exam)
Sports Coaching
Injury Management
Skill Acquisition in Sport
Rules and Regulations in Sport
Sport Event Management*
Development and Provision of Sport and Physical Activity (external exam)*

*Studied on the Extended Diploma only

Extended Diploma: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including GCSE Maths and GCSE English at grade 4. 

National Diploma: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

You will be assessed using both external exams and coursework. Coursework includes written reports, PowerPoints, video demonstrations, interviews, practical demonstration of skills amongst other ways.

After completing the course, many students continue to study Higher Education, including with us at UCBC. Where students progress to employment, this may be in areas such as leisure centre workers and coaching.