Extended Diploma in Sport - MTFC Performance Programme (Advanced) - Level 3
Overview
Our unique partnership with Mansfield Town Football Club enables you to pursue your passion for football by combining professional football training with high-quality sports study.
As part of the course, you will play in one of three male squads that currently play across different standards and competitions. So, whatever your playing abilities, you have the opportunity to regularly play and develop your skills.
You will also have access to highly-qualified football coaches, along with excellent facilities both on and off-campus to support all aspects of your programme. Training sessions and matches take place at the excellent RH Academy where the first team is based. This gives you the perfect chance to show staff at the club what you’ve got and experience training in a professional environment.
In terms of sports study, your first year is focused on developing your participation in sports and football, as well as developing your coaching and leadership skills. In the second year, you will develop a deep understanding of wider aspects of the industry such as sports injuries, business and sports analysis.
At the end of the course, you will have a nationally recognised qualification (equivalent to three A-Levels) and be in a great position to take the next steps towards a scholarship in the UK or abroad, employment or university. This includes the option to continue studying with Mansfield Town FC as part of the Nottingham Trent University Higher Education programme.
This programme is a great choice if you have ambitions to pursue a career in professional football, the sports industry or have a passion for learning about sports.
Pictured - Alistair Smith (Left) and Jimmy Knowles (Right) have both been through the education programme and gone on to make first team appearances
Start dates and fees
- There will be a mandatory kit charge of approximately £150 payable to Mansfield Town Football Club.
- There may be opportunity to engage in external trips at a cost dependent upon the nature of the activity.
| Start Date | Code | Annual Fee | Actions |
| Sep 2025 | 1436A1581 | FREE | Apply |
What will I study?
Year 1
- Anatomy and physiology
- Fitness training and programming
- Professional development in the sports industry
- Sports leadership
- Fitness testing
- Practical sports performance
- Coaching for performance.
Year 2
- Research methods in sport
- Development and provision of sport and physical activity
- Investigating business in sport and the active leisure industry
- Skill acquisition in sport
- Sports injury management
- Sports analysis
- Rules and regulations in sport.
Entry requirements
- This course is only available to 16-18 year olds
- Five GCSEs grade 4-9 including English and Maths, successful trial with Mansfield Town Football Club.
Trial dates and information:
- 28 October
- 1 November
- 3 January
- 21 February
- 7 April
- 11 April
RH Academy - 2.30-3.45pm
Things to bring:
If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment. Please contact our admissions team for further details:
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you're a student between the ages of 16 and 18 (or 19 to 25 with an EHC Plan) we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Students who haven't achieved a grade 4/C in GCSE maths or English to continue studying these subjects while you're here with us. By doing so, you'll be building a strong foundation of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.
Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.
How long is the course?
Two years.
How will I be assessed?
- Practical and task-based work
- Assignments
- Assessor observations
- Written portfolio work
- Observations
- Exams.
What can I progress onto?
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit here.
Career opportunities
How do I apply?
IMPORTANT
At stage 3 of the online application form (Other information), please provide details of your preferred playing position, along with a brief background to your playing experience (i.e. which clubs have you represented).
Failure to include this information within your personal statement may delay any offer of a place on the course.
Apply online