Extended Diploma in Sport - Mansfield Town 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
Upcoming Trial Dates
Date: Wednesday 19 October | Thursday 22 December | Wednesday 15 February | Wednesday 5 April | Wednesday 31 May
Time: TBC
Venue: RH Academy, Pleasley (NG19 7RT)
Kit: Training kit (shin pads are essential). Bring your own labelled water bottle.
Register and/or find out more
Please note: Trials dates may change throughout the year
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 (Age) | Actions |
16-18 | over 19 |
Sep 2023 | 1436A1581 | FREE | FREE* to £2882.00 | Apply |
* If you are aged 19-23 and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
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
- Grade 4 in English or maths, plus three other GCSEs at grade 4 and a trial with Mansfield Town Football Club.
Due to playing age restrictions, applications from students over the age of 18 are unable to be accepted.
If you are a young person who is not currently studying a traditional GCSE programme, we will consider alternative qualifications such as functional skills and vocational qualifications.
Please contact our admissions team for further information - admissions@wnc.ac.uk.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
As an entry requirement on some of our courses, you will need a GCSE in both English and maths with at least a grade 4/C (please see entry requirements above).
If this isn’t displayed under the entry requirements and you don’t currently have a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 4/C or above before joining us, you will then study English and maths as part of your programme with the aim of achieving a qualification with at least a grade 4/C. This is to help improve your chances of employment once you leave us.
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?
2 years.
How will I be assessed?
A combination of:
- Written-work
- Practical-based activities
- Presentations
- Exams
What can I progress onto?
Careers
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