Sport and Exercise Science (Diploma) - Level 3
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we’ll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
This course is part of our 2+1 offer and MUST be studied alongside two other A Level courses only. It is the equivalent to 1.5 A Levels.
This course provides a broad range of study for the sport and exercise science sector.
Mandatory units include functional anatomy, sport and exercise psychology and coaching for performance and fitness. You will choose an optional unit designed to support progression on to a variety of sport courses at a higher level.
What does it combine with?
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What will I study?
Students study three mandatory units, covering the following content areas:
- Functional Anatomy
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Coaching for Performance and Fitness
The mandatory content allows learners to concentrate on the development of their practical skills and the broad knowledge required for entrance to Higher Education programmes in sport and exercise science.
Learners choose one optional unit from a small range of options, which have been designed to support progression to a variety of sport courses in Higher Education and to link with relevant occupational areas.
Entry requirements
- GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths grade 4-9
- GCSE Double Science grade 4/4 plus another GCSE grade 4-9
OR
- GCSE Triple Science grade 4/4/4
- An overall average of a grade 4*.
Following your application you will normally be offered a place subject to achieving the entry requirements and attending a welcome taster.
*To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at enquiries@wnc.ac.uk.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you’re aged 16-18 (or 19-25 with an EHC Plan), we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Therefore, if you do not have GCSE grade 4-9 in either English Language or Maths, you will study one or both of these courses alongside your full-time study programme. If you do have GCSE grade 4-9 in English Language and Maths then you will not be required to undertake these subjects. By doing so, you'll be building a stronger set 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.
How long is the course?
Two years.
How will I be assessed?
Students study four units and two are externally assessed:
- The functional anatomy unit is assessed with a 90-minute exam worth 60 marks.
- The sport and exercise psychology unit is assessed by a written task completed under supervised conditions worth 60 marks.
The other units are assessed via assignments.
What does the course lead to?
Careers are often pursued as a personal trainer, sport coach, exercise physiologist, sports therapist and more.
What can I progress onto?
In addition to the sport and exercise science sector-specific content outlined above, the requirements of the qualification will mean learners develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly-regarded by Higher Education and employers. For example, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. The qualification carries UCAS points and, when taken alongside another Level 3 qualification, it is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant sport science or related courses, for example:
- BSC (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, if taken alongside A Levels in biology and psychology.
- BSC (Hons) in Biology, if taken alongside A Levels in biology and mathematics.
- BA (Hons) in Applied Sport Science, if taken alongside an A Level in mathematics and a BTEC in Applied Science.
Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific Higher Education providers.
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.
How do I apply?
You don’t need to apply for each A Level course you are interested in individually.
Once we have received your application form we will invite you into college where we will be able to discuss every aspect of the courses you have chosen as well as any alternatives you may be considering.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the areas of the college used for your course choices.