Sport and Exercise Science Level 3


  • Start Date: 01/09/2026
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
  • Funding Support Funding Support:
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The Sport and Exercise Science sector is at the forefront of the connection between physical activity and health, making it a pivotal field with diverse career opportunities.

This course is tailored for individuals aspiring to thrive in the sports industry, preparing you for a university-level pathway in sport or nurturing your passion for sport and exercise sciences.

This course leads to potential career destinations such as;

  • Sports Scientist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • PE teacher
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Physiotherapist
  • Sports Therapists
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Paramedic

Our program not only equips you with specialised knowledge in sport and exercise science but also transferable skills sought after by higher education institutions and employers.

Over two years, equivalent to three A Levels, you’ll explore 13 comprehensive elements, providing a robust foundation for your academic and sporting aspirations.

Study diverse units such as:

  • Applied Sports and Exercise Psychology
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness
  • Sports Injury and Assessment

You’ll learn in a dynamic environment that integrates realistic vocational situations and activities, ensuring a holistic understanding of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

You’ll also engage in practical components such as:

  • Specialised Fitness Training
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness
  • Sports Massage

You’ll also have the exclusive opportunity to join one of our eight specialised sport academies, offering up to 4.5 hours of professional training each week, access to competitions, and personalised training and development programs.

Required Entry Qualifications

English Language GCSE at grade 5 plus four more GCSEs at grade 4 including maths and science.

Assessment Overview:

Over the two years, you will undertake four externally assessed units:

  • Functional Anatomy (1.5 hours)
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 hours)
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology (1.5 hours)
  • Nutrition for Sport and Exercise (3 hours)

Internally assessed components include:

  • Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness
  • Specialised Fitness Training
  • Applied Research Methods
  • Sports Massage
  • Technology in Sport
  • Physical Activity for Individual and Group-Based Exercise
  • Sports Injury and Assessment. 

Assessment methods vary, incorporating project work, essays, report writing, practical delivery, and presentations to ensure a well-rounded evaluation of your skills and knowledge.

Our dedicated Academy for Sport boasts over 25 experienced sport delivery staff, including teachers, coaches, and learning facilitators.

Each member specialises in areas such as:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Sports Massage
  • Coaching
  • Psychology
  • Biomechanics
  • Nutrition
  • Fitness Testing, and more.

You will undertake a 30 hour work placement or work readiness activities as part of our employment edge promise.

You’ll study at our Academy for Sport, where our facilities are among the best in the country and include:

  • Classrooms equipped with integrated IT
  • Sports science and sports therapy facilities
  • Performance lab
  • 3G and 4G pitches
  • Indoor athletics track
  • Sports hall
  • Strength and conditioning gym
  • Massage suite
  • Aerobics suite
  • Gym
  • Boxing ring

Completing our course opens doors to further education, with the potential to earn between 48 and 168 UCAS points, depending on your grades.

The skills gained during your studies align with the demands of both higher education and employers, making you an attractive candidate for a range of careers.

Our alumni have successfully secured places in renowned institutions, including:

  • Sport and Exercise Science BSc Honours at Newcastle University
  • Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc (Hons) at Durham University
  • Sport Coaching BSc (Hons) at Northumbria University Newcastle
  • Sports and Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons) at York St John University
  • Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) at the University of Birmingham
  • BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University
  • Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care BSc (Hons) at Sunderland University
  • Nursing (Child) BSc (Hons) at Sheffield Hallam University

Notable alumni include:

  • Matthew Cuthbert – Physical Performance Coach at the Football Association
  • Matthew Jenkinson – a Sports Technical Specialist at York St John University
  • Molly Collinson – successful business owner specialising in Performance Coaching, Nutrition, and Plant-Based Nutrition.

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Physical and sensory disabilities
  • Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
  • Mental health and well being
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Money, finance and bursary advice
  • Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.

Reading Football Cub state they they believe that this qualification would develop the required knowledge and specialist skills to enable students to progress through to the next stage of their development.

“We employ a range of staff to work in our first team, academy and community departments. Such roles include; Sports Scientists, Assistant Sports Scientist, Analyst, Physiotherapy and Performance Coach.”

Sheffield Hallam University state that they welcome the inclusion of external assessment (exams) in these qualifications. Also, the introduction of a larger mandatory core, comprising over half of each qualification, will provide students with a solid foundation.

This means that all students will study a broad and common element of content, and therefore the wide range of options offered in the larger qualifications will be helpful in allowing students to explore areas in which they may wish to specialise at degree level.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE LEVEL 3?

  • Research and Development (R&D) Managers
  • Other Psychologists
  • Chief Executives and Senior Officials
  • Higher Level Teaching Assistants
  • Sports Coaches, Instructors and Officials

Knowledge

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Median Salary

£45,771

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Therapy and Counselling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance.

Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Median Salary

£29,850

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Median Salary

£67,398

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.

Median Salary

£21,718

Averge Qualifications

Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C

Apply Now

Knowledge

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Median Salary

£10,483

Averge Qualifications

Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Apply Now

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Skills

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

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School Leaver Course Guide 2026/2027

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

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