Key Facts

NCFE Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity

This Extended Diploma in Sport is a Level 3 qualification that is valued by employers and Higher Education. During the course you will study eighteen units that will give you the underpinning knowledge and understanding to progress onto employment in Sports Coaching, continue with your studies or go on to Higher Education.

This course is suitable for school leavers wanting a career within the sports industry.

You will have the opportunity to experience visits to different sports facilities and guest speakers will also visit the college.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence- based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

    For admission on to the Extended Certificate or Diploma pathway (2x A-level equivalent over two years)

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above, at Merit or above, in a relevant subject.

    You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE 4/C or above or L2 Functional skills.

    For admission on to the Extended Diploma pathway (3x A-level equivalent over two years)

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above, at Merit or above, in a relevant subject. Including English and maths GSCE at C/4 or above or Functional skills Level 2 in English and maths.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    Some of the units you will study are:-

    • Fitness testing for sport and exercise
    • Instructing physical activity and exercise
    • Fitness training and programming
    • Sports Coaching
    • Principles of anatomy and physiology in sport
    • The physiology of fitness
    • Sports development
    • Sports nutrition
    • Exercise, health and life
    • Leadership in Sport
    • Analysis of sports performance
    • Technical and tactical skills in sport
    • Practical Team Sports
    • Practical Individual Sports Work Experience in Sport Preparing for a Career in Sport and Physical Activity The Athletes life Work Experience

    Work experience is a mandatory part of your Sports Coaching qualification. In terms 2 and 3 you will be you will be placed in one of the following local Leisure Centres to work as a member of their staff on a shift pattern. You will also have the opportunity to take the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. Work experience undertaken by past students has led to full and part time jobs in the Leisure Centres they attended. If you do not attend the mandatory work experience provided, you will be required to source your own, this qualification cannot be gained without it.

    • David Weir
    • Westcroft
    • Cheam
    • Phoenix

    You will need to have the following identification in place before you start your course for work experience:

    • One of the following: Passport / birth certificate / driving licence; plus,
    • Proof of address
    • Bank details
    • NI number

    Students on this course will be invited to attend cross-college events that will develop their job skills. If you do not have a GCSE grade C in English and maths you will be required to study them alongside your vocational course.

  • Progression Next Steps


    You can progress within the college onto the following courses:

    • YMCA L2 Gym - L3 Certificate in Personal Training
    • L3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sports

    Extended Diplomas are valued by Universities and employers. You could progress on to study a Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma, Degree, or go directly into employment.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    You will also have access to our multi million pound gym facilities during your sessions: Pulse Gym You can contact the Sport and Public Services team by email: email the team You can also visit our Sports & Public Services Facebook page, please click here: Facebook 100% attendance and punctuality is expected from all students. Due to the popular nature of these courses, we are unable to offer firm progression to all of our students. The limited places are offered on the basis of attendance, punctuality, attitude and achievement. These qualities must be demonstrated throughout the programme.

  • Assessment Details


    All units are assessed and graded Pass - Merit and Distinction and overall grade for the qualification is awarded at the end.