BTEC Level 3 Fitness, Health and Leisure (Diploma / Extended Diploma)

The Fitness, Health & Leisure Pathway is a vocational course designed to provide students with practical knowledge, real‑world skills and clear progression routes into employment, further training or higher education. The programme is built around three closely connected areas: fitness, health, and leisure, allowing students to understand how the industry operates while developing skills that are directly transferable to the workplace. Through supervised gym‑based activity and classroom learning, students explore areas such as fitness training, exercise programming, fitness testing and safe use of equipment. Alongside this, there is a strong focus on health and wellbeing, including topics such as nutrition, healthy lifestyles, recovery and mental wellbeing. Students also gain insight into the leisure industry, learning about gym environments, customer care, professional conduct and how fitness and leisure services are delivered within communities. This vocational approach supports students to grow in confidence and responsibility, while working towards recognised qualifications that prepare them effectively for future employment or further study within the fitness, health and leisure sector.

Work placement is a fundamental part of the course, and students will be required to undertake a placement with one of our partner gyms, leisure facilities or community centres. This experience allows students to apply their learning in real‑world settings, develop professional behaviours and gain valuable insight into the day‑to‑day expectations of the fitness and leisure industry.

Associated Careers

The Fitness, Health & Leisure Pathway supports progression into a wide range of roles across fitness centres, leisure facilities, community sport and health‑related environments.

Fitness Instructor or Gym Instructor

Personal Trainer (following further professional qualification)

Leisure Centre Assistant or Duty Officer

Health & Wellbeing Assistant

Physical Activity or Community Health Support Worker

Sports or Fitness Coach (grassroots and community level)

Exercise Referral Assistant (with additional training)

Physiotherapist (with additional training)

Healthcare / Medical professions (with additional training)

Progression to university courses in sport, fitness, health or physical activity

The transferable skills gained through the course, including; communication, professionalism, teamwork, time management and customer care, are also valued across a wide range of employment sectors beyond fitness and leisure.

Sheffield United Community College

• Courses Delivered at Westfield LU: Enjoy professional facilities for a unique learning experience.
• Football Pathway: Benefit from UEFA-qualified coaching, represent Sheffield United Community College in NFYL/EFL competitions, and gain access to performance analysis, matchday media, physio support, GK training and physical conditioning programmes.
• Fitness Pathway: Qualify to work in the fitness industry as a gym instructor. Gain essential knowledge, skills, and experience, and obtain 5 industry-recognised qualifications.
• Media Pathway: Prepare for a a career the sports media industry by gaining hands on experience, build up a portfolio of work and obtain an additional A-level qualification (Level 3 Certificate in Creative Content & Production).
• Individualised Work Experience: Access hands-on opportunities in various industry roles.
• Additional Qualifications: Obtain certifications in coaching, fitness, mental health, first aid, and safeguarding.
• Value-Added Opportunities: Participate in end-of-term Trips, Residentials, Industry Speakers, Career Events, Malaga CF Tour, Varsity Competition, and enjoy College Rewards and Awards Evening.
• English & Maths GCSE Resits Available
• Unique Student-to-Staff Ratio: Ensures comprehensive, personalised support for every student.

For more information please check out our Prospectus

Course Background

This two-year vocational qualification is designed for post-16 learners aiming to enter the health, fitness, and leisure industry. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, employers, and professional bodies, the course combines academic knowledge with practical experience to prepare students for direct employment or further study. With a strong focus on current industry practices, the qualification is aligned with professional standards set by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Students will engage with a broad range of units that provide both theoretical insight and hands-on training. The curriculum has been shaped by feedback from employers and higher education representatives to ensure relevance and quality, equipping learners with the essential skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to thrive in a fast-evolving sector. This course not only supports professional accreditation but also offers a solid foundation for those wishing to continue their education at university. By the end, students will hold an industry-recognised qualification that opens doors to a wide variety of roles within the fitness and leisure industry.

The course comprises of both classroom and practical lessons, sport and industry-based learning and features various assessment methods that will prepare students for further academic study. Most units are assessed through assignments which are submitted via our interactive learning platforms in a variety of formats including; written reports, posters, practical sports, demonstrations, group tasks, interviews, practical coaching, presentations, work experience, projects, performance observation and case studies. This study programme is ideal for people interested in going on to study sport-based courses at university, or wish to pursue a career pathway within health, fitness and leisure industries.

Enrichment Pathways: Your Course, Your Choice

As part of their study programme, Sheffield United Community College students are required to partake in one of three enrichment pathways that are unique to the college. Students will benefit from our outstanding enrichment pathways, helping to broaden their knowledge, understanding and skills within the areas of Football, Fitness or Esports. College enrichment has been redeveloped to allow for a greater choice and flexibility in how students manage their study programme. Enrichment is a fundamental part of their course, therefore, we wanted this to match up with the student’s passion, ambition and career direction. All three pathways are unique in how they are delivered, but all three provide elements of practical activity, competition, educational components and additional qualifications.

• Football Development Pathway
• Fitness Pathway
• Esports Pathway
• Media Pathway

Please view our college website for more information about our Enrichment Pathways

Value Added

• E-Learning Hub: As part of the learning experience, each student is provided access to their own E-learning platform which includes access to virtual classrooms, email, and cloud storage.
• Additional Qualifications: During their study programme our students will have numerous opportunities to undertake additional vocational qualifications and workshops designed to help facilitate their personal, and professional development. This includes qualifications in coaching, leadership, officiating, safeguarding, first aid, mental health and fitness.
• Tutorial Programme: Through our tutorial programmes, learners will engage with a diverse range of thought-provoking, challenging, and relevant topics that extend beyond their core post-16 qualification. These topics not only prepare students for their future endeavours, but also broaden their understanding and knowledge of current and practical matters in today’s society.
• Careers and Progression: this programme is in place to support and guide our students through the various progression pathways offered to them after they complete their studies with us. Our programme includes; Careers week, CV and Interview workshops, UCAS and University Workshops, Progress Meetings and Career / Open Day events.
• Work Placement: Work placement is an integral part of the study programme at Sheffield United Community College, with students expected to complete a minimum of 30-hours work experience throughout their time at the college. At the start of the study programme, each student is given their own personal record portfolio. The purpose of this portfolio is for students to keep a log of the additional skills, experiences and qualifications that they build up throughout their study programme.
• Recognising Achievement: To motivate and inspire our students, we have clear guidelines and boundaries, as well as a defined policy that focuses upon positive behaviour. This encourages students to reach their goals and are rewarded for doing so. Students build up weekly points by excelling in the following areas: attendance, punctuality, engagement, meeting deadlines and outstanding contributions. At the end of each month, the top performing students will make it into the Colleges Squad of the Month (SoTM). Students are rewarded with access to our end-of-term trips and activities, Residential trips, European tours and SUFC match tickets. At the end of the academic year all students are invited to the College Awards Evening. This event is an opportunity to recognise and reward achievement, with trophies handed out to those who excel in education and/or enrichment.
• PLT4M (Fitness Application): PLT4M is a training, teaching and tracking platform which has been developed for sports Colleges with the aim to provide its students with training programmes, exercise plans and fitness training sessions which they can then complete in and around their studies. Students are given access to a free application which allows them to access a wide range of programmes which are populated and updated by college staff. Activity is monitored so that coaches can track engagement, set challenges and oversee progress. Coaches from the college will use this application to post fitness related sessions, challenges and programmes to students which they can then complete around lessons or during times away from college.
• College Residential Trip: During the early stages of joining the college, all new students are invited to attend a free residential trip. This trip will include a wide range of team building and skill development activities that help familiarise the new students with each other, as well as college staff. The students will then work together to complete a social action project, such as raising money for a local charity.
• European Tour: All second year students will get the opportunity to attend a European tour to our affiliated club partner Malaga CF, located in Spain. This trip involves a combination of sporting enrichment, leisure and cultural experience.
• Community Blades Podcast: SUCC Podcast channel which is hosted, edited and organised by Community College students. The podcast will provide weekly updates, college sports and esports roundups, as well as appearances by industry guests. This channel was developed to provide real-world work experience opportunities for our students, allowing them to gain transferable skills that can be used in media, journalism, marketing and more.
• CIMPSA Student Membership - As a student, you’ll receive free CIMSPA membership with access to exclusive resources, CPD courses, career support, events, and networking opportunities, while gaining nationally recognised professional status that strengthens your CV and employability in the sport and physical activity sector.

Student Support

Here at Sheffield United Community College, we pride ourselves on the wrap around care available to all of our students. Our aim is to develop students in all aspects of their lives and not just their academic ability. We want students to leave our college as better people, not just better students.

Every student at the college has access to pastoral support in the form of a Learning Mentor. Our Learning Mentors are friendly, approachable and experienced and are successful in their roles, inspiring and motivating students to become more independent, innovative and responsible learners and be more empowered in solving their own problems.

Working alongside the tutors, the mentors strive to maintain high levels of engagement, participation, attendance, punctuality and attainment. Students are regularly monitored to ensure that they are achieving their target grades, are maximising their learning time and developing their independent learning skills.

The Learning Mentors are also responsible for ensuring students’ welfare and liaising with tutors to support personal and academic development throughout their time at the college. Combined with termly one-to-one progress meetings, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning in order to ensure they achieve the grades that they deserve. Learning Mentors will work with students to address any potential barriers they may face and strive to build supportive relationships to tailor their support to individual students’ needs.

Progress meetings with students are scheduled termly sessions where educators and students come together to discuss the student’s academic progress, achievements, and areas for improvement. These meetings serve as an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their performance, set goals, and identify strategies for enhancing their learning experience. Through these meetings, the mentors can provide guidance, support, and resources tailored to the individual needs of each student.

Student Wellbeing and Support Services are resources and programmes offered by Sheffield United Community College to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our students. These services aim to help students navigate personal, financial, social, and academic challenges while providing students with a network of support. Examples of these services include; Welfare Reviews, Student Shout Service, Student Assistance Programme (SAP) and access to Kooth Mental Health support programmes.

In addition to the above, students will have full access to our partner college’s external student support services which also provide well-being and personal support and financial advice, including travel passes and learner support funds, which can help towards the cost of travel, college kit and materials needed for your course.

This BTEC qualification consists of units; the BTEC Diploma has 7 units whilst the Extended Diploma has 12 units. All units will be internally assessed through assignments set and marked by tutors. Each unit is made up of two or three individual assignments. Upon completion of each unit, the tutor will inform the learner of what grade they have achieved (either Pass, Merit or Distinction). When all the units of the course have been completed, the learner will receive an overall grade for the qualification. This is the grade that will be shown on the certificate and the one that should be used when applying for higher education or employment. The course comprises both classroom (theory) and practical learning and features various assessment methods that will prepare you for further academic study. Methods of assessment include written reports, business plans, posters/presentations, practical demonstrations, group tasks, interviews, project and event management.

Throughout the two years you will study a wide range of topics: participation in physical activity, fitness training, anatomy and physiology, health and wellbeing, coaching principles and understanding sport and fitness lifestyles.

English and Maths GCSE

English and maths are an essential part of your studies here at Sheffield United Community College and can sometimes be a real barrier for the future, if you do not gain a pass at GCSE level. Employers and universities really value these essential qualifications, so it is important we help you achieve them. Students who join the college with a grade 3 or below in either or both subjects, will be automatically enrolled onto our GCSE programme or Functional Skill programme. These subject lessons take place weekly and will include resitting examinations during the summer term.

4 GCSE’s grade 4 or above (or equivalent), including English Language and Maths*

*Those without English or Maths (Grade 4) will complete the BTEC Level 3 Diploma and not the Extended Diploma.

Please Note: a one-year, level two sport qualification equivalent can be offered to those that fall below the entry requirements.

There are a number of different pathways available to our learners once they complete their studies with the college. The following bullet points below show typical progression pathways which students take following completion of their studies with us:

• University: Students progress onto a wide range of academic courses including; Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Sports Business, Physiotherapy or Physical Education.
• Higher Education: Continue your University journey with us by enrolling onto a vocationally focused Sports Coaching or Sports Business degree programmes, delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales.
• Personal Training Programme - enrol onto a accredited Personal Training programme, either through a training provider, or in partnership with a gym.
• Direct Employment: Students may decide to go straight into direct employment. Typical jobs include; sports coach, fitness instructor, personal trainer, leisure centre assistant, teaching assistant or a sports related apprenticeship scheme
• USA Scholarships: students who excel at football have opportunities to obtain a US scholarship. This pathway includes continuing your University study over in America, while representing the universities team in national competitions.

The college recognises the complexity of the education system as it opens up beyond secondary school. Therefore, to help provide correct guidance we want to ensure that all possible information is made available from the onset. While the final progression route of each student is unique and personal to them, the following diagram maps out the various progression pathways which students take both during and following completion of their studies with us;

Progression Pathway Map