BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport

Equivalent in size to one A Level, the National Extended Certificate would be delivered over two years alongside other Level 3 courses. This Sport course explores anatomy and physiology, the physiology of fitness, assessing risk in sport and either fitness testing and principles. Further optional units provide opportunities for learners to study practical sport, psychology for performance, sports coaching, sports leadership, sports nutrition and fitness testing.

It is a vocational course and therefore learners will be taught using a variety of methods, many of which directly relate to working within the sports industry. The course allows for other qualifications to be offered within it, such as leadership qualifications, coaching awards and refereeing courses; depending on the optional unit selected.

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate extends the specialist work-related focus to cover the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. The BTEC course covers greater flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the optional units. This course covers an engaging programme and a broad foundation in Sport related education.

Units include:

Anatomy and physiology

Fitness training and programming for health, sport and wellbeing

Professional development in the sports industry

Optional units would be selected based on the interests and skills of the group, with a possibility of different units being completed by different learners if necessary to suit the needs of individuals.

Assessed by external exams and controlled assessment.

Five or more GCSE grades 9-4 or equivalent, including Grade 4 in English Language and Grade 4 in Maths.

It would be an advantage to have studied BTEC Sport at Level 2 although this is not an essential requirement.

Level 2 Pass if BTEC Sport has been taken. GCSE Grade 4 if GCSE PE has been taken.

Many previous learners have gone on to do a sport based course at university - sports and exercise science, sports psychology, sports development and coaching.