Sport

Introductory in Sport Level 1 (Full Time)

This course provides opportunities for students to develop a basic understanding of strategies and techniques useful for the sports industry. Level 1 Sport covers a range of units including: Being Organised, Training for Fitness, Coaching Skills in Sport and Developing a Personal Progression Plan. As part of this Vocational Qualification students will combine what they have learnt in the classroom and apply in practical contexts and also have the chance to gain additional qualifications such as the Level 1 Sports Leaders Award and other supportive learning experiences which aim improve professional practice.

Completion of this course will allow the student to progress naturally onto a Level 2 qualification with valuable knowledge and understanding of the different career pathways in Sport. To align with industry standards learners will be expected to purchase a sport kit. From this course, learners can then choose to specialise in one of two pathways:

1) Sports Coaching and Development at Levels 2 and 3

2) Sports and Exercise Science at Levels 2 and 3.

Sports Coaching and Development Levels 2 and 3

The primary purpose of NCFE Sports Coaching and Development qualifications is to provide learners with an introductory understanding of sports coaching and the sport sector, equipping them with the necessary practical and technical skills to deliver safe coaching sessions, start a career in sport, or progress to further and higher education. These qualifications offer a foundation in the principles of coaching, anatomy, fitness, and career preparation for those interested in the sports industry. 

Key Purposes:

• Introduce Sports Coaching Principles: To teach the fundamental principles and safe practices involved in delivering sports coaching sessions. 
• Develop Practical and Technical Skills: To enable learners to acquire hands-on experience and technical expertise in coaching. 
• Prepare for a Career in Sport: To give learners the introductory skills needed to begin a career in the sports sector or for progression into employment. 
• Facilitate Further Study: To provide a solid foundation for learners to pursue higher or further education in sports-related fields, such as Level 3 qualifications, apprenticeships or university programs. 
• Offer Breadth and Depth: To incorporate a core body of knowledge within the sports vocation, providing both a wide overview and deeper insights into the field. 

What Learners Gain:

• An understanding of how to safely plan, deliver, and evaluate sports coaching sessions. 
• Knowledge of key areas such as anatomy and physiology, fitness, sports nutrition, and lifestyle. 
• Insight into career opportunities within the sports and physical activity sector. 
• Opportunities to develop skills that can be transferred to other industries. 

Sport and Exercise Science Levels 2 and 3

The purpose of NCFE's Sport and Exercise Science qualifications is to provide learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills in the sport and physical activity sector, preparing them for further education, apprenticeships, or direct employment within the industry. Courses cover core subjects like anatomy, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and fitness testing to enable learners to analyse performance, promote health, and develop expertise for careers in various sports and exercise-related roles.  

Key Purposes:

• Career Preparation: To equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to start a career in the vibrant sports and physical activity industry. 
• Further Study: To provide a strong academic foundation for progression into higher education, such as university degrees in sport and exercise science. 
• Industry Insight: To give learners an introductory understanding of the sport and physical activity sector, including its various aspects and potential pathways. 
• Skills Development: To develop transferable skills, including analytical skills, leadership, risk assessment, and practical application of sports science principles. 

What Learners Gain:

• Scientific Foundations: In-depth study of functional anatomy, applied physiology, biomechanics, and the principles of nutrition and sports injuries. 
• Performance Analysis: Techniques for analysing and understanding sports performance to help individuals and teams achieve peak performance. 
• Fitness & Health: Fitness testing, the design and programming of fitness training, and the relationship between exercise, health, and lifestyle. 
• Psychology & Coaching: Understanding the psychology of sports performance and learning coaching and leadership skills. 

The assessment plans for both Sports Coaching and Sport Science pathways are replicated.

Level 2

The Level 2 course is assessed via written work, practical projects and presentations; one unit will be assessed via external exam. Each unit is graded Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D).

Level 3

The Level 3 course will be assessed via exams, written reports, posters, practical projects, projects, presentations and work experience. Each unit is graded Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D).

Level 2

Progression onto a variety of higher level courses, employment or apprenticeships. For example, learners who complete the Level 2 Sports Coaching and Development qualification can progress onto Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development, likewise for Sport Science.

Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science

Progression from a Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 qualification includes pursuing a higher education degree (such as BSc Physiotherapy or Sports Science), undertaking a higher level apprenticeship or gaining entry into the fitness industry through related qualifications like Level 3 Personal Training or Sports Massage. Other options include starting a career in sports development, coaching, or health promotion, or utilizing the transferable skills for related fields such as nursing, public services, or self-employment. 

Higher Education 

Common degree pathways include:

• BSc Physiotherapy 
• BSc Sport and Exercise Science 
• BSc Physical Activity and Education 
• BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology 
• Foundation Degrees in related fields 

Entry to University

The Level 3 qualification carries UCAS points, making it a recognised route to university. 

Employment & Apprenticeships

Fitness Industry 

You can gain specific industry qualifications to work as:

• Fitness Instructor 
• Personal Trainer 
• Sports Massage Therapist.

 Apprenticeships

You can progress to a higher-level apprenticeship in sports development or related fields. 

Career Roles

Graduates often find employment as:

• Sports Development Officer 
• Sports Coach 
• PE Teacher 
• Performance Analyst 
• Sports Therapist 
• Health and Wellbeing Coach.

Further Industry Qualifications 

• Coaching & Leadership: You may also have the opportunity to gain National Governing Body (NGB) coaching qualifications or leadership awards as part of your Level 3 course.

• Specialised Skills: Related industry qualifications can also include Exercise Referral and Sports Massage.

Other Opportunities

• Self-Employment: The course provides skills and knowledge that can lead to self-employment in various sports-related businesses. 

• Related Industries: Transferable skills gained from the course are valuable in other sectors, including nursing, public services, and the NHS. 

Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development:

After completing a Sport Coaching and Development Level 3 qualification, you can progress to higher education (university degrees), higher-level apprenticeships (like Community Sport and Health Officer or Sports Coach), or directly into employment within the sports and leisure sector as a sports coach, personal trainer, or administrator. The Extended Diploma is often UCAS-point equivalent to 3 A-Levels, helping to secure university places. 

Higher Education

University Degrees

Pursue a degree in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Sports Development, or a related field, which can prepare you for higher-performance roles.

Foundation Degrees

Progress to a Level 4 Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching & Exercise, which is a stepping stone to a full degree.

Apprenticeships 

Higher-Level Apprenticeships

Enter apprenticeships such as Community Sport and Health Officer or Advanced Coaching.

Sports Coach Apprenticeship

The Sport Structures standard is a dedicated pathway for coaches in schools, communities, and high-performance environments.

Employment 

Career Paths

 Many roles are available in the sports and leisure sector, including:

• Personal Trainer
• Sports Coach
• Sports Development Officer
• Fitness Instructor
• Sports Administrator
• Event Organiser.

Entry Level Courses:

Skills for Life & Work/Preparing for Adulthood

No formal qualifications are required for this course.
These courses are specifically designed for learners with a Special Educational Need (SEND).

Pre Level 1

No formal qualifications are required for this course.

Full Time ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

No formal qualifications are required for this course.

Full Time GCSE Re-sit Study Course Science

GCSE Grade 3 (C) in Maths or English. Below GCSE Grade 3 (C) in BIO,CHM,PHY subjects or not sat GCSE Sciences in the past.

Full Time GCSE Re-Sit Maths and English

GCSE Grade 2 or 3 in Maths and English.

Full Time Level 1 Course

2 GCSE's at grade 2 unless you want to study the courses listed below:

Electrical & Plumbing: Min GCSE grade 3 in maths or Functional Skills 1 in maths

Motor Vehicle: Min GCSE grade 2 in maths

Full Time Level 2 Course

4 GCSE grade 3 including English or maths or a level 1 in Functional Skills English or Maths unless you want to study the courses below:

Motor Vehicle : GCSE grade 3 in maths or Functional Skills Level 1 in maths & Level 1 in Motor Vehicle.

Min GCSE grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English Required for:

Accounting, Plumbing & Electrical

 Full time Level 3 Course

4 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English AND Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English AND Maths will be accepted).

NOTE: If you want to study Applied Science you must have 4 and above in GCSE Biology, Chemistry & Physics.

Vocational Level 2 in the subject area you wish to study plus Grade 4-9 GCSE English or Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English or Maths will be accepted).

*A Vocational Level 2 is required for the following courses:

Accounting

All Construction Subjects

Hair & Beauty Subjects

Applied Science

T Level Foundation (Level 2)

4 GCSE Grade 3 including English and Math's (or Functional Skills Level 1 in English and Math's)

T Levels

5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English and Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths will be accepted).

*Health & Healthcare Science T Level requires GCSE Grade 4 in BIO, CHEM, PHY OR if double all 4's required. 

You can apply for this programme via the Apply Now button, at the top.

If this course area is available as an apprenticeship, this will show under 'Study Option' on the right-hand side, just below the Apply Now button. You can view all of our apprenticeship vacanices and subjects by clicking the 'Apprenticeships' in the top menu.