Course Overview
This course will teach you the necessary skills for employment in sport coaching, as well as basic Sports Massage and Sports Injuries. You will also have an opportunity to gain a recognised Level 2 Gym Instructor Certificate which will prepare you for employment in the fitness industry.
There are NO EXAMS on this Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity
You will use our on-site industry standard facilities during your course, such as; Sports Hall, Fitness Suite, Dance Studio, Grass Pitches, Massage and Sports Injury Treatment Room. When your lessons are over you can unwind in our Student Common Room with access to pool, table tennis and gaming consoles.
You will also have the opportunity to enhance your employability skills by continuing your studies in English and maths.
Whilst studying you can participate in enrichment programmes such as; fitness classes, rugby, football and taekwondo. We won’t stop here either, whatever activity you would like to do – if there are the numbers to join in the possibilities are endless!
Don’t forget the variety of trips we offer as part of your learning; BMX Centre Manchester, Institute for Sport Sheffield, Gravity Trampoline Park and Skiing in France (Xscape before to up your skills).
When you have completed this course you will walk away with TWO industry recognised qualifications – NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity and NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym).
- Level
- Level 3
- Duration
- 1 year full-time
- Awarding Body
- NCFE
- Course Fees
- Click here for fee information
Aged 19 and over? Click here to find out about our financial support available
Units and Structure
The course consists of 9 units:
- Exercise Health and Lifestyle
- Preparing for a Career in Sport
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Instructing Physical Activity
- Sports Coaching
- Fitness Testing
- Nutrition
- Organising a Sport Event
- Technical and Tactical awareness
Entry Requirements
You'll need to have:
5 GCSEs grade A-C including English and Maths. PE/Sport desirable.
For equivalent qualifications see our Entry Requirements Explained page.
Tutors and Student Support
Student Support and Facilities
As a student, you’ll have access to a wide range of facilities, services and support, including:
- Step outside the classroom and access our state of the art facilities as well as 3 huge Learning Resource Centres with thousands of resources to use
- With hands-on experience you’ll be prepared for employment with a competitive edge.
- A dedicated impartial careers advice team to help you on your future path
- Our wide range of courses means that we can offer the right paths to get you where you need to be
- Our Hub campus is right in the heart of the town centre meaning you can find your way to us easily
- Outstanding student support throughout your studies with us.
Student Comment

Last year I was on the Level 3 Diploma in Sport. There were some fun and engaging units last year. Practical Team Sport was one of those units as we had to look at different technical and tactical techniques and apply these in a practical surrounding. Another aspect I liked about the course the fact I gained an industry recognised qualification which was the level 2 gym instructors. As part of the course we studied at the Gym Group in Frenchgate which gave us an excellent insight into how the qualification applies to an industry setting. I am now gaining industry experience with the Gym Group and they have said that once I have completed my Personal Trainer qualification – which I am doing as part of the course this year for free – they will offer me a job!
The teaching team at college is excellent as they are all very welcoming and supportive. They will go out of their way to assist you to complete assignments to a great standard. Being taught by tutors that are qualified Personal Trainers has been excellent as they have been able to share with me their own personal experience which I would have not got if I would have stayed on at 6th form.
Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme
We're proud to be able to offer Dual Career Accreditation via the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme. This is a Sport England funded partnership between athletes, education institutions, and national governing bodies of sport.
The Scheme helps athletes in education – aged 16-plus – to get the very best from their sporting and academic careers without having to choose between the two.

Apply or Enquire
Want to know more or chat to us?
Have any further questions about this course? You can contact someone specifically about it by using the details below or filling in the enquiry form.
Name: Student Services
Telephone: 0800 358 7575
Email: Contact online
Make an enquiry
Want to apply for this course?
You'll need to have:
5 GCSEs grade A-C including English and Maths. PE/Sport desirable.
For equivalent qualifications see our Entry Requirements Explained page.
GCSE Grades are changing from 2017. Need to know more? Click here for information.
Application & Enrolment
To apply for this course, please complete our online application form or download a printable form.
Apply Now