Sports Coaching & Development Foundation/Extended Diploma Level 3
This qualification is aimed at students who want to progress directly to employment in a coaching role or into higher education.
This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement and accreditation. It enables students to develop underpinning knowledge and technical skills and to gain experience as a Coach. It is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), which has confirmed that the qualification is fully mapped to its professional standards of ‘Coach’ and ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’. CIMSPA’s endorsement of this qualification allows students to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme, and is therefore recognised by employers as enabling students to enter employment in the job role of Coach in the sports sector.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above including English and Maths .
What will I study?
Year One
The Level 3 Foundation Diploma is made up of a range of units, which include:
- Careers in Sport and Active Leisure
- Health, Wellbeing and Sport
- Developing Coaching Skills
- Sports Development
- Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
Year Two
The Level 3 Extended Diploma is made up of a range of units, which include:
- Applied Coaching Skills
- Research Project in Sport (Pearson Set)
- Sports Psychology
- Influence of Technology in Sport and Physical Activity
- Organising Events in Sport and Physical Activities
- Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport
In addition you will be offered the opportunity to lead applied, vocational coaching sessions with a range of partner employers from the sports and coaching sector. There is also the opportunity to gain additional, specialist coaching qualifications.
Additional costs
All students are expected to purchase a practical kit. There is also a course contribution cost to support the trips and visits organised across the year to enhance students' learning. For further information please speak to our tutors at open events and guidance discussions.
Method of delivery
Your weekly timetable will be a mix of theory and practical sessions. You will complete a large Practical Coaching unit. Alongside these you will complete a range of theory units to underpin your knowledge and skills.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed internally through the completion of coursework, practical sports performance and coaching, presentations, and case studies.
Good course combinations
This is a full-time course. It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, T Level, Apprenticeship or A Level programmes.
Your next steps
The course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to progress into the sports coaching and development industry or on to higher education courses relating to sports studies, sports coaching, sports management, sports development and PE teaching; although there has also been examples of students progressing to non-traditional options including business.
Students have also progressed to higher education sports scholarships and UK and international universities.
Uniformed Protective Services Extended Diploma Level 3
Vocational & T Level
Subject Area
Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
2 years
Level
Level 3
Uniformed Services Extended Certificate Level 2
Vocational & T Level
Subject Area
Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
1 year
Level
Level 2
Sport & Exercise Science Extended Diploma Level 3
Vocational & T Level
Subject Area
Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
2 years
Level
Level 3
Exercise & Fitness: Gym & Group Exercise Instructor (Circuit Training) YMCA Diploma Level 2
Vocational & T Level
Subject Area
Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
1 year
Level
Level 2
Sport (Coaching) Diploma Level 2
Vocational & T Level
Subject Area
Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
1 year
Level
Level 2
Sport Certificate Level 1
Vocational & T Level
Subject Area
Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
1 year
Level
Level 1
Esports - Business & Digital Innovation Diploma Level 2
Vocational & T Level
Subject Area
Business, Tourism & Professional Studies, Digital Technologies, Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
1 year
Level
Level 2
Esports - Business & Digital Innovation Extended Diploma Level 3
Vocational & T Level
Subject Area
Business, Tourism & Professional Studies, Digital Technologies, Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
2 years
Level
Level 3
