Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science

You will need 5 GCSE's at grade 4-9 including Maths and English.

The overal grades for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity are as follows:

- Distinction*: 168 UCAS points
- Distinction: 144 UCAS points
- Merit: 96 UCAS points
- Pass: 48 UCAS Points

Your learning will be interactive, practical and designed to prepare you for the sport industry.
You’ll learn through a mix of:
• Classroom sessions exploring sport science theory
• Practical activities in our sport facilities
• Coaching and performance analysis sessions
• Applied sport science experiments and investigations
• Independent study and digital learning
Assessment is varied so you can show your strengths in different ways. This includes:
• Exams in key sport science subjects
• Coursework and research projects
• Practical coaching assessments
• Presentations and podcasts
• Sports massage and injury assessment tasks
Facilities include:
• A fully equipped fitness suite with cardio and strength training equipment
• Specialist sport science and fitness testing equipment
• Access to Ashington Leisure Centre
These facilities allow you to apply sport science theory in real training and performance environments.
By the end of the course, you’ll build a portfolio that demonstrates the knowledge and skills you’ve developed.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications before you enrol.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Northumberland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

You will be expected to attend College on a full time basis, generally over four days.

On this course you will:
• Learn how the body responds to exercise, training and recovery
• Develop hands-on skills used in sport science, coaching and fitness environments
• Explore sports psychology, nutrition, physiology and biomechanics
• Gain experience using industry-standard sport science equipment
• Build the knowledge and qualifications needed for university or a career in sport
You’ll also develop valuable professional skills such as communication, confidence, critical thinking and independence — skills that employers and universities look for.

You will study from a range of units, 18 in total over the two years of your course.

These WILL include:
• Exercise, health and lifestyle
• Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity
• Principles of anatomy and physiology

And 15 of the following units:
• Applied exercise physiology
• Biomechanics
• Fitness testing for sport and exercise
• Laboratory and field based experiment methods
• Research project in sport and exercise sciences
• Psychology for sports performance
• Applied sports psychology
• Practical team sports
• Practical individual sports
• The physiology of fitness
• Assessing risk in sport
• Fitness training and programming
• Sports nutrition
• Technical and tactical skills in sport
• The athlete’s lifestyle
• Current issues in sport
• Instructing physical activity and exercise
• Sports injuries
• Sports coaching
• Leadership in sport
• Analysis of sports performance
• Ethics and values in sport
• Sport and exercise massage
• Organising sports events
• Applied strength and conditioning
• Personal and professional development
• Work experience in sport