Sport

What Will I Study?

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.

How Will I Be Assessed?

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).

What could this course lead to?

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:

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