Sport

This course is ideal for students aged 16-19 who are passionate about sports, fitness, and health, and who aspire to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind sport and exercise. It’s especially suitable for:

• School leavers who have completed their GCSEs and are looking to explore careers in the sports and exercise science industry.
• Individuals involved in sports clubs, fitness activities (e.g., athletics, football, gym, group classes), or those with an interest in health and physical performance.
• Those who have completed a Level 2 qualification in a related field and want to advance their knowledge and skills.
• Learners who enjoy a mix of practical and theoretical learning and are eager to progress into higher education or careers in fitness, health promotion, coaching, or sports development.

In the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key scientific principles that underpin physical activity, sports performance, and health. Mandatory subjects include:

• Principles of Anatomy and Physiology: Explore the structure and function of various body systems, including the skeletal, muscular, and cardiovascular systems, and understand how these systems respond to exercise.
• Exercise, Health, and Lifestyle: Learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and assess the impact of factors such as diet, alcohol, and exercise on health.
• Psychology for Sports Performance: Study the mental aspects of sports, including motivation, stress management, and the psychological factors that affect performance. Additionally, you can choose from optional units like Biomechanics, Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise, Sports Nutrition, and more to tailor the course to your interests.

The course is delivered through a combination of theory-based classroom learning and practical, hands-on sessions. You will:

• Participate in practical team and individual sports, fitness testing, and coaching scenarios, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
• Complete assignments, such as producing health-related physical activity plans, conducting research projects, and preparing career portfolios.
• Engage with a wide range of learning methods, including presentations, workshops, laboratory experiments, and group discussions.
• Use equipment and resources under the guidance of experienced Lecturers who will help you develop both academic and practical skills in sport and exercise science.

NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports and Exercise Science)

Upon completing the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, students will be equipped with a broad range of skills and knowledge, opening up numerous career paths. Below are potential careers within the Sport and Exercise Science pathway:

1. Sports Scientist

• Role: Investigate and improve athlete performance through physiology, biomechanics, and psychology.
• Career Path: Work with sports teams, athletes, or sports organizations, contributing to performance enhancement and injury prevention.
• Further Study: A degree in Sport and Exercise Science or a specialized area like Biomechanics or Exercise Physiology would be a common progression.

2. Strength and Conditioning Coach

• Role: Design and implement training programs that improve athletic performance and reduce injury risks.
• Career Path: Employment with professional sports teams, performance centres, or private fitness studios.
• Further Study/Certifications: Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training or a degree in Strength and Conditioning could further enhance opportunities.

3. Health and Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer

• Role: Create and manage individualized fitness programs for clients, focusing on health, fitness, and lifestyle improvement.
• Career Path: Work within fitness centres, wellness clinics, or set up your own personal training business.
• Further Study: Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training or specialist qualifications in areas like Sports Nutrition or Sports Massage.

4. Sports Coach

• Role: Train and mentor athletes across various levels and sports, focusing on skills development and teamwork.
• Career Path: Employment with local clubs, schools, or professional teams.
• Further Study: Apprenticeships in Sports Coaching or progression to a Sports Coaching degree for advanced coaching roles.

5. Sports Psychologist (with further study)

• Role: Assist athletes and teams in improving mental performance, overcoming psychological challenges, and maintaining motivation.
• Career Path: Work with professional athletes or as part of a multidisciplinary team in sports organizations.
• Further Study: A degree or postgraduate qualifications in Sport Psychology.

6. Fitness and Health Promotion Specialist

• Role: Promote healthy lifestyles and fitness in communities, schools, and workplaces, using knowledge from the course’s focus on Exercise, Health, and Lifestyle.
• Career Path: Employment in public health, wellness companies, or government health initiatives.
• Further Study: Specialize in public health or community fitness.

7. Sports Development Officer

• Role: Design and manage projects that increase participation in sports, particularly within local communities.
• Career Path: Work for local authorities, national sports bodies, or private organizations promoting health and activity programs.
• Further Study: A degree in Sports Development or Leisure Management can enhance career prospects.

8. Exercise Physiologist (with further study)

• Role: Specialize in analyzing the body’s responses to physical activity, designing fitness programs for athletes or rehabilitation patients.
• Career Path: Work in sports teams, healthcare settings, or research facilities.
• Further Study: A degree in Exercise Physiology or Sports Science would be required.

9. Sports Nutritionist (with further study)

• Role: Provide dietary advice to athletes or fitness clients to help improve performance and overall health.
• Career Path: Employment in sports teams, fitness organizations, or self-employment.
• Further Study: Specialize in Sports Nutrition through further certification or a degree in Dietetics or Nutrition.

10. Physical Education (PE) Teacher (with further study)

• Role: Teach sports and physical activity in schools, focusing on promoting fitness and physical education.
• Career Path: Work within primary, secondary schools, or as part of youth sports programs.
• Further Study: Progression to a degree in Physical Education and a PGCE to qualify for teaching roles.

This qualification also opens doors to higher education, where students can specialize in areas such as Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Sport Psychology, or Coaching. Many career paths in this field may benefit from further study, professional certifications, or hands-on experience gained through internships or work placements.

You will create a NCFE portfolio which will provide evidence of your skills, knowledge and understanding. This may include:

• Videos/photos of participation in practical activities
• Written assignments
• PowerPoints
• Leaflets
• Posters
• Professional discussions
• There is no formal examination required to achieve this qualification.

You will need a minimum of four Grade 4 GCSEs (at least one must be Maths or English) OR achieved a Level 2 college course qualification along with Grade 4 GCSE English or Maths, or Level 1 Functional skills (if you don’t achieve these please contact us so that we can discuss your options)

Buxton & Leek College have partnered with Derby County Community Trust to offer an elite football academy provision, delivered at the University of Derby’s Sport Centre, Kedleston Road.

This course is aimed at for school leavers aged 16-19 who are interested in a healthy, active lifestyle and are currently involved in sport related clubs or activities, such as athletics, football, gym or group exercise.

The Level 3 Sport: Derby County Community Trust Football & Education Programme is designed to prepare 16–19-year-olds for work or higher education. With this qualification you could look forward to a future career as a semi-pro or professional First Team player, coach, physiotherapist, sport science technician or PE teacher.

You must be interested in playing competitive football at an elite level as you could be selected to represent Derby County Football Club, playing teams such as Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.

This football academy programme provides a unique opportunity to experience an elite performance environment alongside an academic study programme. You will gain a breadth of knowledge and understanding and develop skills that will be highly transferable within the professional sports industry. The units covered may include:

• Fitness Training
• Sports Coaching
• Current issues in sport
• Psychology for sports performance
• Anatomy & Physiology

This course will include timetabled coaching sessions, statistical analysis and a tailored physical development programme including Video Analysis Technology & PlayerTeK GPS analysis, heat mapping and more. You will also have access to a nutrition coach, and strength and conditioning coach, and will undertake an additional 8 hours of football training each week (including some twilight sessions).

In addition, you will benefit from top quality coaching and daily access to a UEFA Licensed qualified coaching team, access to optional extra courses such as refereeing or coaching pathways, and possible work experience or employment opportunities.

You will be based predominantly at the University of Derby Campus, Kedleston Road, where you will be able to take advantage of their fantastic facilities and resources. These include vast library resources, gym, ICT facilities and 4G/3G pitches, where you will be able to put your theory into practice and develop the key skills needed for a future career in the industry.

Being part of an elite sports environment shapes character and develops skills that are highly transferrable to any workplace. Many employers are looking for staff who are motivated, disciplined, able to critically analyse situations and understand how to excel as part of a team. In a highly competitive job market, these are the skills that can set your CV apart from others that may have stayed at school to complete post 16 education.

NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity

Following completion of this course you could progress on to;

• employment in the sports and fitness industry, such as, individual/group sports activities, health promotion, coaching and community development,
• or continue your education on a university degree course, such as, Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Derby.

You will create a NCFE portfolio which will provide evidence of your skills, knowledge and understanding. This may include:

• Videos/photos of participation in practical activities
• Written assignments
• PowerPoints
• Leaflets
• Posters
• Professional discussions

There is no formal examination required to achieve this qualification.

You will need minimum of four Grade 4 GCSEs (including Maths and English)