Why choose Level 3 sport?
Sport is a dynamic and engaging subject that combines practical performance with an in-depth understanding of the body, training, and the sports industry. This qualification is equivalent to one A Level and gives students the opportunity to study a diverse range of topics through both classroom-based theory and practical activities. The course develops essential skills such as communication, leadership, organisation, and analysis – all of which are highly valued by employers and universities.
Course type: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
Board: Pearson
Entry requirements: Five GCSEs at grade 5 or above
How will Level 3 sport be delivered?
The course is delivered over two years through a combination of practical sessions, classroom-based theory, independent research, and assignment-based learning. Students complete four units – three mandatory and one optional – that explore real-world sport, health, and fitness contexts.
| Unit | Content |
| 1: Anatomy and physiology | Structure and function of the body systems and how they relate to sport |
| 2: Fitness training and programming for health, sport and wellbeing | Exploring lifestyle factors, fitness assessments, and creating training plans |
| 3: Professional development in the sports industry | Investigating career pathways, personal skills audits, and development plans |
| 4: Sports leadership (optional) | Understanding leadership styles, skills and responsibilities; planning and delivering sports sessions; evaluating session delivery |
| 5: Application of fitness testing (optional) | Investigating fitness tests and interpreting results to inform training plans |
| 6: Sports psychology (optional) | Understanding the psychological factors that affect performance and motivation |
| 7: Practical sports performance (optional) | Developing and evaluating personal performance in individual and team sports |
Assessment
Assessment is through a combination of external and internal methods. All units are completed over two years and contribute to the final qualification as follows:
- Unit 1: Anatomy and physiology – written exam (1 hour 30 minutes), externally marked – 33% of the overall grade
- Unit 2: Fitness training and programming for health, sport and wellbeing – externally assessed task completed under supervised conditions – 33% of the overall grade
- Unit 3: Professional development in the sports industry – internally assessed coursework – 17% of the overall grade
- Optional unit – internally assessed coursework – 17% of the overall grade
There is no coursework component for the externally assessed units. All assessments are completed by the end of the two-year course.
Progression
The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers. It supports progression to university courses and careers in sport, fitness, and health-related sectors.
Studying this course can help students to:
- Access university courses such as sport science, PE teaching, coaching, or physiotherapy
- Pursue careers in personal training, sports psychology, nutrition, or sports development
- Gain transferable skills in teamwork, communication, planning, and analysis
- Explore opportunities in the NHS, education, and the wider sports industry
