Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport

This course is intended to be an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, in the sports sector.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10479
Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Sport & Recreation
Course Overview

This qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels and has been designed as a full  two-year programme. In the first year of the programme you will complete a Foundation Diploma (1.5 A-Level equivalent) and will have the opportunity to exit at this stage. Those progressing to year two will top-up to the Extended Diploma.

The course will give you a wide range of knowledge and skills essential to progress within the world of sport and exercise through the study of units directly related. There is an attendance commitment requirement of 15 hours per week.

 Year 1 Mandatory Core Units (plus two optional units):

• Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology

• Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being 

• Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry 

• Unit 4: Sports Leadership 

• Unit 7: Practical Sports Performance  

 Year 2 Mandatory Core Units (plus two optional units):

 • Unit 8: Coaching for Performance

• Unit 9: Research Methods in Sport 

• Unit 19: Development and Provision of Physical Activity 

• Unit 22: Investigating Business in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry

• Unit 23: Skill Acquisition in Sport   

Optional Units may include:  

• Unit 5: Application of Fitness Testing

• Unit 6: Sports Psychology

• Unit 10: Sport Event Organisation

• Unit 18: Work Experience in Active Leisure

• Unit 24: Sport Performance Analysis

• Unit 27: Principles and Practices for Outdoor and Adventurous Activities  

 *The optional units for this course may vary from year to year. Units may vary due to the availability of staff.

You want to work as a Fitness Coach, Personal Trainer, Leisure Centre Manager, working in sports development.

About anatomy and physiology, team sports, sports nutrition, sports coaching and fitness training and importantly sports massage.

The practical hands on nature of this course and you will be involved in a variety of individual and team events as well as organising sport events. You will also gain professional qualifications such as IFA coaching qualifications.

With UKAD Educator qualified staff you will gain exposure, through a series of workshops, to crucial anti-doping education. This benefit's students both as current and future athletes, coaches and athlete support personnel. As a college it ensures the ethos of 'Clean Sport' is integrated into the student educational journey.

Learners who have successfully completed this qualification in two years may progress to level 4/5.  The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting, or contributing to, admission requirements for many relevant Sports courses. Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with the specific higher education providers.

In the BTEC National units there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing employability skills through teamwork, innovation and problem solving. You are also encouraged to take up work placement with local council departments, fitness facilities, or in Physical Education sector. It is the responsibility of the student to organise this work placement.  

A minimum of 4Cs at GCSE level (preferably including English and Maths or equivalent) or a Merit at level 2 and a keen interest in sport.

Available Sessions

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

In addition to the above Terms & Conditions students must also adhere to the following:

 Additional Costs

As part of the course you will be expected to purchase sports kit and participate in field trips which will incur travel costs (£80-£100)

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

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