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Sport and Physical Activity Advanced (Level 3)

The Bedford College Group Sport & Fitness pic 4

Overview

Sport and Physical Activity Advanced (Level 3)

This study programme is ideal if you are interested in pursuing a future career in the sports industry. The course is made up of a combination of theory and practical based subjects which allow you to apply your knowledge in practical settings.

Key subjects include learning about Anatomy, Psychology, Nutrition, Fitness and Coaching. You will be assessed via coursework throughout the year, there are no exams within this course.  The Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A-levels.

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Bedford College Sport Level 2

Course information

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs grades 9 – 4 OR similar qualification at Level 2.

Qualification gained

You will a gain an NCFE Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Extended Diploma after two years of study.

Next steps

Course progression:

On successful completion of this study programme you can progress on to our Sport Science (Coaching) Foundation Degree, which is validated by and lead to an award of, the University of Bedfordshire.

Once completed you can then progress straight on to a third year of study with the university to achieve a BSc Sport Science degree.

Career progression:

Alternatively, you could progress on to a variety of courses with other universities, or move straight into employment within the sports industry, such as:

  • Teaching/ PE Teaching
  • Professional Sports
  • Professional coaching
  • Personal training
  • Professional sports in analysis
  • Professional sports in sports science

College-related information

Bedford College

 

Course content

What will I study?

Year 1

  • Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
  • Preparing for a Career in Sport and Physical Activity
  • Sports Coaching
  • Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport
  • Practical Team Sport
  • Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise
  • Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
  • Current Issues in Sport
  • Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise

 

Year 2

  • Practical Individual Sport
  • Coaching Special Populations
  • Psychology for Sports Performance
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Sports Injuries
  • Business in Sport
  • Organising Sports Events
  • Applied Strength and Conditioning
  • Innovation and Enterprise

English and maths:

If you don’t already have GCSE English and maths grade 9-4, we will work with you to help you develop your maths and English skills.

Work experience

You will undertake 20 hours of work experience each year

Skills

Personal development skills, study skills and employability skills

Additional vocational learning and qualifications

You will also be given the opportunity to go on a range of trips, including paint balling, footballing and multi sports tours, international rugby and football matches.

How will I be assessed?

All of your NCFE work will be assessed through assignments, which can consist of written essays, presentations, group discussion, practical observation and poster production.

GCSE maths and English will be assessed through formal exams.

Additional information

To take part in this course there will be an additional fee of approximately £35 for required clothing.

Central Bedfordshire College

 

Course content

What will I study?

Over the year, you will study nine different units, each one has been specifically selected and designed to allow you to achieve your aims. You will have multiple coaching units and you will get to work with different age groups in local schools, delivering National Curriculum PE lessons, work with children and young adults with disabilities and as well with your peers. We also work very closely with the local Sports Game Coordinators delivering, organising school tournaments around the local area. Two students in the last two years have gained full time employment from doing this. This is the perfect opportunity to apply theory into practice.

Other units covered will include things such as Analysis of Performance using the same technology used in professional sports, called Hudl https://www.hudl.com/en_gb/ We will also help you prepare for work with CV workshops, interview practise and much more.

Lessons will be a mixture of practical and theory linking together, for instance, when you learn about differentiation in sports coaching, we will put this into practice on the field before delivering in a real environment.

Over the years, we have developed professional sports people from Keishi Anderson (footballer), Josh Gooding (professional Boxer), Harry Constantine (professional swimmer), Robert Keogh (professional Cricketer)

We have numerous students now working in education as PE teachers. We also have students working in coaching companies and professional football clubs. In addition, around 70% of each year 2 cohort go to university before their chosen career.

How will I be assessed?

The majority of assessments are done via assignments, video recordings, written observations, Hudl analysis, presentations and practically.

Additional information

The only costs you will have will be to purchase your sports kits, there are different packages available. This is to be worn in practical lessons and trips only.

Available Courses
Bedford College
Starts: 08/09/2025
Type: Full Time
Length: 2 years
Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Time(s):
Apply now
Fees:
Central Bedfordshire College Dunstable Main Campus
Starts: 08/09/2025
Type: Full Time
Length: 2 years
Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Time(s):
Apply now
Fees:
Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Funding Information

All full-time Level 1 and Level 2 courses are now FREE for everyone, whatever their age. If you are looking to study a Level 3 qualification, courses might still be free if you’re under 19 or 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification. Whether you need to pay a fee and how much will be dependent on the programme you choose to study. For more information call 0345 658 8990.

If you’re over 23 or studying a second Level 3 qualification, you will need to pay a fee. Find out more on our financial support page at: www.bedfordcollegegroup.co.uk/finance or view the Full-time Fee Flow Chart below.

If you are unsure whether you need to pay or not then please contact our Customer Contact team on 0345 658 8990.

Full-time Fee Flow Chart

If you are aged 19 or over you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. You can also pay by instalments to help make the cost of this course more affordable.

Find out more

If you live in any of the following areas and wish to apply for or enrol onto one of our courses, please contact our Customer Contact team on 0345 658 8990 to check if your course is funded or not (Please note that if your course is not funded then you will pay a higher fee than what is listed, please contact our Customer Contact team for more information):

  • Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
  • Greater Manchester
  • Greater London
  • Liverpool City Region
  • Tees Valley
  • West of England
  • West Midlands
  • Sheffield
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne
  • Barnsley and Doncaster
  • West Yorkshire
Find out more

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

 

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.