Sport or Sport & Exercise Science

Students can elect to study Level 3 Diplomas in Sport or Sport & Exercise Science. The programmes encompass areas of study from physiology, psychology and social issues, to sports coaching, leadership, health and fitness, as well as practical performance analysis and development. Sessions are a mixture of academic theory with applied vocational practice, aimed to develop your knowledge and performance skills as a great pathway to study at university or step into a career in the sports industry. Students can study different sizes of the Sports Diploma, running for two years alongside other A Levels or independently.

Sport & Exercise Science

Sport and Exercise Physiology
Functional Anatomy
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing
Coaching for Performance and Fitness
Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science
Specialised Fitness Training
Applied Research Methods
Research Project

Sport

Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
Fitness Training and Programming
Professional Development in Sport
Sports Leadership
Fitness Testing
Sports Psychology
Practical Sports Performance
Coaching for Performance
Sports Business
Skill Acquisition

I knew that Sport and Exercise Science was an area that after GCSE I wanted to stay in and after meeting the teachers in the sport department, their enthusiasm made me even more certain I wanted to study the course. Over the past two years, Sport has also been extremely enjoyable for me. Neil and Lloyd, who have taught me for the entire course, are two of the most enthusiastic teachers I have ever had. The entire atmosphere around the sports department is one that is engaging and positive, with a hands on approach to learning about all the different areas of sports psychology and coaching, as well as biomechanics.
Henry Swain (2019-21) ex Peacehaven Community School

Course Essentials

Courses Available

Single BTEC Level 3 (equivalent to 1 A Level)
Double BTEC Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels)

Entry Requirements

Grade 4 in GCSE Science (if taking Sport & Exercise Science course)

How The Course is Assessed

Mixture of coursework and exams, assessed on a modular basis.

Career Pathways

If you are passionate about sport, physical activity, health or fitness, this is the subject for you. The course can be used as access to a university sports related degree (Sports & Exercise Science, Coaching, Sports Development, PE teaching), or it can provide a route into employment in the sports and fitness sector.

Transferable Skills

Students will develop academic skills; research, evaluation, analysis & discussion in social and physical sciences, and practical skills; leadership, teamwork, organisation & problem solving as well as enhancing fitness and health. The economic impact of sport places it within the top 15 sectors in England, and its wider economic benefit make it a key part of society today. With over 440,000 jobs in England and a growing focus on health and participation in physical activity, in addition to the teamwork and leadership skills, it will support your success in other careers.

Other Information

Students may also undertake additional vocational qualifications to support their Level 3 programme and diversify their CV. These include:

Fitness Instructing
Sports Leadership
Coaching Badges
Duke of Edinburgh

Whether you are motivated by developing your sports performance or just interested in getting back into sport, these courses have something for you.

Sport Instagram

Enquiries To

Jude Macdonald: jum@varndean.ac.uk