42%
Internally assessed
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport provides a natural progression from the WJEC Level 2 Sport and Coaching Principles qualification, supporting your development into a confident, independent learner and effective leader. Throughout the programme, you will explore a wide range of topics that deepen your knowledge of sport, leadership, and the science behind athletic performance.
The course not only strengthens your understanding of key areas such as anatomy, physiology, and applied sport practice, but also enhances essential transferable skills, including organisation, time management, and the ability to apply theory in real vocational settings. By the end of the qualification, you will have developed the personal qualities and professional behaviours needed to succeed both at university and within the sports industry.
The qualification is structured around four units, each carrying a set number of points based on its Guided Learning Hours (GLH). To achieve the full award, you are required to complete all four units successfully. Two units are externally assessed through written examinations, while the remaining two are internally assessed through coursework. A minimum of a Pass must be achieved in every unit to secure the overall qualification.
Units studied over the two-year programme:
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology in Sport (120 GLH)
Unit 2: Fitness Testing and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing (120 GLH)
Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry (60 GLH)
Unit 4: Sports Leadership (60 GLH)
Pearson
You must have 5 qualifications at level 2 /GCSE at grade 4/pass or above including English or Maths.
It is important to note that there is no requirement for candidates to have studied the qualification at Level 2, before progressing to a Level 3 course.
We believe in providing access based on potential and commitment. These entry requirements will be discussed in detail with students on an individual basis during the application process.
BTEC
| Practical skills | |
| Mathematical skills | |
| Application of knowledge to unfamiliar contexts | |
| Scientific essay writing | |
| Research and referencing | |
| Analysing data | |
| Drawing conclusions from evidence |
Students studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport will be assessed through a combination of externally marked examinations and internally assessed coursework across the four units:
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology in Sport – Assessed via a 1 hour 30-minute written examination, with a maximum of 80 marks.
Unit 2: Fitness Testing and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing – Assessed via a 2 hour 30-minute written examination, with a maximum of 60 marks.
Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry – Assessed through coursework, covering Learning Aims A–D.
Unit 4: Sports Leadership – Assessed through coursework, covering Learning Aims A–C.
To achieve the full qualification, students must successfully complete all units at Pass level or above. Should a student receive a grade below Pass in Units 1 or 2, there is an opportunity to resit these externally assessed units.
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport opens the door to an exciting range of future pathways in both education and employment. Learners are well prepared to progress to sport-related university courses such as Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sport Rehabilitation, Strength and Conditioning, and Sport Management, as well as a variety of foundation degrees. The qualification also supports entry into apprenticeships and employment across the sport and leisure sector, including roles in coaching, fitness instruction, community sport, and leisure operations, with further training where required. In addition, students develop highly transferable skills—such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and organisation—which are valued across a wide range of industries, ensuring strong progression opportunities both within and beyond the world of sport.