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Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science - Level 3Apply Now »
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 2
24+ Loan Amount: 2500.00****
Interview: Y
Course Summary
The Sports Science A-level pathway is a two-year programme designed to run in collaboration with other A-level choices. It develops the academic skills and knowledge base of students who have a strong interest in the science of sport but are keen to take their studies on to university. The qualification is the equivalent of 0.5 A-levels each year.
You will study in both practical and theoretical settings to understand advanced concepts in areas such as anatomy, biomechanics, coaching, research methods and psychology.
On completion of this programme, students are given priority entry to Derby College's Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching.
Entry requirements
Students will need to complete an interview and screening test in maths and English. The entry requirements for this course are five GCSEs graded at between 9-4 (A*-C), including Maths and English.
Any achievement in BTEC Sport qualifications at Level 2 will only be considered if it is at Distinction grade.
You are expected to maintain high standards of discipline, punctuality and attendance. It is essential that you work to the deadlines set or you may face changes to, or withdrawal from, your study programme.
Practical sessions are compulsory so you must be physically able to take part in both indoor and outdoor sessions.
Course Content
The first year of the course is made up of four units including:
- Anatomy
- Applied Psychology
- Biomechanics
- Sports Coaching
The second year replicates the expectations of a university dissertation with:
- Research methods
- Research project
The course also includes a work placement, tutorial and the development of English and maths skills. A-Level Biology and A-Level English or Maths are advised choices for students wishing to become PE teachers.
How will I be assessed?
Students will build a portfolio based around evidence generated by the various assessment methods in each unit. You are expected to work on multiple assessments at any one time and can expect to be assessed through:
- practical demonstration
- logbooks and performance records
- written reports and essays
- presentations
- workbooks
- discussions and vivas
Anatomy will be assessed through an externally set and moderated exam.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
For applicants from outside the region or who travel over distance, the College has residential accommodation if required.
If you also join one of our sports academies, such as Derby Trailblazers, you may be required to purchase an academy-specific uniform which is an additional cost set by that academy.
Financial assistance is available, depending on your circumstances.
What can I do after this course?
On successful completion, this course provides an excellent platform for progression to higher education with programmes such as a:
- Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching at Derby College*
- Sports Massage Therapy degree
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences
- Diploma in Personal Training
*You will receive a confirmed conditional offer for this course with priority entry.
You may also wish to seek employment in the sports and active leisure industry. You do not, of course, have to enter the sport and active leisure industry as the skills gained on the course are transferable to a wider range of job areas.
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Emily Gray
Peak Award Winner Emily now studying for master’s in Australia
Former Peak Award winner Emily Gray was motivated to achieve “more than she ever thought she was capable of” while studying for A levels at Derby College. And, since leaving Joseph Wright Centre 10 years ago, she has quite literally gone a long way – to university in Melbourne, Australia, to take a Master of Education degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Now 27, Emily received a Peak Award for Academic Studies after performing well in her sociology, history and psychology A levels and EPQ, the Extended Project Qualification. While on her psychology degree course at the University of Leeds, Emily embarked on a study year at Monash University in Melbourne.
And, since graduating, she has taught English in Peru, volunteered and worked in Sri Lanka and travelled in Australia before settling in Melbourne with her partner.
Currently studying for her master’s at Monash University, Emily also works as a site manager at a centre-based intervention service based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for pre-school aged children on the autism spectrum.
She ultimately wants to become a clinical psychologist or clinical director of an agency providing ABA.
Commenting on her Peak Award in 2009, Emily added that it was “really unexpected and a huge honour.” She included the award in her CV and found it was “something she was able to talk about in interviews.”
My lecturers were fantastic! They were really passionate about their subject, particularly psychology lecturer Glyn Pickering, who motivated me and pushed me to achieve more than I thought I was capable of.
I also got great support at Derby College in applying for university and higher education. I was able to go on a residential trip to experience Oxford University, and received specialist and individual help with my application, personal statement and interview preparation.
