Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science – Level 3

The Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science is a Level 3 qualification which looks at the multi-disciplinary nature of sport and exercise science. The Extended Certificate is the first year of a two-year BTEC programme equivalent to two A-levels.

The first year is made up of four units, with an additional four units being taken in year two. Students will need strong time keeping and organisational skills to excel in their studies, while also requiring coaching and leadership skills for their practical assessments. The course is focussed on candidates who may wish to go on to study Sport in higher education settings.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 5.

The course requires students to develop their coaching skills and therefore there is an expectation that all students will be motivated to deliver and take part in practical sessions. Candidates should have a broad interest in sport and be willing to aid in the delivery and organisation of college sport.

In Year 1, candidates will study four units:

• Functional Anatomy
• Coaching for Performance and Fitness
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Specialised Fitness Training

In Year 2, candidates will study four units:

• Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing
• Applied Research Methods
• Physical Activity for Individual and Group Based Exercise

This course will be delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall.

There are practical sessions in which you will be expected to take part and others that you are expected to lead.

We encourage learners to bring their own laptop to aid their studies.

This programme can be studied alongside our sports academies in Basketball, Cycling, Football and Golf.

You will be expected to maintain an attendance of over 95% throughout the year.

There are no additional costs.

In order to access facilities, there may be a requirement for students to travel to Broomfield Hall. This may result in an additional transport cost for these sessions.

Students are expected to wear black tops (T-shirts, jumpers, hoodies etc) when in class and when representing the sports department during coaching sessions. Students are free to wear what they choose on their lower half, providing it is suitable for the activity being undertaken.

There are DCG-branded options to purchase should students wish to do so. However, this is not mandatory: we merely expect compliance with our colour code.

If you also join one of our sports academies, you may be required to purchase an academy-specific uniform which is an additional cost set by that academy.

All students will benefit from having a tablet or laptop to aid them with their studies.

There will be ongoing assessment throughout the year. Each unit will be split into a number of assignments and assessed against the unit content. These assessments will be graded on a Pass, Merit or Distinction basis.

Assessments will be a mixture of presentations, reports, practicals and essays, and will form your portfolio of evidence.

In Year 1 Functional Anatomy is assessed via an externally set exam and Psychology is an externally set synoptic assessment.

In Year 2 Sport and Exercise Physiology involves an externally set exam.

After a successful first year, students will progress to the second year of the study programme to complete the Diploma or the Foundation Diploma with Sports Massage Therapy.

Successful candidates may then wish to go on to study Sport Coaching at DCG or different Sport degrees with other higher education providers.

Students may also wish to expand their knowledge and continue their studies for a third year by completing the Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at Broomfield Hall.

Other courses that may be of interest are the:

• Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
• Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction
• Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
• FdA Sport Coaching

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or tweet us @Derbycolsport