Sport, BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

This stimulating and challenging vocational course is for students who intend to study for a degree in Sport or pursue a career in the Sports Industry. It covers both the theory and practical aspects of sport.

This is a two year course, equivalent to one A Level.

It is recommended to combine this BTEC Sport course with one or two A Level or BTEC Level 3 courses.  These could include A Level Biology or Psychology and/or BTEC Level 3 Applied Human Biology or Public Services.

Studying Sport at Reigate College could lead to:

• A degree in Sports Studies, Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Management, Sports Injury or Rehabilitation
• A career as a PE teacher or Sports Coach
• A career working within the Fitness Training Industry, Leisure Centres, Sports Development and Coaching are also popular, as are careers in Sports Therapy
• Apprenticeships within the sports industry for example within Fitness Training or Sports Marketing

Even if students don’t intend to pursue a career in sport, the course develops:

• Transferable skills such as team work, leadership experience, and confidence and communication skills that will help students excel in all manner of careers 
• A life-long passion for sport and a healthy lifestyle that will complement any future career choices

See what some of our former Sport students have gone on to do.

This is a vocational course designed to develop both knowledge and practical skills in the area of Sport.  Over the two years, students will study units relating to: 

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being
• Professional Development in the Sports Industry
• Sports Coaching

Course Specific Trips, Visits & Experiences

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of course related experiences. In recent years, these have included:

• A visit to Wimbledon
• Guest speakers
• An opportunity to participate in wheelchair basketball
• Sports Awards ceremony
• A Sports and Exercise Taster Day at Portsmouth University

In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.

All students need to gain an experience of the work place during their time at College and for students studying vocational courses it should ideally be linked to one of their subject areas. Work experience within the Sports Industry can be used to develop the skills and knowledge needed when studying the compulsory Professional Development in the Sports Industry unit.

This course is assessed through external (67%) and internal (33%) assessments, including:

• An external exam in Anatomy and Physiology
• An external task, written under exam conditions, relating to Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being
• Internally assessed coursework, consisting of written assignments, presentations and practical assessments

The exam board for this BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate is Pearson BTEC.

All students need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (and a satisfactory school reference) in order to be accepted on an A Level/BTEC Level 3 Programme.  In addition, students will need the following minimum combination of GCSE grades: 

• Grade 4 in a Science Subject (4,4 in Combined Science) or Grade 4 in PE and
• Grade 4 in a literate subject such as English Language, English Literature or History

A Merit or above in BTEC Level 2 Sport will also be considered.

 This course is designed for individuals with a genuine interest in sport and good sporting general knowledge, as much of the course will involve linking the theory learnt to sporting examples. Successful students will be highly motivated and able to consistently meet coursework deadlines. Students will not be directly assessed on their sporting ability. However, there are practical elements of the course that require students to be motivated, enthusiastic and willing to take part.

What is the difference between BTEC and A Level PE?

BTEC Sport qualifications are more vocational courses that includes a larger coursework component. Students are not assessed on their sporting performance.

Do universities regard BTEC Sport as highly as A Level PE?

BTECs and A Levels are worth the same amount of UCAS points. Some universities may require A Level PE, depending on the course.

What does a typical BTEC lesson look like?

BTEC theory lessons are held in computer rooms, allowing students to use electronic work packs for note taking in preparation for assessments.

Lessons are taught practically where possible, for example, when learning about fitness training methods.

How much practical work will I participate in?

Students are not assessed on their practical ability.

The number of practical lessons depends on the unit being studied and the subject matter being taught. The College offers additional competitive sport opportunities and activities for those keen on increasing their participation.

How is the course assessed?

The course includes external assessments and coursework.

The external assessment is worth 67% of the total qualification. For the unit Anatomy and Physiology it takes the form of a written exam (1 ½ hours). For the unit Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being, it is comprised of an external task (2 ½ hours).

Internal coursework assessments make up 33% of the total mark.

The Application of Fitness Testing and the Professional Development in the Sports Industry units both involve a mixture of assignments, including report based, practical delivery and essay-style questions.

What will I learn in each unit?

Anatomy & Physiology Unit: Skeletal System / Muscular System / Respiratory System / Cardiovascular System / Energy Systems

Fitness Training & Programming Unit: Lifestyle factors and their effect on health and well-being; Screening processes for training programming; Programme-related nutritional needs; Training methods for different components of fitness; and Training programme design.

Professional Development Unit: Career and job opportunities in the sports industry; Exploring personal skills to inform a career development action plan; Recruitment activity on the processes that can lead to a successful job offer; Reflection on the recruitment and selection process and your individual performance.

Fitness Testing Unit: Principles of fitness testing; Fitness tests for different components of fitness; Evaluation and feedback of fitness test results.

What additional courses are commonly studied alongside this course?

It depends on the individual student and their future ambitions. However, students have the opportunity to obtain industry standard certifications in Gym Instructing, Personal Training and Sports Leadership.

What sport-related university courses are available?

Explore the UCAS website for sport-related courses.

The following are some examples of degree courses BTEC Sport students have gone on to study:

• Sports Journalist – Liverpool John Moores University
• Sports Management and Development – University of Portsmouth, Bournemouth University
• Sports Therapy – Bournemouth University, University College Birmingham
• Sport & Exercise Science – University of Surrey, Kingston University, Nottingham Trent University, Swansea University
• Sport Coaching & Sport Development – Solent University
• Football Business Management – Solent University
• Football Coaching & Management – UCFB
• Sport Science and Coaching – Nottingham Trent University
• Physical Education and School Sport – Sheffield Hallam University