Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

BTEC Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Course in Birkenhead for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Sports Coaching Courses in Wirral.

Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Course in Birkenhead. Classes run at St Anselm's College, full-time during the day over two years.

The course combines academic study with practical sports experience. You'll explore anatomy and physiology, sports psychology, coaching principles, fitness testing, and exercise science. It carries the same UCAS points as three A-levels, so it can open doors to university as well as work. Entry requires a minimum Grade 5 in GCSE Physical Education, plus college-level or higher representation in one sport.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science.

Who this course is for

The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport Development, Coaching and Fitness is a full-time vocational qualification that is equivalent to 3 A-levels. The programme is designed to enable students to gain both academic and practical experience and become competent in areas that are directly related to the workplace. This course allows you to develop skills in a sports environment, while continuing to enjoy practical sports performance, gaining experience and qualifications in coaching. The course provides progression opportunities into vocationally relevant employment or higher education, including a guaranteed place scheme for HE sport options within the department.

Entry requirements

Minimum Grade 5 at GCSE Physical Education. One sport at College level or higher representation for practical assessment. A commitment to College Sport

What you will learn

  • You'll study anatomy and physiology and how the body responds to exercise.
  • You'll explore sports psychology and how the mind affects performance.
  • You'll develop coaching skills and gain practical coaching experience.
  • You'll learn how to carry out fitness testing and interpret the results.
  • You'll study nutrition and its role in sport and exercise performance.
  • You'll analyse sports performance and apply exercise science principles.
  • You'll build skills in planning and delivering sports sessions.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom lessons and practical sessions. Assessment is mainly through coursework and assignments, with some units assessed through practical performance. You'll build a portfolio of evidence across the two years. Some units may include exams set by Pearson Edexcel.

What you will need to bring

St Anselm's College will confirm what you need before you start. The entry requirements state you must play one sport at college level or higher, so appropriate sports kit is likely to be needed for practical sessions.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for a club or school.
  • Fitness instructor, leads gym classes and supports members with training.
  • Personal trainer, designs individual fitness programmes for clients.
  • Sports development officer, promotes participation in sport locally.
  • Gym assistant, supports day-to-day operations at a fitness centre.
  • Sports analyst, further study or experience in performance analysis needed.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Sport and Exercise Science (Level 6), the natural next step for those wanting to work in performance, research, or physiotherapy.
  • A degree in Physical Education, for those interested in teaching sport in schools.
  • A foundation degree or HND in Sports Coaching (Level 5), a shorter higher-education route into coaching roles.
  • CIMSPA-recognised personal training qualifications, for those heading straight into fitness work.
Apply on st-anselms.com →
Apply now →

Related courses at St Anselm's College

More courses near you