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Free BTEC Level 3 Sport Course in Blackburn

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Sport Course in Blackburn. Classes run full-time at Blackburn College, five days a week during the day.

This Level 3 BTEC sport qualification covers sport science, anatomy and physiology, coaching, fitness training, and sports development. You'll explore how the body works, how to plan and deliver coaching sessions, and how to support athlete performance. The course runs over one year. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above to join.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sport.

Who this course is for

This Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport is for someone who has a real passion for sport. There are many different pathways in sport that this course can lead into once you have completed it.

There are three pathways that you can study on at level three and this is dependant on your GCSE results or choice of pathway.

You will study a vocational sport programme equating to either 1, 2 or 3 A-Levels.

The 2 A-Level equivalent qualification is an alternative pathway to increase opportunities and the ability to study at level 3 whilst resitting either GCSE Maths or GCSE English. On this course you will complete 9 units of which 4 are externally assessed over the two years.

The 3 A-Level equivalent qualification is a full level 3 qualification and you will be enrolled onto this course if you meet the full entry requirements and do not need to resit Maths or English GCSE. On this course you will study 14 units of which 2 are examined in year one and 2 are examined in year 2.

The Level 3 qualifications cover a wide range of opportunities for you to develop within your chosen sporting field. You will research different careers in sport and experience the real-life experience of applying for jobs in sport. You will take part in various practical sessions of Practical Sport, Fitness Testing and Fitness Training. You will investigate the working of the body and how it adapts to various training programmes as well as achievement.

Facilities/Where will I Study?

You will study across different areas of the college in both practical and theory settings. You have exclusive use of the 3-million-pound sports facility development that we are in partnership with Blackburn with Darwin Council. This includes two full sizes sports halls, fully equipped gym, spinning studio, fitness studio, swimming pool and performance lab. Some of your lessons will take place across these amazing facilities.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above

What you will learn

  • You'll study anatomy and physiology, including how muscles and joints work during exercise.
  • You'll learn how to plan and lead coaching sessions in a range of sports.
  • You'll explore fitness testing methods and how to analyse results.
  • You'll develop knowledge of sports psychology and how it affects performance.
  • You'll study nutrition and its role in sport and exercise.
  • You'll learn about sports development and how sport is organised in the UK.
  • You'll build practical skills through sport-specific activities and coaching practice.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom lessons, practical sessions, and project-based assignments. Assessment is mainly through coursework and unit assignments rather than exams. Some units may include practical observations where your coaching or performance skills are assessed directly. You'll build a portfolio of work across the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Blackburn College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers sessions for clubs or community groups.
  • Fitness instructor, leads gym-based exercise classes and programmes.
  • Personal trainer, designs one-to-one fitness plans for clients.
  • Sports development officer, works to grow participation in sport locally.
  • Leisure centre assistant, supports activities and programmes at a sports facility.
  • PE teaching assistant, supports physical education in a school setting.

What you could study next

  • BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport (Level 3), a three A-Level equivalent that strengthens your university application.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Coaching or a sport-specific coaching award, for those moving into professional coaching roles.
  • A degree in Sport Science, Sports Coaching, or Physical Education at university, building on your Level 3 BTEC sport qualification.
  • Level 3 Personal Training Qualification, for those focusing on fitness and gym-based careers.
Apply on blackburn.ac.uk →
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