Free BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course in Farnborough. Classes run at Virtual Learning UK Farnborough, full-time during the day. This two-year course covers the knowledge and practical skills behind sports coaching, athlete development, and sports leadership. You'll study the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, one of the most detailed level 3 btec sports coaching and development qualifications available. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths.
Who this course is for
If you're aged 16-18 and interested in Performing Arts, our range of courses could be for you. VLUK has teamed up with a number of prestigious venues across the UK to bring you the nationally recognised Level 3 BTEC programmes, enabling you to study and perform your way to success.
In addition to studying performing Arts, you will have access to a range of
professional staff and facilities in the heart of the relevant industry, where you will have the opportunity to develop your passion. It's the ideal introduction to a Higher Education course or as a first step to a career in this industry.
BTECs are vocational qualifications designed to develop skills and knowledge as preparation for employment, higher education, higher apprenticeship or other training.
This is a 2 year course, equivalent to 3 A Levels. The successful completion of this programme can facilitate going on to university, employment or a subject related apprenticeship.
This qualification is intended for post 16 students wanting to progress directly to
employment in the performing arts sector.
In addition, the breadth of content in this qualification allows students to progress to a large variety of Higher Education and Degree level courses.
Entry requirements
To be considered for this programme, you will need at least:
5 GCSEs at grade 4 and above (including English and Maths).
If you have obtained a grade A*/ 9?C/ 4 in GCSE English and/ or Maths you no longer need to study it alongside your study programme, although you'll use both English and Maths in your vocational course.
If you have grades D/ 3 or below, you will need to continue to study on a GCSE or
Functional Skills qualification, depending on the grades you have obtained.
What you will learn
You'll develop coaching techniques for a range of sports and activity settings.
You'll study the principles of sports development and how community sport is organised.
You'll learn how to plan, deliver, and review coaching sessions.
You'll explore anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to exercise.
You'll understand sports psychology and how it affects performance.
You'll build knowledge of health, fitness, and wellbeing in sport.
You'll practise leadership skills in practical coaching environments.
How you will learn
The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Diploma is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed examinations. Assignments are set and marked by the centre, covering practical and written tasks. External assessments are set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. Classroom sessions combine theory, group work, and practical coaching activities.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Virtual Learning UK Farnborough will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach, running sessions in schools, clubs, or leisure centres.
Community sports development officer, growing participation locally.
Fitness instructor, leading group or one-to-one sessions.
Sports administrator, supporting clubs or national governing bodies.
PE teaching assistant, supporting physical education in schools.
Leisure centre supervisor, managing facilities and programmes.
Personal trainer, working with individual clients on fitness goals.
What you could study next
Level 4 or Level 5 HND in Sport or Sports Coaching (Pearson Edexcel) - a natural next step into higher education.
BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, or Physical Education at university - the BTEC National Extended Diploma meets typical entry requirements for degree programmes.
CIMSPA-endorsed coaching qualifications - sector-specific endorsements for working coaches.
Sports leadership or first aid Awards to add practical credentials alongside further study.
