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Free BTEC Level 3 Sport Course in Brighton

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport Course in Brighton. Classes run at Varndean College, full-time over two years.

You'll study anatomy and physiology, sports psychology, fitness training, and sports coaching. The course also covers sports leadership, skill acquisition, and practical performance. Sessions mix academic theory with hands-on practice. You'll sit exams, complete coursework, and take part in practical assessments.

The course opens doors to university sports degrees or work in the sports and fitness sector. You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport.

Who this course is for

The programmes encompass areas of study from physiology, psychology and social issues, to sports coaching, leadership, health & fitness, as well as practical performance analysis and development. Sessions are a mixture of academic theory with applied vocational practice, aimed to develop your knowledge and performance skills as a great pathway to study at university or step into a career in the sports industry. Students can study different sizes of the Sports BTEC, running for two years alongside other A Levels or Vocational Qualifications.

COURSES AVAILABLE BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (equivalent to 1 A Level) or BTEC Level 3 Diploma (equivalent to 2 A Levels)

Entry requirements

Standard Advanced Level entry requirements,

What you will learn

  • You'll study anatomy and physiology as they apply to sport.
  • You'll learn how to design and deliver fitness training programmes.
  • You'll explore sports psychology and how the mind affects performance.
  • You'll develop coaching skills for sport and physical activity.
  • You'll practise sports leadership and teamwork in applied settings.
  • You'll carry out fitness testing and analyse the results.
  • You'll study skill acquisition and how athletes learn new techniques.
  • You'll gain an understanding of the sports business environment.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom theory and practical sessions. Assessment includes written exams for core units, coursework assignments, and practical performance assessments. Some units are externally examined by Pearson Edexcel. Others are assessed through assignments completed at Varndean College.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers training sessions for individuals or teams.
  • Fitness instructor, leads group exercise classes in gyms or leisure centres.
  • Personal trainer, designs one-to-one fitness programmes for clients.
  • Gym instructor, supports members on the gym floor and with equipment.
  • Sports development officer, promotes participation in sport and physical activity.
  • PE teaching assistant, supports physical education lessons in schools.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Sports and Exercise Science, for a deeper study of the science behind sport and performance.
  • A degree in Sports Coaching, for those who want to coach at a higher level.
  • A BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport, if you want to extend your study before university.
  • A Level 3 Personal Training qualification, for a direct route into the fitness industry.
Apply on varndean.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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