Free Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Course

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start9 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Course at Falmouth Marine School. This full-time, daytime course runs over one year.

You'll spend significant time at Stithians Lake developing personal skills across multiple disciplines. The course covers coaching techniques, risk assessment, and performance development. You'll plan and deliver coaching sessions, building practical leadership experience alongside the theory. Entry requires four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and/or Maths, or a relevant Level 2 qualification at an equivalent level.

You'll finish with an NCFE Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity at Level 3.

Who this course is for

If you want to progress from Level 2 and build stronger coaching ability this Level 3 programme develops both performance and leadership. You will spend significant time at Stithians Lake improving personal skills in multiple disciplines and then apply coaching and risk assessment learning through planned delivery. It supports progression into employment or further study in the outdoor sector.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers • Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification AND a grade 4 or above in English and/or Maths. • Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade. Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group • Successful completion of p

What you will learn

  • You'll develop coaching skills across a range of sport and physical activity disciplines.
  • You'll apply risk assessment principles to planned coaching delivery.
  • You'll build personal performance skills through practical sessions at Stithians Lake.
  • You'll study leadership techniques relevant to sport and outdoor settings.
  • You'll learn how to plan and deliver coaching sessions to others.
  • You'll explore the science underpinning sport and physical activity performance.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom based and practical, with significant time spent at Stithians Lake for hands-on activity and coaching delivery. You'll be assessed through planned coaching sessions, risk assessment tasks, and applied performance work. The course combines theory with real practical delivery so you can demonstrate both knowledge and coaching ability.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Falmouth Marine School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for individuals or groups.
  • Fitness instructor, leads exercise classes or personal training sessions.
  • Outdoor activity instructor, guides participants through outdoor and adventure activities.
  • Sports development officer, supports participation and performance in a community or club setting.
  • PE technician, assists with physical education delivery in a school environment.
  • Leisure centre assistant, supports sport and fitness programmes at a leisure facility.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Coaching, deepens specialist coaching knowledge for those moving into senior roles.
  • Foundation Degree in Sport Coaching or Sport Science, a higher education route for those wanting to study further.
  • Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence or Coaching, combines work-based learning with formal study.
  • CIMSPA-endorsed qualifications, for those moving into fitness instruction or personal training professionally.