Free Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Course in Baldock – North Herts Arena

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Course in Baldock. Classes run at North Herts Arena, full-time over two years. The course is free for 16 to 18 year olds who meet the eligibility criteria.

You'll study anatomy and physiology, sports coaching principles, fitness training, nutrition, and sports psychology. The course covers both practical and theoretical elements, giving you a solid grounding in the sport and physical activity sector. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths, to join.

You'll finish with an NCFE Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity.

Who this course is for

The NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Coaching) is intended for learners aged 16 and over and provides the knowledge, skills and understanding required within the sport and physical activity sector. It will also allow learners to gain transferable skills that can be applied to the workplace or further study and support learners interested in progressing to higher education.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, where possible, including English Language and Maths

What you will learn

  • You'll explore anatomy and physiology and how the body responds to exercise.
  • You'll develop sports coaching skills and learn how to plan and deliver sessions.
  • You'll study fitness training methods and how to apply them safely.
  • You'll learn about nutrition and its role in sport and physical performance.
  • You'll examine sports psychology and how mindset affects performance.
  • You'll investigate career and higher education routes in the sport and physical activity sector.

How you will learn

The course blends classroom teaching with online study. You'll take part in practical sessions alongside theory lessons. Assessment is through a combination of assignments, projects, and practical tasks. There are no formal written exams in the traditional sense; your work is assessed throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

Sports kit may be required. North Herts Arena will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for clubs or schools.
  • Fitness instructor, leads group exercise classes or gym floor sessions.
  • Personal trainer, designs individual training programmes for clients.
  • Sports development officer, promotes participation in sport at community level.
  • Leisure centre assistant, supports day-to-day operations at a sports facility.
  • Sports administrator, handles coordination and logistics for sporting organisations.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Sport Science or Sports Coaching (Level 6), the natural next step for those aiming for specialist or graduate roles.
  • A foundation degree or HND in Sport (Level 5), a shorter higher education route into coaching or fitness management.
  • A sports coaching apprenticeship, combining work and further study at Level 3 or above.
  • A personal training qualification, such as a Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training, for those focusing on the fitness industry.

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