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Free Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Course in Ashton-under-Lyne – Tameside College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run full-time at Tameside College, five days a week during the day. You'll study the science behind human performance, including anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to exercise. The course runs over one year and covers 18 units in depth. You'll also complete work experience in the sport and physical activity sector. Entry requires four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English, plus a DBS check and interview.

Who this course is for

Develop Your Future in Sport & Physical Activity This full-time course is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and practical understanding needed for a successful career in coaching sport and physical activity. Over two years, you will complete 18 specialist units that prepare you to plan, deliver and evaluate effective sports sessions with confidence. Youll work with modern performance analysis technology, gain experience in designing training programmes, and develop a strong grasp of the sport and physical activity industry. The course provides a solid foundation to progress onto university or step directly into employment within the sector. Assessment is varied and engaging, including practical delivery of coaching sessions, written coursework, presentations and collaborative group tasks. Units covered include: � Anatomy and Physiology � Fitness Training � Sports Coaching � Performance Analysis � Practical Sport A key part of the programme is our compulsory work placement element. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world environments, ensuring you leave college not just qualified, but career-ready. We are proud to support our learners in gaining the experience needed to progress seamlessly into Higher Education or employment.

Entry requirements

Level 3 (Advanced)

  • 4 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Mathematics and English.

You will be interviewed for this course and require DBS clearance, you should be enthusiastic about working in the sport and physical activity sector and able to participate in work experience.

What you will learn

  • You'll study anatomy and how the human body is structured and functions.
  • You'll explore physiology and how the body responds to physical activity.
  • You'll analyse athletic performance and the science that underpins it.
  • You'll develop practical skills through hands-on sport and physical activity sessions.
  • You'll gain experience in the sport and physical activity sector through work placement.
  • You'll build knowledge of health, fitness, and exercise principles.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical activities, and work experience. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and practical tasks across the 18 units. You'll be interviewed before the course starts, and DBS clearance is required. Learning is hands-on and applied, linking scientific theory directly to sport and physical activity practice.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach: plan and deliver sessions for clubs or schools
  • Fitness instructor: lead exercise classes and gym-floor sessions
  • Personal trainer: design programmes for individual clients
  • Sports development officer: promote participation in local communities
  • Leisure centre assistant: support activities across sport and fitness facilities
  • Teaching assistant (PE): support physical education in schools
  • Sports therapist assistant: work alongside therapists in a clinical or sport setting

What you could study next

  • Level 4 or Level 5 HNC/HND in Sport and Exercise Science: a natural next step if you want to specialise further before university.
  • BSc in Sport Science or Sports Coaching: this Level 3 Diploma is designed to prepare you for degree-level study in sport-related subjects.
  • CIMSPA-aligned coaching qualifications: if you want to move into professional coaching roles.
  • Level 3 Personal Training Qualification: if you want to work as a personal trainer or in fitness.
Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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