Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Bedford

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Bedford. Classes run at Redborne Upper School, full-time over two years.

The course covers eleven units across three areas: sport science, coaching and leadership, and business and operations. Sport science units include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and injury rehabilitation. Coaching units cover sports psychology, performance analysis, and leading inclusive sessions. Business units look at sports organisation, health and safety, and event management. You'll be assessed through external exams and coursework.

To join, you'll need at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9. You'll finish with a Cambridge Technical Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity.

Who this course is for

Comprises 11 units covering three key areas: Sport Science: Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and injury rehabilitation. Coaching & Leadership: Performance analysis, sports psychology, and leading inclusive sessions for diverse groups. Business & Operations: Sports organisation, health and safety legislation, and event management. Assessment & Progression Assessment: A combination of external examinations and internal coursework/practical observations. Pathways: Provides a direct route into BSc degrees (e.g., Sports Science, Physiotherapy) or employment in coaching, health promotion, and leisure management.

Entry requirements

Students must achieve a minimum total of five grades 9 to 4 at GCSE level or equivalents to begin an A level programme. Subject specific criteria can be found here: https://prospectus.redborne.com/sixth-form/courses/

What you will learn

  • You'll study anatomy and physiology as they apply to sport and exercise.
  • You'll explore biomechanics and how movement affects performance.
  • You'll learn about injury rehabilitation and how to support recovery.
  • You'll develop skills in coaching and leading inclusive sessions for diverse groups.
  • You'll analyse sports performance using practical and theoretical methods.
  • You'll study sports psychology and how mindset affects athletes.
  • You'll learn how sports organisations operate, including health and safety and event management.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical coaching activities, and coursework. Assessment combines external examinations with internally marked assignments and practical observations. Some units are assessed through written exams; others through portfolios, reports, or observed coaching sessions.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Redborne Upper School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers training sessions for teams or individuals.
  • Personal trainer, designs fitness programmes for clients in gyms or private settings.
  • Fitness instructor, leads group exercise classes or gym floor sessions.
  • Sports development officer, promotes participation in sport at community level.
  • Leisure centre assistant, supports the day-to-day running of a sports facility.
  • Sports administrator, handles bookings, events, and operations for a sports organisation.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in Coaching or Sports Science, for a deeper specialist focus.
  • Foundation Degree or BA in Sport and Exercise Science, available at many universities.
  • BTEC Higher National Certificate in Sport, a work-related higher education route.
  • Level 3 Personal Training Qualification, if you want to qualify as a personal trainer sooner.

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