Free Level 3 Sport Course in Manchester – The Manchester College Openshaw Campus

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

About this course

Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Manchester. Classes run full-time at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus, over one year. You'll build knowledge across sports coaching, fitness testing, exercise science, health and lifestyle, and working with special populations. Work experience is part of the course, and you'll be supported in finding a placement relevant to your studies. Your portfolio of work forms the basis of your assessment. A strong option if you're looking to move into the sport and physical activity sector.

Who this course is for

This qualification will give students the skills and understanding required in the sport and physical activity sector. Students will gain knowledge in areas such as sports coaching, exercise, health and lifestyle, fitness testing, athlete’s lifestyle, coaching special populations, and preparing for a career in sport.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of sports coaching principles and practice.
  • You'll study exercise, health, and lifestyle to understand how physical activity affects wellbeing.
  • You'll learn how to carry out fitness testing and interpret the results.
  • You'll explore how to support athletes with lifestyle management.
  • You'll gain skills in coaching special populations, such as older adults or people with disabilities.
  • You'll build understanding of how to prepare for a career in the sport and physical activity sector.

How you will learn

Assessment is through a portfolio of individual learning that you build up throughout the course. You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Openshaw Campus and complete a work placement in a sport or physical activity setting. The portfolio draws together evidence from your studies and your placement experience.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Manchester College Openshaw Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach. Work with individuals or groups to develop their skills.
  • Fitness instructor. Lead exercise sessions in gyms or leisure centres.
  • Community sport development officer. Promote physical activity in local communities.
  • Personal trainer. Design and deliver one-to-one fitness programmes.
  • Leisure centre assistant. Support the day-to-day running of sport facilities.
  • Sports administrator. Coordinate events, bookings, and club operations.

What you could study next

  • Degree in Sport and Exercise Science or Sports Coaching. UCEN Manchester accepts progressors from The Manchester College, and an Achievers Scholarship cash award may be available.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Coaching. Deepen your coaching credentials for a specific sport or discipline.
  • Level 3 Personal Training Qualification. Specialise in one-to-one fitness coaching if that's the direction you want to take.

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