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Free Level 3 Sport Course in Barnsley

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Sport Course in Barnsley. Classes run at Barnsley College Honeywell Campus. You'll study the organisation and administration of sport, coaching session planning, practical skills, and the theory behind conducting and evaluating coaching. The course takes two years full-time. Entry requires five GCSEs at grades A* to C/4 including English, or a Pearson Level 2 Diploma in Sport at merit or distinction. Because the course involves working with and coaching children, you'll need a DBS check.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal if you would like to pursue a career in the Sport and Leisure industry including Sport Development Officer, Sport Performer and Coaching, PE Teaching or Working in the Health, Fitness and Exercise Industry. This course covers the organisation and administration of sport, together with the planning of sports activities. You will study practical skills and increase your theoretical knowledge in relation to planning, conducting and evaluating coaching sessions.

The programme consists of lectures, practical sports and coaching activities. You will be required to participate in oral presentations, field-trips/ residential, visits, tutorials, individual research and group work. In addition to general class work, you will be expected to use a range of textbooks for research purposes, as well as the IT facilities in the Learning Resource Centre. There will also be a variety of opportunities for you to gain additional qualifications including coaching and fitness and instructing awards. You will also be encouraged to take part in the College sports teams and recreational sporting activities within the structured College programme.

The programme covers 19 units over a two year period.

Year 1

•The Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport

•The Physiology of Fitness

•Assessing Risk in Sport

•Fitness Training and Programming

•Sports Coaching

•Sports Development

•Fitness Testing

•Practical Team Sports

•Exercise Health and Lifestyle

•Sports Facilities and Operational Management

Year 2

•PE and Care of Children and Young People

•Practical Individual Sports

•Leadership in Sport

•Current Issues in Sport

•Psychology for Sports Performance

•Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise

•Sport as a Business

•Organising a Sports Event

•Work Based Experience in Sport

Entry requirements

•You will require five GCSEs at grades A* to C/4 including GCSE English

•Alternatively, you will have successfully completed the Pearson Level 2 Diploma in Sport with a merit/distinction profile

•Active involvement and a keen interest in both sport and general fitness are essential

•As your studies will involve you working with and coaching children, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly known as Criminal Record Bureau check)

What you will learn

  • You'll study the organisation and administration of sport
  • You'll plan, conduct, and evaluate coaching sessions
  • You'll develop practical coaching skills across a range of sports
  • You'll build theoretical knowledge in sport development and performance
  • You'll learn about health, fitness, and exercise principles
  • You'll gain experience working with and coaching children

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions combining practical sport activity with theoretical study. Assessment on the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma uses a mix of coursework assignments, practical assessments, and externally assessed units. Your work is assessed against set criteria throughout the two years rather than through a single final exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Barnsley College Honeywell Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to complete a DBS check as part of your enrolment, as the course involves working with children.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sport Development Officer: plan and promote sport in communities
  • Sports Coach: coach individuals or teams in your chosen sport
  • Personal Trainer: design and deliver fitness programmes for clients
  • Leisure Centre Assistant: support activities and operations at a leisure facility
  • PE Teaching Assistant: support physical education in schools
  • Fitness Instructor: lead group exercise classes or gym-floor sessions
  • Community Sport Worker: deliver sport participation programmes locally

What you could study next

  • Level 4 or Level 5 HND in Sport: a higher-level BTEC that deepens coaching, sport science, or management knowledge
  • BA (Hons) in Sport Coaching, Sport Science, or Physical Education: a full degree for those aiming toward PE teaching or sport science careers
  • PGCE in Physical Education: the teaching qualification needed to become a qualified PE teacher in schools
  • Level 3 Personal Training Qualification: a specialist route into the fitness industry
Apply on barnsley.ac.uk →
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