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Free Level 3 Sport Course in Bristol

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Sport Course in Bristol. Classes run at St Brendan's Sixth Form College, full-time over two years.

The course is for 16 to 18 year olds. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above from four subject areas, including a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or English Literature. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Sport is a practical, skills-based qualification. You'll develop your own fitness and performance while studying sport across a range of contexts, from coaching and anatomy to sport psychology and nutrition.

You'll finish with a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sport.

Who this course is for

The sports courses offer a two-year vocational course that leads to the equivalent of one or two A-levels (dependent on the size of qualification you choose to study). It is a practical skills based course which develops your own fitness and performance alongside the study of sport in various contexts. Those taking on the Diploma or Extended Certificate would typically be very interested in a career within the sports industry and be passionate about understanding a multitude of facets concerning sports development coaching and fitness. A variety of classroom activities as well as some practical sports activities help develop each students understanding of the topics within BTEC Sport. Students must be able to develop their research skills and complete coursework by the deadlines given. Students are expected to plan deliver/lead and evaluate coaching/fitness testing sessions. Students will acquire the skills they need to work independently and to monitor their own learning so to ensure they reach the highest standards. Students will also be required to participate in some practical activities in order to be assessed. There is an expectation for students to participate in exam based tasks which will require self-study and revision outside of class room lessons; alongside independent learning. The vocational nature of this course enables learners to develop their sport specific knowledge alongside their main studies. During the course of their studies learners will be provided with the opportunity to enhance their learning and CV through a wide variety of activities such as sports development opportunities NGB Coaching Qualifications and Voluntary Work with our many sports providers. Students will also benefit from attending visits to sports and leisure venues and from receiving tuition/guest lectures from experts within the industry. All sport students are expected to gain further experience within sports enrichment at the college; whether it is playing with one

Entry requirements

The minimum entry criteria for this course are five GCSEs at grade 4 or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your own physical fitness and athletic performance.
  • You'll study the principles of anatomy and physiology in sport.
  • You'll explore sports coaching techniques and how to apply them.
  • You'll learn about sport psychology and how the mind affects performance.
  • You'll study nutrition and its role in sport and exercise.
  • You'll analyse sport in a range of professional and community contexts.
  • You'll build practical skills used in fitness instruction and personal training.

How you will learn

The course is classroom-based with a strong practical element. You'll be assessed through a mix of internally assessed assignments and externally set exams. Assignments are completed throughout the course and marked by your tutors. Some units are assessed by Pearson Edexcel through set tasks or written exams. Practical sessions form a core part of your learning alongside classroom study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. St Brendan's Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers training sessions for individuals or teams.
  • Fitness instructor, leads group exercise classes or gym floor sessions.
  • Personal trainer, designs one-to-one fitness programmes for clients.
  • Community sports development officer, promotes sport participation locally.
  • Sports administrator, supports the running of clubs or sporting organisations.
  • Leisure centre assistant, works across fitness, swimming, and recreation facilities.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Personal Training Qualification (REPs recognised), for those wanting to work as a personal trainer or fitness instructor.
  • Foundation Degree in Sport or Sports Science, a two-year higher education route often available at local universities.
  • BSc Sport Science or Sports Coaching, a full undergraduate degree for deeper study and graduate-level roles.
  • Level 4 Sports Coach qualification, for those moving into higher-level coaching roles.
Apply on stbrn.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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