Start Dates
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
- September 2027, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
The Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 Extended Diploma is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles and practical applications in the field of sport and exercise.
This course offers valuable opportunities for aspiring sports scientists, exercise physiologists, sports therapist and fitness professionals to develop your knowledge, skills, and practical expertise in the context of sports performance, exercise prescription, and health promotion. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels.
This course is ideal for applicants who actively wish to progress to higher education to study sport and exercise sciences, physiotherapy, nutrition, biomechanics or sports psychology. You will investigate the science behind sports performance, training, health and fitness. The course consists of seven mandatory modules along with a number of specialist modules.
Experience is highly valued by employers, and it will improve your career prospects. The course brings classroom work into real work-based practice by making use of the state of the art Perform Better Gym and the Sports Science Lab for fitness testing. As a department, we work closely with local employers in Norfolk including School Sports Partnerships and local gyms to provide hand on experience in the industry for our learners.
Trips may include university visits such as UEA and University of Bedfordshire, Norwich City Football Club Sports Psychology and Nutritionist talk, local sports and leisure centres and a residential trip to Wales in the second year of study. You will also study a professional qualification, a VTCT Skills Level 3 Technical Specialist Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy, in your second year of study which will provide you with hands-on practical clinical experience working with our academy athletes and members of the public.
Why Choose Easton College?
Elite facilities
Our sports facilities are among the best in the region and include the largest indoor tennis venue in the East of England, 3G pitches and gym and fitness centre.
Large, growing industry
The sport, health and fitness industry is worth £20bn and growing.
Industry expert teachers
You will learn from expert teachers with extensive experience in the industry.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements:
- Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths. Science would be preferable due the course content.
Additional requirements:
- Completion of an online Easton Applicant Information Form
- Two references (one from your school teacher, and the other can be from a sports coach, cadet leader, or another teacher)
- Completion of a Pre-Enrolment Task, to provide an indication into your academic ability and attitudes towards learning
- Attendance at a Curriculum Taster Day (various dates available across the academic year)
- All steps must be completed prior to any course enrolment.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including some externally assessed core units and internally assessed mandatory and optional units. Assessment methods could include assignments, research projects, presentations, roles players, group discussions.
Course Progression
This is a perfect introductory course for those students wishing to study Physiotherapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation at degree level following your Level 3 studies or to start work in industry as a Massage Therapist on completion of the course.
After completion of the two-year qualification you will have an excellent springboard to prepare you for degree level study or work in the sport and active leisure industry. Through City College Norwich Higher Education, you could study a BSc (Hons) Sport, Health and Exercise Science degree at Easton College. Please check the UCAS points required at your university choices.
Where Your Course Can Take You
The sport and active leisure industry supports over 450,000 jobs in the UK. Over the last five years it has become a £20 billion industry and experts predict it will continue to grow faster than other sectors in the economy.
This course will allow you to progress onto many careers which include sport and exercise scientist or psychology, a gym instructor or leisure centre assistant, personal trainer, sport development, sports nutrition and sports physiotherapist. Some of these careers will require further study at degree level. If you are looking for a career in non-sports physiotherapy this may be a suitable pathway but check with your university or college of choice.
For further information about specific job roles please check the National Careers Service website for: Sport and Exercise Scientist, Leisure Centre Assistant and Physiotherapist.
Fees
September 2026, Full Time, Day
If you are a UK or home- fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 years and over please contact the Advice Shop. Please check our Finance pages for information on loans, bursaries, fee information and student travel offers that are available. Alternatively please contact the Advice Shop.
September 2027, Full Time, Day
If you are a UK or home- fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 years and over please contact the Advice Shop.
There is an expectation that learners, to prepare them for employment, will purchase appropriate uniform for their programme. This is available through our uniform suppliers, STC Teamwear. The range can be viewed at stc-stores.com/collections/easton-college NOTE: Please do not order any uniform until the enrolment process has been completed.
Please check our Finance pages for information on loans, bursaries, fee information and student travel offers that are available. Alternatively please contact the Advice Shop.
Why Choose Easton College?
Elite facilities
Our sports facilities are among the best in the region and include the largest indoor tennis venue in the East of England, 3G pitches and gym and fitness centre.
Large, growing industry
The sport, health and fitness industry is worth £20bn and growing.
Industry expert teachers
You will learn from expert teachers with extensive experience in the industry.
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