About the course
The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science is 2 years, full-time.
Equivalent to A-Levels (Extended Diploma 3 A-level equivalent, Diploma 2 A-level equivalent). Each cohort starts in September and runs through to June.
The College offers opportunity to study at level 3 (A level equivalent) for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of Sport Science - encompassing practical techniques, academic knowledge and scientific skills. It is the perfect choice for progression into careers in Sport Science and Sports Therapy. The course is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Diploma students, and incorporates a mix of practical and academic learning with scientific sports research, industry visits and case study exercises.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: One Year (35 weeks)
Start date: September 2025
Course Modules
Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science
This unit covers the importance of research, factors affecting the quality of research and the different research methods used in sport. You will develop a clear grasp of research methods, the different types of research, how to search for and read different examples of research, and the importance of this for emerging sport and exercise scientists. Following on from this, you will gain an understanding of the different factors that can affect the quality of research and the importance of ethical research practices and finish by developing practical skills in the use of different research methods.
Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the major psychological factors that impact on sports performers. You will cover the major psychological factors that can affect performers in sport and exercise environments, and the interventions that can promote an appropriate mindset.
Coaching for Performance and Fitness
In this unit, you will develop coaching skills, knowledge, qualities and best practices, allowing for sessions to incorporate progression over time. You will develop your planning, delivery and reflection skills, as well as your ability to use a variety of coaching practices and will explore different practices and measures that could be used to develop sports performance. You will develop the knowledge and ability to plan, deliver and evaluate coaching sessions that promote athletes� technical, tactical and fitness performance.
Functional Anatomy
Learners will explore how the anatomy of the cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal and muscular systems function to produce movements in sport and exercise. This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of how the human body produces movement as well as the factors that can contribute to making the performance of movement more effective.
Physical Activity for Individual and Group-based Exercise
This unit covers theoretical and practical requirements for planning and instructing individual and group-based exercise sessions. You will gain an understanding of how to establish effective working relationships with individuals and groups of participants, which is essential in order to ensure that participants trust you and come back for business. You will also explore ways in which to help to support participants to encourage regular participation in physical activity and explore the types of exercises that can be used for both individual exercise sessions and group-based classes. You will then plan and instruct an individual and a group-based exercise session before carrying out a review of your sessions.
Specialised Fitness Training
You will study specialised fitness training and the physical demands of sports to plan training of periodised programmes and training sessions to improve sports performance within this unit. You will explore the fitness requirements, physical characteristics and demands of sports that contribute to effective training and sports performance and then investigate methods of training for physical and skill-related fitness that will improve this performance. You will then examine the principles that underpin the design of periodised training programmes and training sessions and carry out the planning of programmes and training sessions for a chosen sport.
Entry requirements & additional information
An English Language GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of four others at C (4) or higher, including Maths and Science.
In addition Learning Areas may apply specific agreed aptitude assessments that assist selection.
Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector.
Assessments include writing up research findings, case studies, project work, practical and technical demonstrations, synoptics, vocational tasks and written exams.
This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to employment after further study at university. However, it also supports learners who may choose to progress directly to employment, as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give learners an advantage in applying for entry level roles or �school leaver� industry training programmes and Higher Apprenticeships in areas such as sport and fitness training, coaching, and sports performance research.
In addition to the sector-specific content, the requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, the study of applied research methods and the research project require learners to carry out individual research and to give evidence in a sport science context, evaluating and justifying their findings.
The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses, for example:
BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science
BSc (Hons) in Sport Science
BSc (Hons) in Sport and Coaching Studies
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
Progression onto degree programmes at other universities is dependent upon their own individual entry criteria. This might include specific requirements relating to the type of course being studied, the particular �modules� or �units� studied on a course, the work-experience that you�ve undertaken or even previous GCSE attainment. Entry requirements can also change from year-to-year.
It is essential that, if you have a clear career goal in mind, you check and confirm the entry requirements of your preferred degree programme prior to commencing your Level 3 studies here at Myerscough. Information, Advice and Guidance will be provided by the College to support you in making the right choices, but please ensure that you have taken time to consider your future career goals and the specific entry requirements at other universities. The UCAS website is a good starting point: https://www.ucas.com/
Costs that are optional for the course: Clothing - �100 approx