Sport Level 3 Applied

Course Overview

This course is designed for individuals with proficient writing and ICT skills who are passionate about all things sport, whether through participation, coaching, volunteering, or spectating. By the end of the course, you will have the confidence to plan and lead sport and exercise in a wide variety of practical settings. You will also develop academic, written, and communication skills essential for a successful transition to higher education and the world of employment.

This course is available to study as an:

  • Extended Certificate (60-credit course, equivalent to 1 A Level)
  • Diploma (120-credit course, equivalent to 2 A Levels) 
  • Extended Diploma (180-credit course, equivalent to 3 A Levels)

The Extended Certificate (60 Credit) consists of two exams—Anatomy & Physiology and Sports Development—and coursework-based units on sports coaching, sports injuries & rehabilitation, and organizing sports events.

The Diploma (120 Credit) and Extended Diploma (180 Credit) are entirely coursework-assessed and are aimed at those pursuing careers in the sport and health sectors. To prepare for progression in this field, you will study a diverse range of topics, including Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Sports Coaching, Sports Psychology, Practical Team Sports, Applied Exercise Physiology, and Sports Rehabilitation. The qualification includes a significant written coursework component, so strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently (5-10 hours per week outside of class), and participation in sport outside of college are highly beneficial.

We offer a strong enrichment program, including our Physiotherapy Insight Group, which prepares students for the transition into physiotherapy undergraduate courses and careers in therapy and rehabilitation. We also offer a First Aid in the Workplace qualification annually and collaborate closely with ARU’s Sports & Exercise Science Department, who host progression days for our students. Recent trips include a Strength & Conditioning day at St George’s Park and a tour of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Year 1 Modules 

  • Principles of Anatomy & Physiology in Sport (Extended Certificate, Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Sports Injuries & Rehabilitation (Extended Certificate)
  • Organisation of Sports Events (Extended Certificate)
  • Sports Coaching (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Current Issues in Sport (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • The Physiology of Fitness (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Sports Nutrition (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Sports Psychology (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Practical Team Sports (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Analysis of Sports Performance (Extended Diploma)
  • Outdoor Education and Adventurous Activities (Extended Diploma)

Year 2 Modules

  • Sports Coaching (Extended Certificate)
  • Sports Organisation & Development (Extended Certificate)
  • Applied Exercise Physiology (Diploma)
  • Technical & Tactical Skills (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Instructing Physical Activity & Exercise (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Sports Injuries & Rehabilitation (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Organising Sports Events (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Fitness Testing for Sport (Diploma, Extended Diploma)
  • Applied Exercise Physiology (Extended Diploma)
  • Leadership in Sport (Extended Diploma)
  • Athletes' Lifestyle (Extended Diploma)
  • Training Fitness & Programming (Extended Diploma)

male student in sports kit kicking a rugby ball into the air

Key Info

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • Five GCSEs at Grade 4 including:
    • Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature
    • Grade 4 in GCSE PE or Merit in Level 2 Sport if taken
    • Grade 4 in Science

Assessment - Extended Certificate

  • 42% Exam
  • 58% Coursework
  • Exam Board: OCR

Assessment - Diploma

  • 100% Coursework
  • Exam Board: OCR

Assessment - Extended Diploma

  • 100% Coursework
  • Exam Board: OCR

Why choose this course? 

This course is ideal if you have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage continuous assessments. If you’re passionate about sport and actively involved in it, this is the course for you. Many of our students pursue sport-related careers after leaving Long Road, and we provide the skills, knowledge, guidance, and experiences to turn that vision into reality. Our course has strong links with alumni, who return annually to share their post-Long Road journey in sport. We also work closely with Cambridge United FC, host sports career workshops, and arrange trips, including recent visits to St George’s Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Skills you'll gain

This course will equip you with a broad range of skills and knowledge required for progression in sports-related careers and higher education courses. You will develop the confidence to plan and lead sport and exercise activities in practical settings. Additionally, you’ll enhance your communication and organizational skills while honing academic skills such as conducting research, referencing, assignment structure, and managing course deadlines.

After Long Road

Around 50% of our students successfully transition to university, pursuing sports-related degrees such as:

  • Sports Science
  • Sports Coaching & Teaching
  • Sports Therapy & Physiotherapy
  • Sports Marketing & Business
  • Specialised routes like Golf Course Management

Popular universities for our students include:

  • University of East Anglia (UEA)
  • Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
  • Birmingham University
  • Durham University
  • Leeds Beckett University.

Our students also pursue careers in coaching, fitness, teaching, management, and healthcare with organizations such as Norwich City FC, Cambridge United FC, Peterborough FC, Cambridge Rugby Club, David Lloyd Leisure, local schools, and the NHS.

The Sports teachers were so supportive throughout the pandemic and kept lessons fun and interesting even when we were remote learning. This course has enabled me to get grades I never thought I could achieve, I can’t thank my teachers enough for all the help they have given me.