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)
Alongside practical working, the qualification includes a substantial written coursework element, strong organisational skills are required. In order to achieve the highest grades, you will need to complete 5–10 hours of independent learning per week. Active participation in sport beyond college is highly advantageous, although not essential.
On the Extended Certificate, you will study Body Systems, Sports Coaching, Sports Injuries & Rehabilitation, and Sports Nutrition & Exercise for Specific Groups. The course blends scientific theory with practical application, developing knowledge of anatomy, training, injury management and performance. It supports progression to university, apprenticeships and careers in sport science, physiotherapy, coaching and physical education.
The Diploma and Extended Diploma are designed for students aspiring to careers in the sport and health sectors. To support your progression in this field, you will study a broad range of topics, including Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Sports Coaching, Sports Psychology, Practical Team Sports, Applied Exercise Physiology and Sports Rehabilitation.
We offer a comprehensive enrichment programme, including our physiotherapy careers group, which supports students preparing for undergraduate physiotherapy courses and careers in therapy and rehabilitation. You also have the opportunity to gain a First Aid at Work qualification each year. We work closely with Anglia Ruskin University’s Sport and Exercise Science Department, who host progression days for our students. Recent trips have included a Strength and Conditioning Day at St George’s Park and the Thornbridge Residential trip for Extended Diploma students.
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)
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 4,4 in GCSE Double 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 for students with strong organisational skills who can confidently manage continuous assessment. If you are passionate about sport and actively involved in it, this programme provides an excellent platform for your future. Many of our students progress into sport-related careers after leaving Long Road, and we equip them with the skills, knowledge, guidance and experiences needed to turn ambition into achievement.
We are particularly proud of our exceptional record of supporting students in securing places on Physiotherapy degrees at institutions including the University of Sheffield, University of Bristol, University of East Anglia and University of Salford.
Our course maintains strong links with alumni, who return each year to share their post-Long Road journeys and career experiences in sport.
Skills you'll gain
This course will equip you with a comprehensive range of knowledge and transferable skills essential for progression into sports-related careers and higher education. You will gain a strong understanding of key theoretical concepts alongside the practical application of sport and exercise science.
Throughout the programme, you will develop the confidence and competence to plan, deliver and evaluate sport and exercise sessions in a variety of practical settings. In doing so, you will strengthen your leadership, communication and organisational skills — qualities highly valued within the sport and health sectors.
You will also refine key academic skills, including independent research, accurate referencing, structured academic writing and effective time management, enabling you to meet coursework deadlines successfully and prepare for the demands of university-level study
After Long Road
Approximately half of our students progress to university each year, gaining places on sport-related degrees such as Sports Science, Sports Coaching and PE Teaching, Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy, Sports Marketing, and specialist pathways like Golf Course Management at institutions including the University of East Anglia, Loughborough, Birmingham, Durham, Leeds Beckett, and Nottingham Trent.
Many others enter sport-related careers in coaching, fitness, teaching, sport management, and healthcare, with recent destinations including Norwich City F.C., Cambridge United F.C., Peterborough United F.C., Cambridge Rugby Club, David Lloyd Leisure, local schools, and the NHS.
Increasingly, students secure sport-specific scholarships in the US. For example, Elle Sarter, a former Arsenal U21 player, earned a full soccer scholarship at Georgia Gwinnett College.
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.
