What will I learn?

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport is designed for post-16 learners who aspire to pursue careers in various sectors of the sports industry, including coaching, sports development, and fitness. This qualification also provides a solid foundation for those wishing to advance to higher education.

Through studying this course, you will develop:

  • Understanding of the sports industry: Gain insights into the structure, functions, and key organizations within the sports and leisure sectors.
  • Coaching competencies: Learn effective coaching techniques and methodologies to enhance athlete performance.
  • Health and fitness knowledge: Explore the principles of health, nutrition, and physical fitness.
  • Interpersonal skills: Improve your communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
  • Intrapersonal skills: Build self-management, resilience, and adaptability in various scenarios.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills: Develop critical thinking and research capabilities to address real-world challenges in sport.

What is the structure of the course?

Mandatory Units

Optional Units

  • Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology
  • Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing
  • Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry
  • Unit 4: Sports Leadership
  • Unit 22: Investigating Business in Sport and the Active Leisure Industry
  • Unit 23: Skill Acquisition
  • Unit 7: Practical Sports Performance
  • Unit 17: Sports Injury Management
  • Unit 25: Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport

How will I be assessed?

Internal Assessment

External Assessment

Internally assessed units include a combination of practical coaching assessments, project work, presentations, and written assignments that align closely with the course content (55% weighting)

  • Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology 
    This will contain short and long answer questions that will assess learners’ understanding of anatomy and physiology and how the different systems of the body can affect sports performance.
  • Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being
    Learners will interpret lifestyle factors and health screening data to create and justify a fitness training programme based on these interpretations. The task will require learners to develop and justify a training programme that meets the needs of a specific client. 
  • Unit 22: Investigating Business in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry 
    Learners will investigate how business operates in the sport and active leisure industry and how it responds to trends and other influences to meet the needs of clients and benefit the business.
  • 45% weighting

Frequently Asked Questions

Which further opportunities are available?
This qualification is tailored for a career-focused pathway with recognition from industry bodies. It equips learners with the necessary knowledge and experience to make a positive impact in sports-related roles.

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting, or contributing to, admission requirements for many relevant courses. Learners can progress to higher education on full degree single or combined courses, for example: 

  • BA (Hons) in Sports Development and Management 
  • BSc (Hons) in Sports Management 
  • BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management 
  • BSc (Hons) Sport and Leisure Management
  • BSc (Hons) Sports Science (Outdoor Activities) 
  • BSc (Hons) in Exercise, Health and Fitness 
  • BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Psychology.  

You can also prepare for apprenticeships in areas like sports management, coaching, fitness training, and event organization, providing practical experience alongside your studies.