Sport - Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Full-time
Start date: 1st September 2025
End date: 5th June 2026

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Course Content

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is equivalent in size to 1.5 A Levels.

This qualification is intended for post-16 learners wanting to progress directly to self-employment in the coaching and development sector as an assistant coach.

The qualification is mapped and endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and allows you to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme and is recognised by employers as being suitable for entry to employment in the role of a multi-skills sports coach in the sport development sector. 

During this course you will study the following units;

• Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
• Health, Wellbeing and Sport
• Developing Coaching Skills
• Sport Development
• Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
• Practical Sports Application

On successful completion of year 1, you could have the option to do a second year to complete the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development (3 A-Level equivalent)

Special Features

• Recognised coaching qualifications in a variety of sporting disciplines.
• Visits, guest speakers and involvement in local Sports Development Projects.
• Coaching placements.

4 GCSEs Grade A-C, or equivalents.

Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas are valued by employers and higher education (Universities and colleges). If you want to get a job straight away, you could work in:

• Sports Centres
• Leisure Centres
• Outdoor Activities Centres

If you decide to go to university or college, you could take a degree or a BTEC Higher National in subjects such as:

• Sports Studies
• Leisure Management
• Recreation Management
• Teacher Training