Sport Level 3

Course Overview

For students looking to study sport and fitness in Southampton and the New Forest, our Sports Level 3 course covers a range of training techniques and knowledge you need for a successful career in the sector.  

Taught by subject experts at Totton College, you will cover a range of modules to cover the theory of sport and fitness and learn how this applies through practical lessons and work experience opportunities.   

Developed with academics and professional bodies, our sport course covers a broad range of topics including fitness, sport science, sport coaching and practical skills. Supporting you to progress into employment, an apprenticeship or explore courses within Higher Education.  

Entry requirements

Students applying must have at least four GCSEs at grade 4, or a Merit or Distinction at BTEC Level 2 in sport. Merit at Level 2 Sports is accepted if you studied the anatomy and fitness modules.

What will I learn?

Our sport courses are based on the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, enabling you to gain critical skills and transferable skills that you need to progress onto your next step and help build your CV.  

As part of this course, you will enhance your learning from Level 2, focusing on various topics and skills within sport and fitness, including anatomy and physiology, sport injury, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, leadership skills and sports coaching. 

We’ve designed this course to enable you to discover a range of sport and fitness concepts. Taught by subject experts at Totton College, you will cover a range of areas designed to help you gain a deeper understanding of the science behind the physical activity.  

You will gain insights and knowledge of the sports and physical activity industry, while also having the opportunity to learn English and maths. Developing your confidence, you will start your journey to becoming a more confident sports leader. 

Work Experience

As part of the Get Set! framework, we encourage all students to engage in enrichment activities to support your learning.  

You will be required to complete 60 hours of work experience during the college year. This can be undertaken throughout the year or during the two work experience weeks, one in February before the half-term break and the other the week before the Easter holiday. 

Work experience opportunities include sports coaching, fitness instructing or physio/rehab assistant for those interested in pursuing those routes into the sector. In addition, we have our own football team, which plays fixtures against other local colleges. You will have the opportunity to take part in any sports recreationally during your time on the course. These include basketball, tennis, badminton, rounders, volleyball, football, athletics, netball, swimming and outdoor adventurous activities. 

Modules

Modules for the Sport Level 3 course include:  

• Anatomy and physiology 

• Exercise, health and lifestyle 

• Preparing for a career in sport 

• Sports coaching 

• Practical team sports 

• Sports psychology 

• Sports leadership 

• Strength and conditioning 

• Practical individual sports 

• Sports development 

• Ethics and values 

• Fitness testing for sport and exercise 

• Coaching special populations 

• Sport injury 

• Sports nutrition 

• Organising a sports event 

• Technical and tactical skills in sport 

• Work experience in sport 

Through this wide range of modules, you will get a broad mix of practical and theoretical lessons, preparing you to work in a range of sports industries. 

Assessment

At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Sport Level 3 qualification.

Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work; this could include observations on practical tasks or written assessments. You will be supported with all your work and given feedback, and your teacher will go through all this when you sign up for the course. 

Enrichment Opportunities

The college runs an inclusive football team which plays fixtures against other local colleges that have similar level teams. There is also the opportunity to take part in any sports recreationally during your time on the course. These include basketball, tennis, badminton, rounders, volleyball, football, athletics, netball, swimming and outdoor adventurous activities. 

Career and Progression

After successfully passing this course, you will have the core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and move forward towards your chosen career.

On successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Level 3 NCFE Diploma in Sport. You may wish to discuss your career options with the college careers advisor prior to completion of the course to investigate possible apprenticeships or entry-level employment, including sports coaching, fitness instructing and leisure centre roles. 

Alternatively, university progression leading to PE teaching, sports analysis, physiotherapy or other careers. 

During my course, I’ve gained a good understanding of the history and structure of Uniformed Public Services, as well as the valuable skills they provide and the impact they have on the public. I have enjoyed the opportunities this course offers, such as navigation and self-defence training. One of my proudest achievements at Totton College has been gaining the confidence to deliver presentations in class, something I struggled with when I first started. My advice to new students joining Totton College is to ask plenty of questions about what you’re learning, as it will help you prepare for the assignments you will be working on later. After completing my course, I plan to join the Royal Air Force.

Sarah-Jane Tillyer

Uniformed Public Service Level 3 student

Funding and bursaries

Students if you’re aged over 19 you may be eligible for free tuition depending on the course you want to study, your existing qualifications and your financial circumstances. For more information email info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4874.

Advanced Learner Loans are available for students who are aged 19 or over. Repayments do not begin until the course is completed and you are earning £25,000 or over. Eligible learners will be enrolling on a level 3 or above course and are a UK or EU national. For further information, visit gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

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