Course overview

Our Extended Diploma in Sport Development, Coaching and Fitness, Level 3, prepares you for a future in one of the UK’s most successful industries. Our courses offer excellent progression to universities and promote strong links with local employers. Our courses are delivered by lecturers with years of elite industry experience in modern specialist sport environments. The main aim of our course is to develop your understanding and knowledge of the roles, responsibilities, skills and techniques involved in sports coaching and development. You will learn the importance of good nutrition and fitness testing, and take part in a wide variety of team and individual sporting activities that will allow you to demonstrate your practical skills. Your coaching skills will be enhanced through a well-developed external work placement programme where your 30 hours' of work experience or voluntary work will be evidenced.

Students will also have the opportunity to join the Worcester Football Academy. The Worcester Football Academy is open to those students who have a passion and talent for playing football. You will have the opportunity to train and play football while gaining your qualification. Discipline and self-motivation is essential. Entry into the Football Academy is based on pre-season trial. In recent seasons the Football Academy have had many successes; reaching the semi finals of the National Colleges cup twice, winning leagues and having players sign contracts at professional and semi-professional clubs.

Moreover, Heart of Worcestershire College has teamed up with Freedom Leisure and Worcester City Council to develop new sports facilities exclusively for our students at Perdiswell Leisure Club. Facilities include: fitness studios, football pitch and bespoke teaching classrooms.

Our Sport students will be using the state-of-the-art facilities for their lessons, enjoying a modern, bespoke learning environment. Furthermore, our students will have the opportunity to undertake work placements within Freedom Leisure, giving them the best chance to develop their skills and become ready for employment in the sports and leisure industry.

Please note that for all sports courses it is a mandatory requirement to wear uniform.

Please note that this course is predominantly aimed at 16 to 19 year olds.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs (A*-C) or (Grade 4/5 and above) including English and maths. Alternatively, you will be considered if you have achieved a relevant Level 2 qualification, such as a Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport. Entry is subject to a satisfactory reference and interview.

Entry decisions will be discretionary at interview. Students will continually be assessed through probation period to ensure they are on the correct level.

Course Modules

- Sports Coaching
- Sports Development
- Sport as a Business
- Instructing Physical Activity
- Practical Individual Sports
- Practical Team Sports

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on an ongoing basis through group presentations, written tests, practical activities and portfolio assignments.

What can I do next

After your course, you may consider moving onto our own higher education courses which will continue to develop your skills, qualities and knowledge at degree level.

You could also choose to progress to university for a Degree in Sports Coaching, Sports Studies or PE Teacher.

You will also be open to a range of careers including (but not limited to):
- Sports Coach
- Personal Trainer
- PE Teacher
- Sports and Leisure Centre Manager
- Sports Performance Analysis
- Sports Sponsorship Co-ordinator
- Sports Marketing Officer
- Sports Stadium Manager