Sport and Exercise Science Extended Diploma
Sport and Exercise Science Extended Diploma
This course is ideal for post-16 students looking to continue their education through applied, hands-on learning. It’s designed to prepare you for a wide range of Higher Education opportunities and career paths within the sports and exercise science sector.
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science is delivered over two years and is equivalent to three A Levels, with 1,080 guided learning hours.
You’ll develop a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding in key areas of sport and exercise science, including anatomy, physiology, psychology, and biomechanics. Alongside theoretical learning, you’ll build valuable practical and transferable skills to support your progression into further study, training, or employment.
Whether you're aiming for university, a specialist apprenticeship, or a career in the industry, this course gives you the tools and experience to take that next step with confidence.
You should have a genuine interest in this subject
You will need to have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4(C) or above, including English Language, Maths and Double Science or Biology or Physical Education
You will complete 13 units over the full 2-year period; 7 of which are mandatory and 6 optional. Assessment methods are varied; there are 4 externally assessed exams over the 2 years and the remaining 9 units are assessed internally by a range of coursework based tasks, some of which are practical in nature.
Mandatory units:
Unit 1: Sport & Exercise Physiology (assessed by external exam 1.5 hour paper at the end of Year 2)
Unit 2: Functional Anatomy (assessed by external exam 1.5 hour paper at the end of Year 1)
Unit 3 Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology (assessed by external exam 3 hour paper at the end of Year 1)
Unit 4: Field and Laboratory Based Fitness Testing (combination of practical and theoretical coursework components)
Unit 5: Applied Research Methods in Sport & Exercise Science (coursework)
Unit 6: Coaching for Performance and Fitness (combination of practical and theoretical coursework components)
Unit 13: Nutrition for Sport & Exercise Performance (assessed by external exam 3 hour paper at the end of Year 2)
Optional units:
Unit 7: Biomechanics in Sport & Exercise Science (coursework)
Unit 8: Specialised Fitness Training (combination of practical and theoretical coursework components)
Unit 9: Research Project in Sport & Exercise Science (coursework)
Unit 10: Physical Activity for Individual and Group-Based Exercise (combination of practical and theoretical coursework components)
Unit 11: Sports Massage (combination of practical and theoretical coursework components)
Unit 15: Sports Injury and Assessment (combination of practical and theoretical coursework components)
*Could be subject to change depending on cohort and interests












