Sport and Exercise Science Level 3


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
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The Sport and Exercise Science sector is at the forefront of the connection between physical activity and health, making it a pivotal field with diverse career opportunities.

This course is tailored for individuals aspiring to thrive in the sports industry, preparing you for a university-level pathway in sport or nurturing your passion for sport and exercise sciences.

This course leads to potential career destinations such as;

  • Sports Scientist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • PE teacher
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Physiotherapist
  • Sports Therapists
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Paramedic

Our program not only equips you with specialised knowledge in sport and exercise science but also transferable skills sought after by higher education institutions and employers.

Over two years, equivalent to three A Levels, you’ll explore 13 comprehensive elements, providing a robust foundation for your academic and sporting aspirations.

Study diverse units such as:

  • Applied Sports and Exercise Psychology
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness
  • Sports Injury and Assessment

You’ll learn in a dynamic environment that integrates realistic vocational situations and activities, ensuring a holistic understanding of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

You’ll also engage in practical components such as:

  • Specialised Fitness Training
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness
  • Sports Massage

You’ll also have the exclusive opportunity to join one of our eight specialised sport academies, offering up to 4.5 hours of professional training each week, access to competitions, and personalised training and development programs.

Required Entry Qualifications

English Language GCSE at grade 5 plus four more GCSEs at grade 4 including maths and science.

Assessment Overview:

Over the two years, you will undertake four externally assessed units:

  • Functional Anatomy (1.5 hours)
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 hours)
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology (1.5 hours)
  • Nutrition for Sport and Exercise (3 hours)

Internally assessed components include:

  • Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness
  • Specialised Fitness Training
  • Applied Research Methods
  • Sports Massage
  • Technology in Sport
  • Physical Activity for Individual and Group-Based Exercise
  • Sports Injury and Assessment. 

Assessment methods vary, incorporating project work, essays, report writing, practical delivery, and presentations to ensure a well-rounded evaluation of your skills and knowledge.

Our dedicated Academy for Sport boasts over 25 experienced sport delivery staff, including teachers, coaches, and learning facilitators.

Each member specialises in areas such as:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Sports Massage
  • Coaching
  • Psychology
  • Biomechanics
  • Nutrition
  • Fitness Testing, and more.

You will undertake a 30 hour work placement or work readiness activities as part of our employment edge promise.

You’ll study at our Academy for Sport, where our facilities are among the best in the country and include:

  • Classrooms equipped with integrated IT
  • Sports science and sports therapy facilities
  • Performance lab
  • 3G and 4G pitches
  • Indoor athletics track
  • Sports hall
  • Strength and conditioning gym
  • Massage suite
  • Aerobics suite
  • Gym
  • Boxing ring

Completing our course opens doors to further education, with the potential to earn between 48 and 168 UCAS points, depending on your grades.

The skills gained during your studies align with the demands of both higher education and employers, making you an attractive candidate for a range of careers.

Our alumni have successfully secured places in renowned institutions, including:

  • Sport and Exercise Science BSc Honours at Newcastle University
  • Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc (Hons) at Durham University
  • Sport Coaching BSc (Hons) at Northumbria University Newcastle
  • Sports and Exercise Therapy BSc (Hons) at York St John University
  • Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) at the University of Birmingham
  • BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University
  • Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care BSc (Hons) at Sunderland University
  • Nursing (Child) BSc (Hons) at Sheffield Hallam University

Notable alumni include:

  • Matthew Cuthbert – Physical Performance Coach at the Football Association
  • Matthew Jenkinson – a Sports Technical Specialist at York St John University
  • Molly Collinson – successful business owner specialising in Performance Coaching, Nutrition, and Plant-Based Nutrition.

Reading Football Cub state they they believe that this qualification would develop the required knowledge and specialist skills to enable students to progress through to the next stage of their development.

“We employ a range of staff to work in our first team, academy and community departments. Such roles include; Sports Scientists, Assistant Sports Scientist, Analyst, Physiotherapy and Performance Coach.”

Sheffield Hallam University state that they welcome the inclusion of external assessment (exams) in these qualifications. Also, the introduction of a larger mandatory core, comprising over half of each qualification, will provide students with a solid foundation.

This means that all students will study a broad and common element of content, and therefore the wide range of options offered in the larger qualifications will be helpful in allowing students to explore areas in which they may wish to specialise at degree level.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026