School leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 2 Years Level 3 Full-Time Bede Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Fuel your passion for sport with a qualification that opens doors to the science behind performance, health, and fitness. This programme delves into the core elements of sport and exercise science, from anatomy and physiology to biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology. With a hands-on approach, you’ll develop skills that are essential for understanding how the body responds to physical activity and how to enhance athletic performance.
Alongside theoretical learning, practical sessions ensure you can apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios, making you ready for careers in sports coaching, physiotherapy, or fitness training. With the opportunity to explore industry-standard techniques and technology, this qualification sets you up to thrive in both academic and professional environments. Whether you're aiming for university or a career in sport, this is the perfect way to build a foundation for your future in this exciting, dynamic field.

You will need 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9, including Maths, English and either PE or science. Or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Study level Cost
16-18 Free

This qualification has been developed in consultation with academics and employers to ensure that it supports progression to higher education and employment in the sport and exercise science sector.

Throughout the year, students will identify their skills gap and create SMART goals and action plans with the purpose of developing their skills and behaviours. The skills and behaviours identified by the college include:

- Communication
- Self-belief
- Independence
- Critical Thinking
-Oracy

Teaching, learning and assessment will be taught flexibly, with students developing the knowledge through classroom learning, practical activities using our outstanding facilities and an opportunity to learn remotely to help develop digital literacy skills in the future.

Our sport academy is home to industry standard faciltiies to support students to progress to a range of careers in sport. The academy has an impressive fitness suite, equipped with a range of cardio and weight training equipment along with a sports hall designed to facilitate a wide range of sports and access to Martin Nugent’s Elite Performance Centre.
Within the academy, students will have the opportunity to make use of our state-of-the-art physiology and sports therapy labsalong with two outdoor 11v11 football pitches, a 9v9 training football pitch and access to 4G all weather sports pitches at GOALS.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

Key topics students will study are:

- Anatomy
- Sport Psychology
- Physical Activity for Individuals and Groups
- Coaching
- Fitness Training
- Research Methods
- Sports Injuries and Assessment
- Sports Massage
- Research Project
- Exercise Physiology
- Technology in Sport
- Nutrition
- Fitness Testing

What’s next?

Upon completing this qualification, students are well-prepared for further study at university in fields such as sports science, physiotherapy, sports coaching, or physical education. Alternatively, the skills gained can lead directly to employment in roles like personal training, sports coaching, fitness instruction, or health and wellness consultancy. With a strong foundation in both theory and practical application, graduates can pursue a wide range of career opportunities within the sport and fitness industries, from working with athletes to improving public health through exercise programmes.

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Student in common room

93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

NSS, 2024

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus