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?

Step into a future focused on physical health and performance. This programme is ideal for those passionate about fitness and keen to turn that passion into a rewarding career. Gain in-depth knowledge of anatomy, nutrition, and fitness programme design, while developing the practical skills needed to work in personal training, strength conditioning, or sports therapy. From understanding how to support clients' fitness journeys to mastering the art of exercise instruction, this is where you’ll hone your expertise. You’ll have access to top-tier sports facilities, hands-on training, and industry insight, ensuring you're ready for the demands of the profession. Whether you’re looking to work in gyms, or health clubs, or even set up your own business, this is the perfect preparation to thrive in the fitness industry. Fuel your drive for health and wellbeing and turn it into a career that inspires others to achieve their best.

You will need 4 GCSE's at grade 4-9 including Maths and English.

Study level Cost
16-18 Free

The Sport, Fitness & Personal Training academy will be a practical course with some theoretical elements based at our Bede Campus with state-of-the-art specialist facilities. Students will be assessed delivering group gym sessions and individual personal trainer sessions. Students will be expected to engage in both practical and theory elements equally. Students will be tasked with projects in across the City to increase participation numbers through Exercise, Fitness and Wellbeing.

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.

This exciting Level 3 programme in Sport, Fitness & Personal Training is aimed at students who want to progress directly to employment into the health and fitness sector in a variety of roles. It is also designed to allow students to progress to higher education, where they may use this qualification to obtain part-time employment whilst studying.

You will study a number of modules across the 2 years including:

- Careers in the Sport and Active leisure industry
- Health, wellbeing and Sport
- Fitness
- Personal training
- Self employment
- Nutrition
- Sporting injuries
- Sports massage
- Fitness testing
- Fitness training
- Marketing
- Business and technology

What’s next?

After completing this course, students will be equipped to pursue a range of exciting career paths, including roles as personal trainers, fitness instructors, or gym managers. For those seeking further study, progression to university degrees in sports science, sports therapy, or related disciplines is a natural next step.
Additionally, students can explore specialised qualifications in areas like strength and conditioning or exercise referral. Whether entering the workforce directly or continuing their education, graduates will have the skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic world of health, fitness, and personal training.

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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