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?

Harness your passion for sport through a carefully balanced blend of theory, practical coaching, and real-world experience. Over two years, you'll explore anatomy, physiology, sports psychology and performance analysis while developing leadership, planning and communication skills essential for guiding athletes. This programme is co-designed and co-delivered with a range of industry partners to shape the next generation of sports coaches, sports development officers and physical education teachers across the North East and beyond. Whether your ambition is to study sports science, physiotherapy or education or to step directly into roles such as coach, analyst or development officer this qualification equips you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to thrive in a rewarding career.

You will need 4 GCSE's at a grade 4- 9, including English. Or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

The full-time two year programme is the equivalent to three A-Levels and students who achieve high grades will progress to University if higher education is the preferred next step.

Study level Cost
16-18 Free

This is a practical course that includes elements of theory. Students will be assessed delivering coaching sessions and will also coach (with support from the teaching team) in the community as part of the programme.

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.Some of the partners we work with include the Foundation of Light, UK Coaching, Durham FA, Everyone Active and RISE, who have provided real world experience and opportunities for our students.
• 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 course presents young people with aspirations of becoming a sports coach or physical education teacher with a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry specialists, develop their coaching and teaching skills and enter a life-long career in this exciting and rewarding sector.

As part of the course students will study a number of units including:

- Careers in the sport and active leisure industry
- Health, wellbeing and sport
- Developing coaching Skills
- Applied sports coaching
- Anatomy and physiology
- Rules, regulations and officiating
- Influence of technology in sport
- School sport delivery

Students will also gain additional coaching qualifications, including safeguarding and first aid, as well as taking part in workshops, masterclasses and placements with some of the country’s leading coaches, sports clubs and organisations.

What’s next?

Once students complete this two-year programme, many pursue higher education degrees in sports science, physiotherapy, strength & conditioning or physical education using the UCAS points earned to secure a place at university.Or choose to enter the workforce straight away, stepping into roles such as sports coach, sports development officer, personal trainer, performance analyst or fitness instructor. Apprenticeships such as Community Sport and Health Officer, Advanced Coaching and Personal Training are also a popular pathway, blending paid employment with professional accreditation. With this blend of academic knowledge, practical skills and industry placements, you’ll be well-positioned to thrive whether you’re heading to university or stepping directly into a fulfilling career in sport.

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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

Ofsted, 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

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