Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 3 Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | 4 grade 4s at GCSE, including either English or maths |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
This two-year programme is equivalent to studying three A Levels and is for you if you're a hands-on learner who wants to progress on to university, further study or employment in the world of sports coaching or PE teaching.
The modules within this course are designed to provide you with a high level of practical skills relevant to the wide range of demands within the sports industry such as, Developing Coaching Skills, Health Wellbeing in Sports, Fitness Training, Anatomy and Physiology and many more.
Students from this course regularly progress into specific areas of coaching such as Football, Rugby, Netball, Swimming, Personal Training or into the wider coaching industry with companies like our local partner, Premier Sport.
Many others progress onto university, studying areas such as Sports Coaching, Physical Education, or Performance Analysis.
What you'll learn
- Developing Coaching Skills
- Health Wellbeing in Sports
- Fitness Training
- Anatomy
- Physiology
Any student who does not hold a GCSE at grade 9 to 4 or equivalent qualifications in maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.
Equipment required for the course
Practical sports clothing and a willingness to learn and engage.
Work experience placements
Work Experience remains a crucial part of your development. We have a wide range of partner employers for you to gain a valuable insight into the industry.
Assessment
You will be assessed in a variety of ways which are linked to industry standards and expectations.
Further study
- Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 Extended Diploma
- Working in Sport and the Fitness Industries Level 3 Diploma
- Sport for Females Level 3 Diploma
- Advanced Personal Trainer Level 3 Diploma
- Bury Town Academy Football Performance and Excellence Level 3 Diploma
- Bury Town Academy Rugby Performance and Excellence Level 3 Diploma
Example careers
Personal Trainer
PE Teacher
Sports Coach
Sports Scout
Sports Massage Therapist
Physiotherapist
Umpire
Referee
Nutritionist
Sports Presenter
Sports Journalist
Sporting Event Co-ordinator
Athlete
Sports Development Officer
Leisure Centre Manager
Sports Promotion
Days & times
Starting September 2025