Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 3 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| 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 | Completion of a Level 3 Sports qualification. You will also be required to pass an interview. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
Please note you must be 18+ to start this course and must have successfully completed a Level 3 Sport programme.
Working alongside a number of local fitness centres from Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding areas, this course is designed for all you aspiring Personal Trainers. The qualification offers unrivalled industry experience and is the perfect step for launching a successful career in the Health and Fitness Industry.
This is a one-year qualification, aiming to focus on the role and scope of Gym Instructors and Personal Trainers, directly qualifying you to be able to work in either of those roles.
Throughout the programme, you will learn and be able to demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to work as a Gym Instructor or Personal Trainer.
This qualification is mapped to the CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer Professional Standard.
What you'll learn
- The principles of working in the gym environment, including customer service and how to maintain health, safety and welfare
- Anatomy and physiology
- How to conduct consultations and promote the health benefits of physical activity
- How to communicate effectively and motivate clients to adhere to an exercise programme
- How to plan and prepare a gym-based exercise programme
- Nutrition to support a physical activity programme
- Marketing and business planning
- Personal training programming and delivering personal training sessions
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
- Sports Coaching and Development Level 3 Diploma
- Working in Sport and the Fitness Industries Level 3 Diploma
- Sport for Females 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