Key Facts

BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science (Year 1 of 2 Extended Diploma)

BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science (Year 1 of 2 Extended Diploma)

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The Foundation Diploma is Year 1 of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, it is aimed at learners who want academic experience and who may aspire to apply to university. There is a good balance between coursework and practical work so this course will test your knowledge and skills. Students will also develop critical skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication to support progression into employment or the next level of study. Practical sessions will take place in the colleges industry standard gym and sports hall facilities.

This qualification is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels, which means that when you have finished the course you may choose to go into full time employment. However, the natural progression is onto the Year 2 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science Programme (with a maximum of 168 UCAS points being available when top grade of D D D* is achieved).

If topping up into year two, most students progress to university to study a range of Sport Science subjects. Recent graduates have secured places in Physical Education, Sports & Exercise Science, Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy at Russell Group universities (Bath, Exeter, Manchester Met, Durham, Nottingham, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff & Kings).

Limited places, so early application is advised.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional to include attendance. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criterion. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence-based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference/school report.

    For admission on to the National Foundation Diploma/Extended Diploma pathway (3x A-level equivalent over two years) applicants will need to have achieved 5 x GCSE's at 4/C or above. You will have gained English Language, Maths and Science at grade 4 or above and/or Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    The foundation diploma is year one year programme that is equivalent to 1 1/2 A Levels. (It replaces the existing QCF 90 Credit Diploma). The course deals with the scientific themes and concepts of sport and exercise science and aims to provide studies in sport which are directly related to the changing needs of employers in specific areas of the sport science industry.

    Year 1 - Functional anatomy, Applied sport and exercise psychology, Specialised fitness testing, Coaching for performance and fitness, Applied research methods for sport & exercise Science and an optional unit of the students choice from a range of sport and exercise science topics.

    Year 2 - Student will progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science and choose subjects to suit their chosen career or university pathway.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Most students progress onto year 2 of the RQF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science. Alternative routes Level 4 HNC in Sport and Exercise Science or straight into Higher Education courses such as Physical Education, Sports Science, Sports Therapy or Sports Management, employment in teaching, sports coaching and gym instructing in the leisure and fitness industry.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    Early application is advisable as this course is popular For further information please email Jade Douthwaite on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Course Structure


    One year, full time.

  • Assessment Details


    Two exam units (externally assessed) and 4 coursework units (internally assessed).