Sports and Physical Activity Level 3
Start Date: 1st September 2025
- Length 2 Years
- Study Full Time
- Location West Lancashire College
More about the course
This Sports and Physical Activity qualification is ideal for those looking to pursue a successful career in health and fitness sector as a fitness instructor, personal trainer or exercise professional. This programme will also provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to progress to University.
The course is aimed at students who want to progress directly to employment in the health and fitness sector and is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education.
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 3-9, including English Language and/or Maths
What will I achieve?
If you successfully complete this course, you will receive a Extended Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity Level 3
What will I learn?
- Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
- Health, Wellbeing and Sport
- Fitness Skills Development
- Fitness Testing and Training
What experience will I have?
- 70k rehabilitation room/sports science laboratory
- Sports therapy clinic for work experience
- Trips and visits include Mount Snowdon, Awesome Walls, Formby Beach, St Georges Park, La Santa in Lanzarote, Body World in Amsterdam and Therapy Expo in London
- Work experience at high profile sporting events and clubs, including International Fitness Show in Blackpool, The big One in Sheffield and Southport Rugby Club, More Than A Marathon, plus charity events
- Sports teams including football, netball, basketball and handball
How am I assessed?
- Practical assignments
- Written assignments
- Home study
- Assessments
Where can I progress?
Upon successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress to Entry in Employment, Higher Education including Degree Apprenticeship or an Apprenticeship.
The course offers you a licence to practice and students can continue to develop their careers through continuous professional development programmes that are industry endorsed. The qualification recognised by higher-education providers as contributing to entry requirements to many related courses.
Our students have gone onto University or employment:
- BA Journalism, Liverpool John Moores University
- BSc Sports Therapy, Salford University
- BSc Sports Science, Liverpool John Moores University
- BSc Sports Therapy, Middlesbrough University
- BSc Sports Therapy, University of Newcastle
- BSc Sports Coaching, University of Bath
- PTI Armed Forces
- Self employment in the Sports industry including Sports Therapists, Nursing, Fitness Instructors and First Aid Specialists
- Private coaching
- Employment with Bannatynes and Gym Works to name a few
Course costs
If you are 16-18 years old, you do not have to pay course tuition fees*.
If you need information on any financial support that may be available to you with fees or study costs on this course, please contact Student Services who can offer advice and assistance on accessing any financial support that may be available.
*Exam and registration fees will be paid by the college. This is subject to satisfactory attendance and course completion.
Contact our team
Meet our Sports students and tutors
Wendy Bennett
Assistant PrincipalWendy is the Assistant Principal for the 16-18 provision at WLC, overseeing Health, Education and Digital, Creative and Service Industries, Construction and Advanced Engineering. She has extensive experience as a leader and a college manager, working in education for over 20 years. Wendy is the college strategic lead for T Levels and curriculum development, providing passion about the development of the new Study Programmes that enhances progression to higher education or employment for young people. As a leader and manager, Wendy supports colleagues, across all departments and learners, creating opportunities that support the development of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours to become successful members of our community and our wider society by being prepared to make positive personal and professional contributions.
Caroline Stewart
Sports LecturerI began working at West Lancashire College in 2013 after completing my PGCE placement here. Having been involved in sports for over 25 years, my passion for the subject continues to grow with my focus now on physiology, personal training and sports therapy. Working with young adults who share my passion is what I enjoy the most about working here. Seeing our students achieve and progress makes it all worth while!
Robert Boardman
Sports LecturerHaving worked through my PGCE in further education this academic year, I have recently gained my first job as a teacher in Sports at West Lancashire College. Being a teacher has always been my biggest passion and career goal ever since I can remember. My favourite part of teaching is working alongside students to achieve their own personal goals and seeing that ‘light bulb’ moment when they have worked so hard on a topic they struggle with. I am very excited to my first full year in teaching and inspiring the younger generation to pursue their career goals.
Dan
Sports Alumni StudentI chose to study at West Lancashire College as it had a course that suited me and my passion perfectly, even the personal training aspects of the course have been transferable to my coaching skills. I am now running my own Sports business and coaching young people in football.
Adam
Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 StudentI chose to study the Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 course as I love Sports and have a strong passion of practicing outside of college. My favourite aspect has been the practical element in the gym that college has provided students with.
Caitln
Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 StudentI have wanted to pursue my passion of becoming a Sports Therapist and the Level 3 course has supported me with that. I’ve enjoyed meeting fellow Sports students and the experience that WLC has given me.
Daniel
Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 StudentMy passion for Sports was the reason why I chose to study at WLC. My favourite aspect in college is delivering Sports sessions to the Inclusive Learners as part of my continuous personal development. I also like learning about different training methods for different types of Sports.
James
Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 StudentGoing to Pete’s gym in Skelmersdale, conducting work experience at Gym Works and the practical side of the course have been the most enjoyable elements for me. I chose the Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 course as I have a great interest in Sports.
Mia
Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 StudentChoosing the Sports Level 3 course was easy for me as I aspire to have a career in Personal Training to involve more females in the fitness industry and to highlight that having muscles is normal. My fellow students on my course are great and I love learning about the course. The teachers are very helpful.
Reece
Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 StudentI was always passionate about Sport and I have enjoyed training other people and seeing them progress. Meeting new people and the teachers, as they have improved my confidence and overall skillset.
Tony
Sports and Physical Activity Level 3 StudentChoosing to study Sports at WLC was an easy choice for me as I enjoy participating in Sports. The tutors are great, the studying environment is calm and the lesson content is really interesting.
What can I do with a qualification in Sport?
Daily tasks:
- Ensures custody of all cash receipts and organises regular stock checks.
- Recruits, supervises and trains staff.
- Determines financial, staffing, material and other short- and long-term needs.
- Advises on the facilities available and promotes publicity in relation to shows, games, races, new theme parks, etc..
- Keeps abreast of new trends and developments in recreational activities and arranges exhibitions, theatrical productions, concerts, demonstrations etc..
- Ensures that facilities are kept clean and in good condition and that appropriate health and safety requirements are adhered to.
- Organises timetable of activities/schedule of programmes.
Daily tasks:
- Demonstrates and directs dance moves, monitors and analyses technique and performance, and determines how improvements can be made.
- Participates in dance performance.
- Attends rehearsals to develop and practice dance routines for performance.
- Builds and maintains stamina, physical strength, agility and general health through fitness exercises and healthy eating.
Daily tasks:
- Discusses performance problems with coaches, physiotherapists, dieticians and doctors.
- Maintains clothing and other specialised sporting equipment.
- Builds stamina, physical strength and agility through running, fitness exercises and weight training.
- Attends training sessions to develop skills and practice individual or team moves and tactics.
- Participates in exhibitions, pre-qualifying events, tournaments and competitions.
Daily tasks:
- Manages the playing areas and competitors, starts race, competition or match and controls its progress according to established rules.
- Inspects and maintains specialised clothing and equipment.
- Understands health and safety aspects of various activities and ensures any statutory requirements are met.
- Provides information and develops facilities to encourage greater participation in sport, and to enhance the standards of participants.
- Deals with administrative aspects such as arranging matches, contests or appearances for athlete or team, and organising required transport and accommodation.
- Monitors and analyses technique and performance, and determines how future improvements can be made.
- Controls team selection and discipline and recruits ancillary staff such as coaches or physiotherapists.
- Coaches teams or individuals by demonstrating techniques and directing training and exercise sessions.
Daily tasks:
- Understands the health and safety aspects of different forms of exercise and ensures that any statutory requirements are met.
- Plans and monitors personal fitness schedules.
- Ensures that clients do not injure themselves through over exertion or using incorrect training techniques.
- Demonstrates and leads fitness activities and supervises exercise classes.
- Devises programmes of training appropriate to the needs of clients with varying levels of strength, fitness and ability.
- Assesses the fitness levels of clients.
Sports at West Lancashire College
News
Upcoming events
Parent/Carer Information Evening
West Lancashire College
Tuesday 24th June 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm
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