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Sports and Physical Activity Level 3

Start Date: 3rd September 2026

Length 2 Years
Study Full Time
Location West Lancashire College

Qualification Gained

Extended Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity Level 3

Levels Explained

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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 Science 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.

Phone: 01695 52300

Email: enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk

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Wendy Bennett

Assistant Principal

Wendy 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 Lecturer

I 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 Lecturer

Having 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 Student

I chose to study at West Lancashire College because it offered a course that perfectly suited my interests and passion. Even the personal training elements of the course have been transferable to my coaching skills. I am now running my own sports business and coaching young people in football.