Key Facts

Level 3 Sport and Food Science Pathway

The Level 3 Combined Subject Pathway option SPORT AND FOOD SCIENCE is designed for learners wanting to continue their education through applied learning, who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in a range of sectors.

The sport and food science pathway option consist of three learning aims:

  • Sport
  • Food Science and Nutrition

The sport and food science pathway option is designed as a typical two-year study programme, the pathway carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements to many courses. The sport and food science pathway option is equivalent to three (3) A-Levels.

  • Entry Requirements


    5 x GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and mathematics. You are further required to provide a copy of your last school report showing excellent attendance to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

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

    We will invite you to a Meet the Teacher 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.

  • Course Content


    Sport is an industry that grows every year as more members of society are opting to participate in sport in some way. In sport, you will explore how the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems function and the fundamentals of the energy systems. You will further explore client screening and lifestyle assessment, fitness training methods and fitness programming to support improvement in a client's health and well-being. You will also explore the knowledge and skills required for different career pathways in the sports industry and learn what makes a good leader, including the skills and techniques necessary when leading activities in different roles. You will study four (4) mandatory units plus optional units to meet the requirements of the qualification. The mandatory units include Anatomy and Physiology (externally assessed), Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being (externally assessed), Professional Development in the Sports Industry (internally assessed) and Sports Leadership (internally assessed).

    Food Science and Nutrition is relevant to many industries and job roles. Care providers and nutritionists in hospitals use this knowledge, as do sports coaches and fitness instructors. Hotels and restaurants, food manufacturers and government agencies also use this understanding to develop menus, food products and policies that support healthy eating initiatives. There is one mandatory unit for this qualification, namely Meeting Nutritional Needs of Specific Groups and you will learn about food safety, properties of nutrients, the relationship between nutrients and the human body as well as planning for nutritional requirements. The unit will be assessed internally as well as externally.

  • Progression Next Steps


    You may progress to the second year of your chosen pathway or consider further training or study in related fields such as an apprenticeship or employment.

    The sports industry offers a range of job opportunities, including coaching, physiotherapy, personal trainer, sports agent, sports psychology, occupational therapy, fitness coaching, sports nutrition and sports science to name a few.

    Many employment opportunities within the field of food science and nutrition are available for example food technologist, nutritionist, nutritional therapist, toxicologist, product/process development scientist, production manager, regulatory affairs officer, health and safety inspector and many more.

    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 careers and education adviser who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    All courses run subject to demand and the content listed here should be used as a guide only. Course content may vary according to a range of factors such as course duration, campus, teaching staff and requirements from awarding bodies.

  • Course Structure


    The pathway is typically run over two years and the assessment is comprised of exams and course work.

    The pathway combines:

    • Sport
    • Food Science and Nutrition
  • Assessment Details


    You will collect credits throughout the two-year programme using a combination of coursework and exams. You will be assessed through a range of assessment types and styles including internally and externally assessed units (exams). You will have two opportunities to sit each exam series in January and in the summer term of each year.