Key Facts

Level 3 Certificate & Diploma (540) in Sport & Physical Activity

Thinking of working in the sports and fitness industry?

Our level 3 qualification will help you unlock your full potential and provide you with the skills and knowledge required to achieve your aspirations. This qualification is designed to give you the skills, knowledge and understanding of the sport and physical activity sector.

You will have the opportunity to develop your coaching skills in a variety of sports such as football, basketball and netball. You will develop the skills, knowledge and proficiency needed to work in the fitness industry, as you acquire an understanding of how the human body works in relation to sport and exercise.

Our level 3 qualification will act as a stepping stone to a range of occupations often through the route of higher education and will assist you in enhancing the right skill set to support access into higher education, as well as improve job prospects.

  • 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 other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. 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 Certificate / Diploma pathway

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above, at Merit or above, in a relevant subject.

    You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE 4/C or above or L2 Functional skills.

    For admission on to the Diploma / Extended Diploma pathway

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above, at Merit or above, in a relevant subject. Including English , maths and Science or PE GSCE at C/4 or above or Functional skills Level 2 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


    Certificate route: you will study (3 mandatory units and 3 optional units) Diploma (540) route: you will study (3 mandatory and 6 optional units)

    Mandatory Units

    • Exercise, health and life
    • Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity
    • Sports coaching

    Optional Units

    • Practical team sports
    • Coaching special populations
    • Fitness training and programming
    • Principles of anatomy and physiology
    • Leadership in sport
    • Applied strength and conditioning
  • Progression Next Steps


    Achieve the Certificate on the first year of study then top up to the Diploma (720) on the second year.

    Achieve the Diploma (540) on the first year of study then top up to the Extended Diploma on the second year.

    The second year of study will give you much more detail on the subject matter and support learners who want to progress into higher education, ultimately leading the learner into employment.

    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.

  • Assessment Details


    You will be assessed through practical performance and a portfolio of work that you will build up over the duration of the course. You will also need to undertake at least 45 days work experience.