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Level 3 Diploma Extended Diploma in Sport Exercise Sciences

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 3
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Course Overview

This qualification is ideal for anyone with a passion for the science behind sport and how it can be applied to help optimise sporting performance, help athletes overcome injuries and enhance athlete potential. The course will be made up of a combination of academic and practical modules, which will help you to develop the key knowledge and skills you will need to progress towards your intended career goal. It will also help to develop important research and study skills that will be important for those students wishing to progress into Higher Education.

The full two year programme is the equivalent of three A-Levels, preparing the students to progress onto Higher Education studying a range of subjects at University such as Sports Therapy, Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Coaching and Performance, Sports Teaching, and many more.

Alternatively, this course is perfect preparation for students wishing to go into employment or an apprenticeship in the sport and/or fitness industry. Please note: progression to the second year of study is dependent upon students achieving their target grade, maintaining college minimum expected attendance levels, professional conduct & behaviour on course, as well as positive references from the teaching team.

Why BCA?
At BCA we have:
100% pass rate on all sport programmes
95% of our students progress into positive destinations
90% of our students achieve on or above their target grades
Excellent links with local sports clubs, industry experts, and employers including out partnership with Maidenhead FC
All of our staff have extensive industry experience and qualifications
Outstanding facilities
Opportunity to represent one of our sports academies.

Course Code

FF3CSPO8B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English, maths and PE and/or science or a Level 2 Diploma in Sport at Merit/Distinction grade (or equivalent) a...

Course information

Over the duration of the two-year course, you will study a wide variety of modules developing your skills and knowledge in a range of sports-related disciplines.
Mandatory units are:
Functional Anatomy
Applied SPort & Exercise Psychology
Research Methds
Coaching for Performance
Sport & Exercise Physiology
FIeld and laboratory based Fitness Testing
Nutrition for Sports Performance

Optional units may include:
Specialised Fitness Training
Sociocultural Issues in Sport
Sports Injuries
Sports Massage
Biomechanics
Technology in Sport

2 years- There is an option for learners to study for a one year foundation diploma.

You will learn in dedicated classrooms equipped with interactive learning technology, with access to high quality facilities including a full sized Sports Hall, a fully equipped fitness centre and a separate strength and conditioning facility. You will also learn through a range of relevant trips, visits and guest lectures.

You will learn through a variety of theory and practical sessions and be assessed via a range of methods including: Presentations, Written reports, Practical observations, Discussions, Debates, Projects, Timed assessments.

There are four externally assessed units (two per year) that are assessed via exams or synoptic assessment.

Students will begin on a one-year diploma, equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels. Successful completion of year one will lead to progression onto the second year where they will study for additional credits to achieve an Extended Diploma, equivalent to three A-Levels.

Please note: progression to the second year of study is dependent upon students achieving their target grade, maintaining college minimum expected attendance levels, professional conduct & behaviour on course, as well as positive references from the teaching team.

One week of external work placement in the sports industry is required in each year of study.

The full two-year programme is equivalent to three A-Levels, preparing the students to progress onto Higher Education studying a range of subjects at University such as Sports Therapy, Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Coaching and Performance, Sports Teaching, and many more.

Alternatively, this course is the perfect preparation for students wishing to go into employment or an apprenticeship in the sport and/or fitness industry.

What careers can this course lead to?

Sports Therapist
Sports Rehabilitation
Sports Physiotherapy
Sport and Exercise Scientist
Sports Analyst, Sports Teacher
Strength and Conditioning Coach

Level 3

You will learn in dedicated classrooms equipped with interactive learning technology, with access to high quality facilities including a full sized Sports Hall, a fully equipped fitness centre and a separate strength and conditioning facility. You will also learn through a range of relevant trips, visits and guest lectures.

Modern classrooms, fully equipped with IT support
4 full-size football pitches
A state of the art sports hall, incorporating 4 badminton courts, a full-sized basketball court and cricket nets
Indoor and outdoor climbing facilities
High & low rope courses
Archery range
A fully-equipped fitness centre and a separate strength and conditioning facility

Uniform and PPE:

All Sports students will be required to purchase the compulsory BCA kit, which is appropriate for their programme. You are only expected to purchase 1 kit bundle, so if you are part of an Academy, please order the specific academy kit, as detailed below. We try to keep all compulsory kit bundles to a minimum cost and then give the option for you to purchase additional items. Clean, practical kit must be brought in every day.

Please click on the link below to place your online kit order.

Non-Academy Sports Students
www.clubwebshop.com/a-z/clubs/bca/club-bundles

You will have to register and create an account before ordering.

Football Academy
www.mufcdirect.co.uk/collections/mufc-academy-bca

Netball Academy
www.hawkinsport.co.uk/schools/berkshire-college-agriculture

Returning students are very welcome to order another complete bundle, however, you will already have some kit from last year, so you may decide just to order a few additional items. Please email Nicky Cornelius, Curriculum Assistant nacornelius@bca.ac.uk for the specific link to order individual items.

Stationery:

All students will be required to bring appropriate stationery and a notebook to all lessons. We advise students to purchase a ring binder folder to keep class notes and resources in, for future reference. BCA does not supply pens, pencils, rulers, or notepads.

All students will be required to bring their own set of headphones for blended learning sessions. The headphones do not need to be expensive but must be PC compatible.