BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in Sport: Development, Coaching and Fitness

This two-year Diploma or Certificate course is ideally suited to individuals who have an interest in or an aptitude for sport and fitness training and would like to pursue a career in areas of employment such as sports teaching or coaching, sports development or fitness training management.

The National Certificate course is particularly suitable for mature students or those who are intending to progress directly into employment within the industry at the conclusion of their studies.

Students should be willing to develop or maintain a sufficient level of fitness throughout the course, improve your teamwork and communication skills and actively participate in a range of practical sports and activities.

The course includes the following units:

Core units

  • The body in action
  • Health and safety in sport
  • Training and fitness for sport
  • Sports coaching
  • Sports development 
  • Fitness testing for sport and exercise
  • Sports nutrition
  • Practical team sports 

Specialist units

  • Practical individual sports
  • Sports nutrition
  • Leadership in sport
  • Instructing physical activity and exercise
  • Exercise for specific groups
  • Sports injuries
  • Sport and exercise massage
  • Organising sports events
  • Working with children in sport
  • Sport as a business
  • Work-based experience in sport

Work experience placement

You will undertake a period of work placement within a sports or leisure environment during Year 2 of the course.

Additional skills and qualifications

When your learning agreement is discussed with your tutor early in the first term, you will be advised of extra skills and qualifications, which are built into the course programme.

You will complete a key skills award and secondary learning goals, which are selected on the basis of their importance to the industry or career in which you are interested. This will contribute to your employability and will enhance your CV.

During the course there will be opportunities to obtain a range of skills, qualifications and experience, for which some additional fees may be payable.

These may include:

  • NCFE Certificate in Exercise Studies
  • Active IQ Level 2 Award in Gym Instructing
  • Active IQ Level 2 Award in Circuit Training
  • First Aid at Work Certificate
  • 1st 4 Sport Emergency First Aid
  • RLSS National Pool Lifeguard qualification
  • Community Sports Leaders Award

It is recommended that applicants set aside approximately £200 for additional off-site activities and trips.

There may also be opportunities to undertake additional subsidised NGB Sports Leader/Coaching qualifications, depending on demand, age and standard achieved.

Course equivalence

The course is equivalent to studying three A Level GCSEs (two A Levels for the National Certificate programme), and is well recognised by employers, colleges and universities of higher education.

Progression / career prospects

The opportunities within sports and fitness are growing and most employment takes place within the following environments:

  • Professional sport
  • Local authorities
  • Sports or leisure centres
  • Schools, colleges, universities

The following examples show possible career pathways after completing the course:

  • Fitness trainer > fitness manager > centre manager.
  • Sports leader > sports coach > sports development officer.
  • College or university > sports scientist, sports therapist, physical education teacher.

Preferred entry requirements

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C, a First Diploma at Distinction level (Merit level for National Certificate programme), a relevant NVQ Level 2, or an Intermediate GNVQ.

Applications for the National Certificate programme in particular are also welcome from mature students with appropriate relevant experience.


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Course Facts at a glance:

Duration:

2 Years

Tutor:

Jo Todd, Cert. Ed,
David Millings, BSc (Hons), PGCE