Level 2 Diploma in Sport (Sport, Exercise & Fitness) 2025-26

Fancy a career in sports coaching, PE teaching or the leisure industry? At East Durham College, we've developed our NCFE Level 2 Diploma in Sport, Exercise & Fitness based on what employers' needs are, and in response to what they are looking for.

There's loads of exciting stuff on this course; you'll spend some time in the classroom learning the theory behind sport, as well as take part in practical activities using the incredible sports facilities at our Peterlee campus.

You'll also gain real life work experience in your desired career of choice, and get the opportunity to participate in many of our sporting academies that we offer here at the college.

In the Level 2 programme students will study the following 7 units:

Mandatory Units:
• Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
• Participating in Sports
• Introduction to Healthy Exercise and Nutrition

Optional Units:
• Planning & Running a Sports Event
• Performance Analysis
• Plan, Deliver & Evaluate an Activity Session
• Development of Personal Fitness through Training

Units are a mixture of practical and theory elements, assessed in different ways, including written assignments, presentations, practical observations, and production of videos.

The course is a 1-year programme and once all units are complete, students can progress onto a level 3 sports coaching programme, however if you have a grade 4/C in maths and English you may be considered for level 3 sports science.

As part of the course, you will be gaining industry experience where you will develop many employability skills that will set you apart from the rest. You will gain key skills such as time management, organisational skills, communication skills and observing and providing feedback whilst on placement. This can be selected by you or guided by your lecturer to help prepare you for your desired job role. On level 2, you will be expected to complete a minimum of 36 hours of work experience within the sport/exercise sector.

• Activities Instructor
• Fitness / Gym Instructor
• Lifeguard
• Nutritionist
• Personal Trainer
• Sports Therapist
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Teacher / Lecturer

... and so much more!

Successful students can progress onto BTEC Level 3 upon achievement of the required grades, and may also move into employment in the sports/leisure industry e.g. coach, leisure attendant, etc.

To apply you should have 3 GCSE’s at grade 3 or above, including Maths & English. However, you may also progress from a BTEC Level 1 Diploma in a related subject, with a minimum of Entry 3 Maths & English.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

You will be required to complete 12 individual units. 10 of these will be assessed internally by your subject lecturer, and 2 units will assessed externally using on-screen exams.

September 2025

This course is a 1 year, full-time study programme at East Durham College's Peterlee campus.