Peterlee Campus
Course overview
Fancy a career in PE teaching, physiotherapy or sports nutrition? Wanting to progress and study sport further at university? At East Durham College, we're constantly looking at employer needs, and have used them to develop our Level 3 BTEC Sport and exercise science programme.
Within this course, you will complete 2 mandatory exams in year 1 and year 2 and four / five coursework units in years 1 / 2. You'll spend some time in the classroom, some participating in practical sessions in the sports complex and some gaining real life work experience working within your desired career area. Alongside all of this, you'll be able to participate in many of our sporting academies that we offer here at the college.
Topics
In Year 1 of the programme students will study the following units:
• Functional Anatomy (exam)
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (exam)
• Field and Lab-based Fitness Testing
• Coaching for Performance and Fitness
• Specialised Fitness Training
• Research Methods
Units are a mixture of practical and theory elements, where you will be assessed in different ways, such as written assignments, exams, presentations, practical observations, and production of videos.
The course is a 2-year programme and once all units are complete, students can progress to the Extended Diploma in Year 2 which is equivalent of up to 3 A Levels.
A major part of the course is gaining the knowledge to prepare you for further education and your desired career. Alongside 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, communicational 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.
Job opportunities after this course
This course is designed to prepare you for university and studying towards your desired job role.
It attracts UCAS Tariff points and is recognised by higher-education providers as meeting entry requirements for many related degree programmes, such as a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Development, BA Sport Exercise and Physical Activity and a BA (Hons) in Sports Management.
This could lead to a variety of career opportunities such as:
• Nutritionist
• PE Teaching
• Physiotherapist
• Sports Analyst
• Sports Development Officer
• Sports Research
• Sports Scientist
... and so much more!
Further study options after this course
Successful completion of this course can lead to a Degree or Foundation Degree in Sports and Exercise Science/Sports Related course. Jobs within the sports industry e.g. Sports Research, P. E Teacher and Physiotherapy.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.
For the latest qualifications and grades required by course type/level, please follow this link to check the most up-to-date entry criteria for direct entry and internal progression at the college.
How is this course assessed?
You will be assessed throughout the course in a number of different ways, including written assignments, presentations, production of videos and practical observations.
When does the course start?
September 2025
Length of course
Full-time.
The 90 Credit Diploma is the first year of a two year programme. In the second year you will complete the Extended Diploma.
This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.
Fees & Funding
Please read our Course Fees & Funding page.
How to apply
To apply online for this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the top/bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you need assistance with your application or you would like to apply over the phone or using a paper-based application form, please call Student Services on 0191 743 0149.
If you're not quite ready to apply for this course and would like some more information or to speak to a member of staff then please click on the 'Enquire' button at the top/bottom of this page.
