Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science 2025-26

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'lll be able to participate in many of our sporting academies that we offer here at the college.

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.

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!

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.

Applicants require five GSCEs at 9-4 grades, plus English, Maths and Science at a minimum of grade 4.

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 assessed throughout the course in a number of different ways, including written assignments, presentations, production of videos and practical observations.

September 2025

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.