Level 3
Sports Coaching & Physical Education, BTEC Extended Diploma
Level 3
Sports Coaching & Physical Education, BTEC Extended Diploma
If you’re aiming for a future in coaching, teaching, or leading physical activity, this course provides the professional training you need. This advanced, career-focused programme provides an in-depth understanding of coaching principles, teaching methodologies, sports psychology, anatomy, physiology, and fitness training. You will combine theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience to prepare for employment, apprenticeships, or higher education in the sports industry.
Course Overview
Delivered at Loxton Campus, this full-time two-year course offers immersive, professional-standard training in sports coaching and physical education. You will work in purpose-built laboratories, fitness suites, and sports facilities, engaging in practical sessions with athletes, teams, and peer groups to develop your coaching and leadership skills. The programme is fully mapped to professional standards, including ‘Multi-skills Sports Coach’ and ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’, ensuring your learning aligns with industry expectations.
This course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and serves as a ‘licence to practice’, enabling you to qualify as a multi-skills sports coach while also gaining experience in wider roles such as sports analyst, strength and conditioning coach, and sports psychologist. You will also benefit from the Career Excellence Hub, offering support for work placements, employability projects, and guest lectures from industry professionals.
Throughout the programme, you will explore all aspects of sports coaching, physical education, and sports science, developing technical skills, applied knowledge, and professional behaviours that are highly valued by employers and universities alike. Work placements provide real-world experience and networking opportunities within the sports industry.
What will I study?
You will develop a combination of theoretical understanding and practical expertise, including:
- Coaching principles and teaching methodologies for multiple sports
- Sports psychology and understanding athlete performance
- Anatomy, physiology, and fitness training for coaching contexts
- Practical application of performance analysis and strength & conditioning
- Safeguarding, health, and safety within coaching environments
- Professional development and applied sports projects
This course is ideal for learners aiming to progress to higher education, employment, or apprenticeships, particularly in roles such as PE Teacher, Personal Trainer, Sports Analyst, or Strength and Conditioning Coach.
How will I be assessed?
All assessment is coursework-based, allowing you to demonstrate practical competence, applied knowledge, and professional skills through projects, portfolios, presentations, and coaching assignments.
Additional Information
You will benefit from a range of enriching experiences, including:
- Work placements in sports clubs, schools, or fitness organisations
- Practical coaching sessions, performance analysis, and applied projects
- Guest lectures and workshops from industry professionals
- Access to the Career Excellence Hub for employability guidance, mentoring, and networking
Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English, maths, and science
- A passion for sport, coaching, and physical education
- Commitment to practical and theoretical learning over two years
What can I do after this course?
The BTEC Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching & Physical Education opens doors to higher education, employment, or apprenticeships, including:
- Degrees in Sport Studies, Sports Coaching, or Sports Performance at University Centre Weston
- Careers as PE Teacher, Personal Trainer, Youth Sports Coach, Sports Analyst, or Sports Psychologist
- Apprenticeships or employment in coaching, performance analysis, fitness, and community sport programmes
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open eve
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.