Level 3
Sport and Exercise Science, BTEC Certificate and Extended Certificate
Level 3
Sport and Exercise Science, BTEC Certificate and Extended Certificate
Turn your passion for sport into a dynamic career. Explore how the body moves, adapts, and recovers through physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, and training. Build practical, analytical, and problem-solving skills while preparing for careers in sport, fitness, and health – or for higher education pathways in this exciting field.
Course Overview
The BTEC Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science gives you the opportunity to study the science behind human movement, fitness, and wellbeing. This programme combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, teaching you to apply scientific principles to real-world sporting and exercise contexts. Key topics include anatomy and physiology, fitness training, psychology in sport, and the structure of the sports industry.
A key feature of this course is its vocational, practical approach. You will gain experience in analysing performance, creating training programmes, and understanding the role of exercise and nutrition in maintaining health. Studying Sport and Exercise Science develops critical thinking, research, and applied problem-solving skills while allowing you to engage with topics that matter to athletes, coaches, and health professionals.
At our Health & Active Living Skills Centre, you will benefit from purpose-built sports laboratories, fitness suites, and specialist teaching spaces. Lessons combine practical sessions, interactive workshops, and independent projects, allowing you to apply theory directly to performance analysis and training scenarios.
In Year One, you will study the foundational units, equivalent to a single A Level, giving you a strong base before moving on to more specialist units in Year Two of the Extended Certificate. This approach offers flexibility for students studying multiple subjects while contributing UCAS points for higher education progression.
Studying Sport and Exercise Science with us also includes membership in our Career Excellence Hub, giving access to work experience, guest lectures, and projects that enhance employability. Opportunities include placements in June of Year One and February of Year Two, or a week of college-based experiences aligned with your career goals.
Experienced teachers and dedicated Tutor Learning Mentors support your study skills, exam preparation, and applications to university or employment, ensuring you are well prepared for the next stage of your education.
What will I study?
Key topics include:
- Foundations of Sport and Exercise Science:
- Anatomy and physiology of the human body
- Principles of training and fitness
- Biomechanics and movement analysis
- Nutrition and health for performance
- Psychology and motivation in sport
Applied topics:
- Fitness testing and programme design
- Performance analysis in sport
- Working in the sports industry
- Specialist units in year two (e.g., sport and exercise psychology, research methods, or applied sports performance)
Skills development:
- Analysing and evaluating performance data
- Designing and implementing training programmes
- Problem solving in applied sporting contexts
- Independent research and report writing
- Exciting Opportunities
You will automatically join our Career Excellence Hub and benefit from:
- Guest lectures from sports scientists, coaches, and fitness professionals
- Opportunities to participate in performance analysis and applied sport projects
- Practical workshops to develop fitness testing, coaching, and analysis skills
- Work experience opportunities within sports clubs, gyms, or health organisations
Where will I study?
Our purpose-built Sixth Form at Loxton Campus is designed to simulate a university environment, featuring state-of-the-art specialist facilities, high-quality learning resources, and collaborative spaces that support focused and independent study.
How do AS and A Levels work?
You will normally study three or four A Levels over two years. In Year 1, you will work towards an AS qualification, which is completed at the end of the first year and provides a strong foundation before progressing to full A Level study in Year 2.
This structure offers flexibility – you may choose to study four subjects in Year 1 and take three into Year 2. AS Levels also carry UCAS points.
You can find more details in our dedicated AS Level FAQs on the College website.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through a combination of coursework and examinations in the second year, covering applied units, practical performance analysis, and theoretical knowledge.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English, maths, and science.
What can I do after this course?
BTEC Sport and Exercise Science is ideal for students considering higher education or careers in sports, health, and fitness.
Career opportunities:
Sports Scientist or Performance Analyst
PE Teacher or Coaching Professional
Physiotherapist or Exercise Rehabilitation Specialist
Personal Trainer or Fitness Instructor
Sports Policy Adviser or Health Promotion Officer
Nutritionist or Dietician
Higher education degrees in:
Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, or Human Performance
Sports Therapy or Physiotherapy
Health and Fitness Management
Coaching and Development Studies
You could progress to degrees at University Centre Weston, such as:
Sports Studies BA (Hons)
Sport and Exercise Science Foundation or Honours courses
