Active Leisure Level 3

This course is designed to give you qualifications and practical skills directly applicable to the sports industry. The main themes of the course are sports coaching, sports leadership, working with children and fitness instructing.

Course Info
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Active Leisure Level 3
Course Outline: This course is designed to give you qualifications and practical skills directly applicable to the sports industry.
Qualification: NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training
LevelLevel 3
LocationColchester
DurationOne Year
Study ModeFull-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2026
Fee(s)This study programme is for learners aged 17 and over only.
17 – 18 year olds: Free
19+: £2,882
Other fees include £100 for coaching uniform.
Awarding/Validation BodyNCFE
What Will I Learn?

A variety of learning styles are developed and include formal classroom lessons, group work, presentations, individual tutorials, and practical coaching sessions. All students are encouraged to find voluntary work in the sports industry prior to starting the course. In addition to your main programme, you will also work towards achieving your GCSEs in English and Maths.

Course Content

Active Leisure Level 3 may include:

  • Instructing & supervising gym-based exercise programmes,
  • Delivering personal training sessions,
  • Supporting client health and well-being,
  • Nutrition to support a physical activity programme,
  • Gym instruction.
Entry Requirements
  • 5 GCSEs (9-4) including English and Maths (or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent), plus one year’s coaching experience
  • Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)* check
  • An interview
  • Only available to students aged 17 or over.

* Please note there is a charge of approximately £50 for an online DBS check.

Course Progression

Can I go to University?

Yes, BTEC graduates can go on to university or start their career straight away.

Students can progress on to a sports-related higher education courses, a higher apprenticeship and a range of higher education programmes.

As vocational qualifications are designed in partnership with employers, universities and professional organisations, your training will enable you to develop the skills that are highly valued by employers. You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your understanding of your chosen area through work experience and placements throughout your programme.

The in-depth skills and knowledge acquired on a Level 3 vocational programme can provide the ideal preparation for progression to higher level study, such as a degree, HNC/HND or higher apprenticeship. Most colleges and universities accept vocational qualifications as fulfilling entry requirements.

The UCAS Tariff points system is used when making offers to applicants and most post-16 qualifications are allocated a total UCAS point score. The table below shows how many UCAS points the most common qualifications are worth.

UCAS Tariff Points
BTEC and UCAS Points
KEY: D = Distinction M = Merit P = Pass

If you are planning to go on to university after completing your Level 3 programme you can visit ucas.com to check the UCAS points required for the course you are interested in.

Career Opportunities

Opportunities for employment are within the sport and recreation sector, particularly in sports facilities, schools, sports coaching organisations and fitness gyms. The qualifications on the course are recognised nationally in the sport, leisure, and recreation field, providing students with very comprehensive curriculum vitae (CVs).

Fees and Finance

Students’ college education is funded for three academic years after leaving secondary school in year 11. Please click the button below which will apply to your age on the 31st August 2026 in order to find out more information about fees and finance relating to your course.

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Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2025-26 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.