Sport Coaching Level 3

The Sport Coaching Level 3 course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). It will provide the opportunity to develop practical vocational skills, knowledge and understanding for work and coaching in the expanding area of leisure and recreation.

Course Info
Do I have to pay a fee?
Other courses in this area
Sport Coaching Level 3
Qualification: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching, BTEC Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching
LevelLevel 3
LocationColchester
DurationTwo Years: Year 1: Foundation Diploma | Year 2: Extended Diploma | Two Years: Extended Diploma
Study ModeFull-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2026
Fee(s)16-18 year olds: Free
19+: £7,395
Awarding/Validation BodyPearson
What Will I Learn?

A variety of learning styles are developed. These include formal class learning, group work, presentation and individual tutorials relating to the assessment programme. Learner’s will be required to secure a coaching placement in their second year of studying, in order to gain experience in a real-life coaching setting and meet the requirements of the qualification.

Course Content

Sports Coaching Level 3 may include:

  • Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Health, Wellbeing and Sport
  • Developing Coaching Skills
  • Applied Coaching Skills
  • Research project in Sport (external set)
  • Sport Development
  • Self -employment in Sport and Physical Activity
  • Functional Sports Massage
  • Practical Sports Application
  • Fitness Testing
  • Fitness Training
  • Rules and Regulations
Entry Requirements
  • 4/5 GCSEs* (9-4) including English Language and Maths (or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent) or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 2 qualification
  • An interview
  • A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)** check may also be required (placement dependent).

*4 GCSEs required for the Level 3 Extended Certificate and 5 GCSEs required for Level 3 Foundation Diploma.

**Please note there is a charge of approximately £50 for a DBS check, plus fees for residential trips and sports kit.

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

Trainee supervisory positions in sport and recreation as, for example, lifeguards, coaches, fitness instructors or recreation assistants.

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.

Other courses in this area

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.