BTEC in Sport

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport is a two-year vocational qualification equivalent to three A levels. It is designed for learners who wish to pursue a career in the sports sector or progress to higher education in sport-related fields. The programme combines scientific and theoretical study of sport with practical application, including coaching, fitness testing, training programme design, and the study of the sports industry.

Subject content

Students complete 14 units in total: 10 mandatory and 4 optional.

Mandatory units (core content):

• Anatomy and Physiology – structure and function of body systems and their response to exercise.

  
  

• Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being – principles of fitness training, lifestyle assessment, and designing training programmes.

  
  

• Professional Development in the Sports Industry – careers in sport, pathways, and skills for employment.

  
  

• Sports Leadership – theories of leadership and practical development of coaching and leadership skills.

  
  

• Application of Fitness Testing – conducting, evaluating, and interpreting a range of fitness tests.

  
  

• Sports Psychology – psychological theories and their application to performance and motivation.

  
  

• Practical Sports Performance – skill development, performance analysis, and tactical understanding in chosen sports.

  
  

• Coaching for Performance – planning, delivering, and evaluating coaching sessions.

  
  

• Research Methods in Sport – methods of collecting and analysing data in sports contexts.

  
  

• Development and Provision of Sport and Physical Activity – exploration of how sport is organised and delivered across the UK.

Optional units (examples from which four are chosen):

• Work Experience in Active Leisure

• Exercise, Health and Lifestyle

• Sports Injury Management

• Nutrition for Sport and Exercise

• Current Issues in Sport

• Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport

• Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport

• Outdoor and Adventurous Activities

This range allows centres to focus either on performance and coaching, or on health, fitness, and well-being.

Assessment

The programme uses a blend of external and internal assessment:

• External assessments (around one-third): Written examinations and set tasks, such as the Anatomy and Physiology exam and the Fitness Training and Programming controlled assessment.

  
  

• Internal assessments (around two-thirds): Coursework, practical observations, video evidence, written assignments, and coaching evaluations.

  
  

This ensures that students demonstrate both theoretical understanding and applied practical skills.

Progression routes

The qualification is widely recognised by universities and employers. Typical progression pathways include:

• Higher education: Degrees in sport and exercise science, coaching, sports therapy, physiotherapy (with additional requirements), physical education teaching, sport management, and leisure studies.

  
  

• Apprenticeships and employment: Fitness instructor, personal trainer, sports coaching, activity leadership, sports development officer, leisure centre management.

  
  

• Professional pathways: The qualification can contribute to further training or professional certification in coaching and fitness.

Transferable skills gained

Learners develop a range of transferable skills, including:

• Communication and leadership: planning and delivering sessions, giving feedback, and leading groups.

  
  

• Teamwork and collaboration: working effectively in group performance and coaching contexts.

  
  

• Problem-solving and adaptability: responding to client needs, analysing performance, and adjusting plans.

  
  

• Scientific and analytical skills: applying anatomy, physiology, and psychology to real-world sport situations.

  
  

• Organisation and time management: planning training schedules, coaching sessions, and coursework deadlines.

  
  

• Professional behaviours: reliability, responsibility, reflective practice, and adherence to health and safety.