BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport
Equivalent to 3 A-levels
Why Btec?
BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the signature vocational qualification at Level 3. D*D*D in Btec is equal in UCAS points (168) to A*A*A* at A-level.
BTECs embody a fundamentally learner-centred approach to the curriculum, with a flexible, unit-based structure and knowledge applied in project-based assessments. They focus on the holistic development of the practical, inter-personal and thinking skills required to be able to succeed in employment and higher education.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport
603/0459/5
This is intended as an Applied General qualification, equivalent in size to three A Levels. It is a two-year, full-time course (1080 Guided Learning Hours) (1390 TQT) that meets entry requirements for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in sport before entering employment.
What does this qualification cover?
The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners who may choose to directly enter employment within the sport sector.
The qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that allow learners to gain experience of the sport sector that will prepare them for further study or training.
Learners will study 10 mandatory units:
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology
Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being
Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry
Unit 4: Sports Leadership
Unit 7: Practical Sports Performance
Unit 8: Coaching for Performance
Unit 9: Research Methods in Sport
Unit 19: Development and Provision of Sport and Physical Activity
Unit 22: Investigating Business in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
Unit 23: Skill Acquisition in Sport
Learners will also choose four optional units that have been designed to support progression to the range of sector-related courses in higher education, and to link with relevant occupational areas:
Unit 5: Application of Fitness Testing
Unit 6: Psychology
Unit 10: Sports Event Management
Unit 27: Principles and Practices for Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
Unit 24: Sports Performance Analysis
Unit 30: Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
Unit 31: Current Issues in Sport
What could this qualification lead to?
Learners who have completed this qualification in two years may progress to further learning at Level 3. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting, or contributing to, admission requirements for many relevant courses.
Learners can progress to higher education on full degree single or combined courses, for example:
BA (Hons) in Sports Development and Management
BSc (Hons) in Sports Management
BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management
BSc (Hons) Sport and Leisure Management
BSc (Hons) Sports Science (Outdoor Activities)
BSc (Hons) in Exercise, Health and Fitness
- BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching
- BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy
- BSc (Hons) in Sports Performance Analysis
BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with the specific higher education providers.
Examples of careers that post Higher Education learners could progress to include:
Sports Management
Sports Coaching
Sports Development
Sports Performance Analysis
Sports Therapy
Physiotherapy
PE Teaching
Events Management