Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold 5 GCSE's between grades 4-9. You must have passed GCSE English or maths at grade 4 to be enrolled on the course. It is advantageous to have passed English, maths and a science. You will be required to attend an interview for the course, and we could request a report from your previous school, college and/or employer.
What's Involved
The NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity (Sport and Exercise Science) is a two-year study programme (equivalent to 3 A-Levels, with a maximum of 168 UCAS points available). However, the learner can leave after 1 year with a NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity (Sport and Exercise Science), which is the equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels, and a maximum of 84 UCAS points.
Sport and exercise scientists continue to be a growing presence in the world of sport, and as we look to the future; all the signs suggest that their influence in sport will increase. It aims to provide a highly specialist work related qualification.
With this course you are given the opportunity to learn about sport science: in a practical and applied environment. The course will provide the opportunity to refine academic studies and improve personal sporting skills. It will prepare you for higher education or for employment in the sport and fitness industry. This course focuses on the preparation of potential university students and is equivalent to 3 A levels.
If you have not achieved a C grade (grade 4) in English or maths, you will as part of your course be required to work towards this as part of your study programme. You will be given the opportunity to go on work experience at certain times during your course.
To develop your employability opportunities you may also be given enrichment classes. This may focus upon additional qualifications, industrial updating and career preparation.
This dynamic study programme provides students with the opportunity to acquire substantial knowledge and vocational expertise for the sport and exercise industry. It is composed of a main qualification: NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Sport and Exercise Science). This will include in total three mandatory units and fifteen optional units over both years.
The Martin Gray Football Academy requires the purchase of essential training and matchday sports kit. The cost will be £110 in total and this includes a training bundle and match day uniform. The training bundle consists of shorts, socks, t-shirt and a 3/4 training top. The match day sports kit comes with shorts, socks and a shirt with the student's name and number on the back. Other items are also available to purchase which include a travel tracksuit. These items will be issued on the commencement of the course. For those who qualify there are bursaries available to help pay for the essential training and matchday sports kit. Please contact Darlington College for details.
Specialist individual equipment: For example training kit, and indoor and outdoor sports kit that can be used in college lessons as well as football coaching sessions.
NOTE: Some National Governing Body registration and course fees are not included in the programme, and membership of NGB’s will be mandatory in some instances. This will be encouraged as part of professional practice in the industry. These may vary. See contact below for further information.
Goalkeeper information - As part of the level 2 and 3 sport courses with Football option at MGFA, students can access bespoke goalkeeper coaching. Students will be able train alongside the infield players but then break in to separate goalkeeper specific coaching sessions. This will cover the technical and strategic elements of goalkeeping. Students will have the opportunity to have focussed training which will support them develop their skills and fitness specific to being a goalkeeper.
For more information go to: https://martingrayfootballacademy.co.uk/
Course Assessment Method
Teaching and learning is achieved by using a range of methods including formal classes, set tutorial periods and projects to support many of the formal unit assessments.
Assessments will include completion of assignments, exams, laboratory based tests, practical observations, project work, presentations, report writing, class tests and collecting video evidence. All assessments will be graded at pass, merit and distinction. You will also be expected to do independent study in your own time towards assessments.
What's Next
This course creates a pathway to higher education. Many students go on to study:
> BSc Sport and Exercise Science
> BSc Sport and Physical Education
> BSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition
> BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
> BSc (Hons) Performance Analysis and Coaching Science
> FdSc Foundation Degree (Sports and Exercise Science)
If university is not for you, you could progress from this course and become a teacher, gym instructor, or sports therapist with further study.
What if I Need Support
Here at the college we have outstanding support. Our support staffs are dedicated to providing you with all the help and guidance you may need throughout your college journey.
You might need help and advice on a wide range of issues such as childcare, counselling and additional learning support. For more information on any aspect of student support contact the Course and Information Team, who will direct your call to the appropriate member of the college support team, call: 01325 503030.
| Course Information | |
| Qualification Type: | Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity |
| Level: | Level 3 |
| Awarding Body: | BTEC exam entries |
| Academic Year: | 23/24 |
| Start Date: | September 2023 |