Sport and Exercise Science (BTEC Diploma – Pearson)

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science is a vocational qualification that is consists externally and internally assessed units.

Externally assessed units are Units 2 & 3.

These are written and marked by Pearson.

Internally assessed units are written and marked by teaching staff.

 

The BTEC course complements the work undertaken in Biology, Psychology, Maths and Sociology.

Students can expect a good progression to higher education when taken alongside other A levels.

 

BTEC accreditation can also be used for employment in the sporting industry and gives students a firm base to start their career in Personal Training, Coaching or Leisure Management.

 

Unlike A Level Physical Education most of the units you will cover are not an assessment of your physical ability, but some units do require you to take part in activities such as fitness testing, coaching and different types of training and exercise.

 

Example Units for Year 12 study on the Diploma                                                                                                   

Students must complete all units:

Unit 2: Functional Anatomy: External

Unit 3: Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology: External

 

Example Units for Year 13 study on the Diploma                                                                                                 

Unit 6: Coaching for Performance and Fitness: Internal

Unit 8: Specialised Fitness training: Internal

OR

Unit 10: Physical Activity for Individual and Group-based Exercise: Internal

 

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Grade 5 in Double Science or Biology, Grade 4 in English and Maths.

 

Enthusiasm and interests in sport and fitness are essential. However, the ability to perform a sport or sports to a high level is not a prerequisite. Studying GCSE PE or another Sport based Level 2 qualification would be advantageous.

 

Updated September 2025