Sport, Fitness and Personal Training - Level 3
Summary
This is a unique course aimed at equipping you with the knowledge, skills and expertise in order to start a career within the fitness industry. This programme combines the Level 3 National Diploma in Sport with industry recognised (CIMSPA) qualifications; the Level 2 in Gym Instructing and the Level 3 in Personal Training, as well as a purposeful extended industry placements with our partners in the fitness industry.
The main aim of our course is to develop your understanding and knowledge of the roles, responsibilities, skills and techniques involved in fitness and personal training. You will learn the importance of health assessment, effective fitness training and programming as well as the expert delivery of a range of fitness classes.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
02 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
2 Years
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This programme benefits from a 96% success rate, with students progressing onto their chosen career path either directly or after completing a relevant degree-level programme.
The programme carries the maximum 280 UCAS points needed to gain entry onto degree-level programmes. You could progress to one of B&FC's own degree-level programmes, delivered at our University Centre in Blackpool.
Employment Opportunities
The typical careers that students progress into include:
- Gym Instructor
- Personal Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Nutritionist
- Fitness Centre Manager
Key information
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs grade 4 or above including English and Maths or Level 2 relevant qualification, along with the following:
- A successful interview with a tutor
- The ability to study independently
- A genuine interest in the subject
- Good communication skills
- Hardworking approach towards the industry
All 16-18 year old applicants will be invited to attend an interview to meet a tutor and ask any questions they may have about the course.
Qualification obtained
BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal TrainingFees and funding
Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.
If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.
Extra costs and equipment
Other than basic stationary (pens, paper, folder etc) all resources are available at B&FC and are not required to be purchased by the student.
There are no additional costs for educational trips. This includes the NCS field trips as part of work placement, with no cost to students for activities, accommodation, travel and three meals a day.
What will I learn?
Essential skills: English and Maths
All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.
How will I learn?
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
The course allows you to develop knowledge, skills and attributes that are essential for success in your working life.
There is a strong emphasis on the development of interpersonal skills to provide confidence in dealing with clients and the general public. You will hone skills specifically required for the sport and leisure industry, such as communication, organisational and team-working skills. The course also provides an opportunity to develop your cognitive and functional skills along with your understanding of associated topics such as health and safety.
Assessment of the L3 National Diploma in Sport is a combination of internally set assignments (75%) and externally set exams (25%).
For the main qualification you will study the following units:
First Year Units: National Extended Certificate (1 A Level)
- Principles of Anatomy & Physiology in Sport (33%)
- Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being (33%)
- Application of Fitness Testing (17%)
- Professional Development in Sports Industry (17%)
- Plus the ActiveIQ Level 2 in Gym Instructing (CIMSPA recognised)
After your first year, you will progress into year 2 to complete the full BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport, equivalent to 2 A Levels plus the Level 3 in Personal Training. To gain entry to the second year you will need minimum 90% attendance and to meet your minimum target grade (MTG). Your target grade is set from your GCSE results. Your tutor will tell you more about this in induction.
Second Year Units: National Diploma in Sport (2 A levels)
- Research Methods in Fitness (16%)
- Research Project in Fitness
- Psychology (16%)
- Practical Sports Performance (16%)
- Coaching Sports Performance (16%)
- Fitness Event Organisation (16%)
- Plus the ActiveIQ Level 3 in Personal Training (CIMSPA recognised)