This is a 2-year vocational qualification equivalent in size to one A Level. It is designed for learners who have an interest in sport and wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of the sports industry through applied learning. The qualification combines theoretical study with practical application, allowing learners to explore key areas such as anatomy and physiology, fitness training, sports performance, and professional development.

GCSE of 4 or above in English is essential.

Year 1:
Unit 1 – Anatomy & Physiology

This is an 80-mark exam assessed unit focussed around the 5 main body systems (Skeletal / Muscular / Cardiovascular / Respiratory / Energy Systems). You will learn how they all work together to allow the body to fulfil its functions in a sporting environment.

Unit 7 – Practical Sports Performance

This coursework assessed unit gives learners the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their practical ability in both an individual and team sport. The unit focuses on understanding and applying the rules, skills, techniques, and tactics required for successful performance in sport.

Year 2:
Unit 2 – Fitness Training & Programming for Health, Sport & Well-Being

This unit helps learners explore the impact of lifestyle factors, nutrition, health screening, and fitness training methods on an individual’s overall well-being. Learners examine how to collect and interpret client information, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and apply appropriate training principles to create personalised fitness programmes.

Unit 3 – Professional Development In The Sports Industry

provides learners with an understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within the sports sector. Learners investigate job roles within areas such as coaching, sports development, fitness, sports science, leisure management, education, and journalism while developing employability skills by completing career planning activities, producing application documents, and preparing for recruitment and interview processes.

This comprises two external examinations and two internal ‘non-examined assessment’ (NEA) coursework assessments.

Year 1:
Unit 1 – Anatomy & Physiology Exam (33% of your grade)

This is an 80-mark exam paper focussed around the 5 main body systems (listed above). You will have 90 minutes to complete this assessment. It will assess your subject knowledge across all 5 of the body systems and your ability to apply sport specific exam technique to a range of question types.

Unit 7 – Practical Sports Performance Coursework (17% of your grade)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed under controlled conditions and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Year 2:
Unit 2 – Fitness Training & Programming for Health, Sport & Well-Being Controlled Assessment (33% of your grade)

2 weeks prior to the controlled assessment, you will receive a case study, from which you can create a pre-populated notes sheet to take into the exam

Unit 3 – Professional Development In The Sports Industry Coursework (17% of your grade)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed under controlled conditions and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Written exams are graded Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction.

NEA units are graded Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction.

All units must achieve a minimum grade of a pass to be awarded the full qualification which is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*

Students can progress to further education courses, training or careers linked to sports business, journalism, performance, fitness instructing, physiotherapy, teaching etc…

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.