SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Lurgan Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 Extended Diploma is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles and practical applications in the field of sport and exercise. This diploma offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring sports scientists, exercise physiologists, and fitness professionals to develop their knowledge, skills, and practical expertise in the context of sports performance, exercise prescription, and health promotion.

This course is ideal for applicants who actively wish to progress to higher education to study sport and exercise sciences, physiotherapy, nutrition, biomechanics or sports psychology. The Extended Diploma investigates the science behind sports performance, training, health and fitness. The course consists of seven mandatory modules plus a number of specialist modules.

Throughout the diploma, participants will explore a wide range of subjects related to sport and exercise science, including anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, research methods, fitness testing, and exercise programming. They will gain a thorough understanding of the physiological, psychological, and biomechanical factors that influence human performance and health. Learners will attend classroom-based sessions where they will study key topics such as exercise physiology, sports nutrition, psychology of sport and exercise, biomechanics principles, and research methods. They will also have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and fitness facilities at SRC, where they can apply their knowledge through practical experiments, fitness assessments, data analysis, and exercise prescription.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July 2024 and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:
- 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
- A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
  A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
- Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.
Applicants will need to have a good general level of health and fitness to undergo practical classes and assessments throughout the course.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Modules

Sport and Exercise Physiology
Functional Anatomy
Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
Field and Lab-Based Fitness Testing
Coaching for Performance and Fitness
Specialised Fitness Training
Technology in Sport and Exercise Science
Applied Research Methods
Biomechanics
Sports Massage
Sports Injury and Assessment
Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance
Physical Activity for Individual and Group Based Exercise
Employability Skills - to further enhance the opportunity for learners to gain employment in the leisure industry they will undertake the Active IQ First Aid at Work

Students will also have the opportunity to attend extra-curricular activities in a variety of sports including Soccer, Rugby, Gaelic and the SRC Sport Academies.

Assessment in the diploma is based on a combination of written assignments, practical assessments, written exams and synoptic assignments (online tests). Participants will be examined on their understanding of sport and exercise science theories and principles. They will also be assessed on their ability to apply their knowledge through practical assessments, where they will conduct fitness testing, analyse data, and design exercise programs.

Students are required to purchase and wear a practical sports kit for this course.

On successful completion of this level 3, students can progress to higher level study such as Foundation Degrees or Honours Degrees in Sport and Exercise related subjects.

Upon successful completion of the Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 Extended Diploma, learners will have acquired advanced knowledge and practical skills in sport and exercise science. Graduates may find employment opportunities in sports performance centres, fitness clubs or research institutions. They may work in roles such as sport scientists, exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, fitness trainers, PE teaching, sports development, nursing or health promotion specialists.