Who is this qualification for? The Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science is intended to be an Applied General qualification. It is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the sport and exercise science sector. The qualification is wide-ranging and equivalent in size to three A Levels and has been designed as a full two-year study programme.

Learners who wish to take this qualification will have successfully completed a Level 2 programme of study with GCSEs and potentially some vocational qualifications. What does this qualification cover? The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education.

Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners choosing to enter employment in the sport and exercise science sector.

The qualification gives learners the knowledge, understanding, and skills that underpin the study of the sport and exercise science sector, and gives learners additional breadth and depth to prepare them fully for further study or training.

This includes the opportunity for learners to choose several topics from a selection of options reflecting progression in sport and exercise science. Learners will study seven mandatory content areas:

• Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science • Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology • Coaching for Performance and Fitness • Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing • Functional Anatomy • Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance • Sport and Exercise Physiology.

As the mandatory content is equivalent in size to two A Levels, higher education representatives have confirmed that it is appropriate to allow learners to choose from a wide range of optional units in the final third of the qualification, so that they can explore their own choice of areas for further study.

The optional units have been designed to support progression to sport and exercise science courses in higher education.

The optional content areas include: • Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science • Research Project in Sport and Exercise Science • Physical Activity for Individual and Group-based Exercise • Sociocultural Issues in Sport and Exercise • Specialised Fitness Training • Sports Injury and Assessment • Sports Massage • Technology in Sport and Exercise Science.

Qualification	Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
Subject Area	Sport and Exercise Science
Attendance	Full Time or part time
Age Group(s)	16-18 year olds
Duration	2 Years