Ages 16–18
Years 12–13
1080 GLH
Equivalent in size to three International A Levels
7 Units
7 Mandatory Units, 3 Pearson-Assessed (PSA) + Optional Modules
Elite Athlete Add-On
Pro coaching, support
Professional Sports Education
The International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport is a two-year, full-time qualification designed for learners who wish to pursue studies in the sport sector as the central focus of their programme. This qualification provides a comprehensive foundation in sport science, coaching, and management, supporting progression to higher education in sport and related disciplines, as well as direct entry into employment.
Sports Science
Advanced study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology at university level.
Coaching Excellence
Develop professional coaching skills, leadership qualities, and talent development expertise.
Performance Analysis
Master data-driven approaches to athletic performance, fitness testing, and training optimization.
Industry Ready
Build professional competencies valued by sports organizations, clubs, and fitness industry employers.
Comprehensive Curriculum Structure
The Extended Diploma totals 1080 GLH, equivalent to three International A Levels. It includes at least 16 units, of which eight are mandatory and three are assessed by Pearson Set Assignment (PSA). Mandatory content represents 56% of the total qualification.
| Unit | Title | GLH | Extended Diploma (1080 GLH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Health, Wellbeing and Sport | 90 | M |
| 2 | Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure IndustryPSA | 90 | M |
| 3 | Research Project in SportPSA | 120 | M |
| 4 | Ethics, Behaviours and Values | 60 | O |
| 5 | Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity | 60 | O |
| 11 | Business in Sport | 60 | O |
| 15 | Developing Coaching Skills | 60 | O |
| 16 | Applied Coaching Skills | 60 | O |
| 17 | Inclusive Coaching | 60 | O |
| 21 | History of Liverpool Football Club | 30 | O |
| 22 | Liverpool Football Club as a Business | 30 | O |
| 23 | Talent Identification and Development in Sport | 60 | O |
| 24 | Applied Sports Anatomy and Physiology | 90 | M |
| 25 | Sports Injuries Management | 60 | O |
| 26 | Nutrition for Physical Performance | 60 | M |
| 27 | Sports Psychology | 60 | O |
| 28 | Fitness Testing | 60 | O |
| 29 | Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport | 60 | O |
| 30 | Organising Events in Sport and Physical Activities | 60 | O |
| 31 | Influence of Technology in Sport and Physical Activity | 30 | O |
| 32 | Sports Performance Analysis | 60 | O |
| 33 | Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport | 60 | O |
| 34 | Sport DevelopmentPSA | 60 | M |
| 35 | Practical Sports Performance | 30 | M |
| 36 | Functional Sports Massage | 60 | O |
| 37 | Coaching Football: The Liverpool Way – Employability Skills | 30 | O |
| 39 | Enterprise and Entrepreneurs | 30 | O |
Pathway Highlights
1080 GLH Extended Diploma
- Equivalent to three A Levels with 168 UCAS points.
- 56% mandatory content ensures depth in science, performance, leadership.
- Three Pearson Set Assignments benchmarked for global quality assurance.
- Research Project (120 GLH) builds independent learning and academic rigour.
- Professional placements and Elite Programme integration available.
Specialized Study Areas
For students pursuing careers in fitness instruction and personal training, we also offer the specialized Extended Diploma with 83% mandatory content focused on:
Exercise Science
- Advanced anatomy and physiology
- Exercise physiology and biomechanics
- Fitness assessment and testing
- Programme design and periodization
- Rehabilitation and injury prevention
Personal Training
- Client assessment and consultation
- Individual training programmes
- Nutrition for fitness goals
- Motivation and behavior change
- Business skills for PTs
Group Fitness
- Group exercise instruction
- Class planning and choreography
- Studio cycling and aqua fitness
- Functional training methods
- Health and safety management
Assessment & Learning Excellence
Continuous assessment, elite facilities, and embedded work experience build professional competence without traditional exams.
Assessment Structure
- Assignment-Based: No traditional exams - assessment through coursework and practical demonstrations
- Pearson Set Assignments: Three PSAs ensure international standards and consistency
- Research Project: 120 GLH independent research developing university-level skills
- Practical Performance: Demonstrate competence in sports performance and coaching
- Professional Portfolio: Build evidence of industry-ready skills and knowledge
Practical Learning
- Elite Training: Access to professional-standard facilities and coaching
- Work Placements: Industry experience with sports clubs and organizations
- Laboratory Work: Sports science testing and analysis using professional equipment
- Competition Opportunities: Regular participation in sports competitions
- Guest Speakers: Learn from professional athletes and industry experts
Performance Analysis
Use video analysis software, GPS tracking, and biomechanical assessment tools used by professional teams.
Coaching Practice
Gain real coaching experience working with younger students and community sports programmes.
Sports Science Labs
Conduct physiological testing, biomechanical analysis, and sports psychology assessments.
Excellence in Sport Education
Our BTEC Sport graduates achieve outstanding results and progress to top universities and careers
University Success
Graduates secure places at leading sports universities including Prime Technical Institute, Loughborough, Bath, Birmingham, Universidade Atlântica and NOVA SBE Sports Management programmes.
Elite Performance
Students combine academic excellence with elite athletic training, with many competing at national and international levels.
Professional Qualifications
Graduates often gain additional certifications in coaching, fitness instruction, and sports massage alongside their diploma.
"The International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport at Prime School gave me the perfect combination of academic knowledge and practical experience. The research project and coaching practice prepared me brilliantly for my Sports Science degree at Loughborough University."
Your Future in Sport
Outstanding progression to university degrees and professional sports careers worldwide
Higher Education Pathways
Progress to university degrees in:
- Sports Science (BSc)
- Physical Education
- Sports Coaching
- Sports Management
- Physiotherapy (with additional requirements)
- Sports Nutrition
Career Opportunities
Enter employment as:
- Sports Coach or Instructor
- Personal Trainer
- Fitness Consultant
- Sports Development Officer
- Performance Analyst
- Leisure Centre Manager
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma = Up to 168 UCAS Points
Equivalent to 3 A Levels at A*A*A* grades
Elite Athletes Programme
The International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, combined with Prime School’s Elite Programme, provides access to professional coaching, high-performance support, and pathways to international competition.
Performance Staff
UEFA, World Athletics, and FINA-certified coaches deliver bespoke periodisation.
Sports Science Lab
Biomechanics, GPS tracking, VO2 testing, and recovery monitoring.
Competition Logistics
Transport, entries, club fees, and academic tutoring aligned with travel.
Holistic Care
Nutrition, psychology, medical referrals, and 24/7 pastoral support.
Elite Pathways
What’s Included
- Performance planning with quarterly reviews and video analysis.
- Competition scheduling aligned with tutoring and academic mentoring.
- Nutrition consultations, recovery protocols, and medical referrals.
- Sports psychology for focus, confidence, and resilience.
- University-athlete pathway counselling and global networking.
Optional add-on: available to all BTEC Sport Level 3 learners. Enquire about the Elite Programme.
Transform Your Athletic Passion into Professional Excellence
Join Prime School’s BTEC Sport Level 3 programme and gain the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to succeed in the global sports industry.