First year

Unit 1 -  Body systems and the effects of physical activity *

In this unit you will gain an understanding of the structures and functions of the key body systems (Skeletal, Muscular, Cardiovascular, respiratory and energy systems) , how these support and impact performance in sport and physical activity and the effects that physical activity, training and lifestyle can have on them. 

Unit 2 - Sport coaching and activity leadership 

This unit will give you an understanding behind the theory of what makes good sport coaches and activity leaders and methods that can be employed to improve the performance of participants. You will explore the roles and responsibilities of coaches and leaders and how these differ from each other.  You will also develop the skills and understanding to effectively plan and deliver a series of sports or activity sessions reflecting on your own practice and using this feedback to improve your ability as a sport coach or leader. 

Second year

Unit 3 - Sports organisation and development *

In this unit you will gain an understanding of the organisation involved in sport in the UK, their roles and responsibilities and how they work together. You will also gain an understanding of who sports development is targeted at and why, how sport development is carried out and how the success of sport development initiatives can be measured. 

Unit 17 - Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation

This unit will teach you how to recognise and treat common sports injuries both immediately and through long -term rehabilitation programmes, the possible psychological impacts of sports injuries and how to minimise the risk of sports injuries occurring in the first instance. 

Unit 19 - Sport and exercise Psychology 

In this unit you will learn different motivations that people have for participating in sport and exercise and how performance can be managed through an understanding of attribution theory, stress and group dynamics. You will also learn the impacts that participation in sport and exercise can have on a person's mental health and wellbeing, whether an elite performer or a member of the general public. 

*The unit is externally assessed

It should be noted that this course looks at all the theory that underpins the sporting world and will give insight into the different strands in the sport and leisure industry.  As a vocational course assignments will be based on realistic workplace situations and scenarios. Lessons will involve a combination of practical and theory.

Practical lessons are carried out to put theory into practice to aid understanding, whilst students of all ability should apply, practicals are mandatory and part of the experience of the course and students should expect to take on the role of client, subject, coach, organiser and leader. 

For more classroom based activities students can expect to do research, group work, debate, independent study, investigations, data analysis as well as preparation for exam assessments.

You will cover five units across the two years of study.  42% of the course is examined through external exams.  This will be in the form of two exams in Units 1 and 3.  The other 58% of the course will be examined through internal assessment in the form of assignments which are then externally moderated. 

• The Study Directory holds a range of resources, articles and information;
• 'Careers in Sport' Exhibition is held in house and involves a variety of speakers from different sporting industries;
• Trips and visits to universities and industry events;
• Exam question booklets are produced for each unit for students to practise in their own time;
• Consolidation examples and support is given;
• Higher sports leaders, for students who wish to pursue a career in sport coaching / teaching;
• Strong links with local coaching companies who provide work experience for many of our students. 

The qualification is designed to be taken as part of a study programme alongside other vocational qualifications or A levels, such as Cambridge Technicals in business or medical science or A levels in business, psychology or sociology.

This course focuses on your progression into industry with career specific placements available in a variety of areas including: coaching, sports science, fitness instruction and sports management. 

The extended certificate is equivalent to an A level and carries equivalent UCAS points from can be used alongside other qualifications to achieve acceptance to university level study.  Higher education qualifications would be beneficial if students wish to follow a career in sports science or teaching. 

Please see below for careers and labour market information for sport - use the refresh buttons to find out about different courses and careers, and use the left and right arrows to view more detailed information.

You can find the prep work for this course at prepwork.farnborough.ac.uk. 

Q: What is the difference between vocational sport and A level physical education?
A: In A level physical education, 70% of your grade will be determined by your performance in the three exams at the end of the course.  In the extended certificate, you will have two exams - 1 in each year which make up 42% of your final grade.  The rest of your grade will be made up from your performance in internal coursework-based tasks.  This course appeals to someone with a keen interest in sport who does not necessarily excel in one particular sport.  The course is perfect for someone interested in a sports management, business or coaching degree or a possible apprenticeship within the sport and leisure industry.

Q: How much practical sport do I do within this course? 
A: You are not assessed on your practical ability in any one sport.  Therefore the course is still theoretical based.  However, we do cover sports coaching (Unit 2) where students will take part in several practical based sessions delivered by their peers.  throughout the year, teachers will endeavour to make lessons as hands on and applied as possible. 

Q: What progression routes can this course lead to? 
A: This course focuses on your progression into industry with career specific placements available in a variety of areas including: coaching, sports science, fitness instruction and sports management.  The extended certificate is equivalent to one A level and carries equivalent UCAS points - achieving a Distinction* on this course is equivalent to achieving an A* at A level.  This qualification can be used alongside other qualifications to achieve acceptance to university level study.  Higher education qualifications would be beneficial if students wish to follow a career in sports therapy or teaching. 

Q: What is the difference between the extended certificate and diploma? 
A: The extended certificate is the equivalent of one A level and would make up a third of your overall College study programme.  The course covers a broad range of sports topics over the two years and is less specialised than the diploma.  It is perfect for someone who is; thinking of progressing to higher education; would like to keep a broader study programme or looking for a complimentary subject to complete your study programme.  The diploma course is the equivalent to two A levels, which means you will have six lessons a week of sport split between two different teachers.  In the first year of study you will cover all the units that the extended certificate will do in two years. The diploma then gives the option of taking a personal training or coaching pathway in the second year.  The Diploma course is perfect for students who wish to pursue a career in sport after college. 

Q: Will I have exams? 
A: Yes - the course has two externally assessed exams over the two years of study.  The Unit 1 exam, taken in Year 1, is on body systems and the effects of physical activity.  The Unit 3 exam, taken in Year 2, is on sports organisation and development.  These exams equate to 42% of your final grade.