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Technical Occupational Entry in Personal Training (Diploma) and Technical Specialist in Sports Massage Therapy (Diploma)

This occupational entry qualification covers the knowledge and skills identified in the industry as essential for the personal trainer role, covering the design of exercise programmes and instruction, nutritional advice and overall lifestyle management, comprehensive understanding of business, finances, sales and marketing to enable the personal trainer to build and retain a stable client base. 

Course Information

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  • Course Type School Leaver
  • Subject Area Sport and Fitness
  • Qualification Active IQ Diploma
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Course Level Level 3
  • Location Victoria House
  • Course Length 1 year
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Overview

On this course you will study: 

Personal Training Units: 

  • Applied anatomy and physiology 
  • Nutrition for exercise and health 
  • Lifestyle, wellbeing, common medical conditions  
  • Encouraging positive health and fitness behaviours 
  • Programme design and delivery 
  • Professionalism and business acumen  

Sports Massage Therapy Units: 

  • Anatomy and physiology for sports massage therapy 
  • Professional practice in sports massage therapy  
  • Principles of soft tissue dysfunction, injury and repair  
  • Client consultation, assessment and treatment planning for sports massage therapy 
  • Sports massage therapy treatments and aftercare  

Assessment methods: 

  • Knowledge assessments – range of different types of questions in an exam 
  • Case studies – briefs to demonstrate application of knowledge and skills in a specific context 
  • Assignments – constructed briefs/tasks  
  • Observations and questionings – practical application to demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviours with further questioning. 

Choose this course if… you have completed the Level 2 Occupational Entry in Fitness Coaching or the Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Coaching and aspire to become a Personal Trainer or Sports Masseuse. 

Future Steps: You could progress on to a Coaching and Fitness Foundation Degree (FdSc) or Sports Therapy Degree (FdSc and BSc) here at Exeter College. Once qualified you will be able to become self-employed or be employed as a personal trainer or sports masseuse. There are also optional courses to progress onto for example, Level 3 GP Referral and Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes specialisms. 

Entry Requirements

You will need to have completed the first year of the Level 2 Occupational Entry in Fitness Coaching.  

Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above including either GCSE Maths or GCSE English. If you don’t have a grade 4 in English or Maths, you will be required to study for this alongside your course.  

You will need the personal qualities for working in the health and fitness industry and an enthusiasm for sport. 

Facilities

Victoria House is the main building used by the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education for the delivery of your programme of study. You will also have access to Central Fitness gym, the Sports Hall and all other aspects of the faculty’s provision.

Additional Costs
  • Practical sports kit £70 approx.
  • You will need to supply your own stationery
  • Potential additional visits

  • Have a question?

    If you have questions or would like to speak to someone, our team of Customer Service Advisers can help answer your questions or direct your enquiry to the correct team.
    Speak to us today on 01392 400500 or send us a message using our contact form: www.exe-coll.ac.uk/contact.

  • Ready to find out more?

    Why not come along to one of our open events, a chance to explore our facilities, ask questions about our courses and find out more about being a student at Exeter College. Visit our open events page to find out more today.

Male Student portrait smiling at the camera wearing a red top with a hard hat and climbing rope over his shoulder
female Student portrait smiling at the camera in the Exeter College sports academy kit
Male Student portrait smiling at the camera in the Exeter College sports academy kit
female Student portrait smiling at the camera in the Exeter College sports academy kit

What our students think?

“My course is really hands-on and practical, teaching us skills that you don’t get in the classroom. I really enjoy the theory too, we look at things like sports nutrition, health and safety and the history of the industry. The facilities at Haven Banks are fantastic.” Read more >

Joel
Sport and Outdoor Activities BTEC Foundation Diploma Level 3

“The Netball Academy has one fitness session a week in the gym, two netball skills sessions and Wednesdays are reserved for games as well, so it helps improve our overall fitness, team bonding, game play and skills. We have just won the Association of Colleges League and are officially the best College team in England.” Read more >

Caitlin
PE, Biology and Business Studies A Levels

“I have always loved football and I want to go as far as I can, so training every day and playing competitive fixtures was what appealed to me about the Sports Academy. Also learning about the body and the more theoretical side of my studies has been really good too, the balance of both on... Read more >

Tate
Sport - Performance and Excellence BTEC Foundation/Extended Diploma Level 3

“I study PE, Biology and Psychology A Levels and find they link together nicely. I chose my subjects by thinking about what I enjoy the most and what could help lead to a career in Sports, as that is my main interest.” Read more >

Daisy
PE, Biology and Psychology A Levels (plus Rugby Academy)

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