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Sport – Exeter City Football Development Programme

Course Information

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  • Course Type School Leaver
  • Subject Area Sport and Fitness
  • Qualification BTEC Foundation Diploma/Extended Diploma
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Course Level Level 3
  • Location Victoria House
  • Course Length 2 years
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Overview

This two-year, full-time course combines the examinable, practical and theoretical elements of sport which meets the entry requirements for learners to progress to university level courses in Sport before entering employment. The course includes 14 units of study, four of which are externally assessed. The course also involves you representing Exeter City in the Community Education Football Alliance (CEFA) leagues which will involve you competing against other professional football clubs and training three times a week, alongside your academical studies.

Who is this course for?

Choose this course if you have aspirations of learning more about a career in the sports industry, want to prepare yourself for a university level pathway in sport or are passionate about sport. You should also have a passion for playing 11-a-side football, be eager to develop your overall ability and compete at a high level.

What you will study

You’ll study several different areas of sport rather than just focusing on playing sport. The course involves learning about anatomy and physiology, where you’ll find out how body systems work and how they respond to exercise. You’ll also explore areas such as fitness training and programming, professional development and careers within the sports industry, alongside additional sport-related units.

On this course you will:

  • Anatomy and Physiology (Externally assessed)
  • Fitness Training and Programming (Externally assessed)
  • Development and Provision of Sport and Physical Activity (Externally assessed)
  • Investigating Business in Sport and the Active Leisure Industry (Externally assessed)
  • Professional Development in the Sports Industry
  • Sport Leadership
  • Application of Fitness Testing
  • Sport Psychology
  • Practical Sports Performance
  • Coaching for Performance
  • Research Methods in Sport
  • Skill Acquisition in Sport
  • Sport Injury Management
  • Sports Performance Analysis

You may also have the opportunity to study an additional qualification alongside this course, for example: ActiveIQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Coaching.

Assessment

Examination, controlled assessment or coursework.

Entry Requirements
  • Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above,
    including English Language and Maths
  • Two GCSEs at grade 3 or above
    A genuine interest in the
    theoretical side of sport, as well
    as practical participation, is
    strongly recommended
  • A grade 4 in GCSE PE will also be
    an advantage
  • Alongside your entry
    requirements, you will also need
    to be accepted by Exeter City
    Football Club to represent the
    CEFA Academy

Progression and Careers

After completing this course, you will be ideally suited to progress on to university level such as a  Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Management, Coaching and Fitness or BSc Sports  Therapy at Exeter College or a relevant degree at another university.

If you prefer, you can move straight on to a career in professional sport or any part of the Sport and  Fitness Industry. Future job roles might include teaching, sport coaching, performance analysis or sport therapy and rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually is the BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport?

The BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport is a practical, career-focused qualification for students who are interested in sport, fitness, coaching, exercise and the human body. You’ll study sport through a mixture of classroom learning, practical activities, research and assignments.

Is BTEC Sport all practical, or do I have to do written work as well?

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about BTEC Sport! There is practical activity, but the course isn’t just about playing sport. You’ll also complete classroom-based learning, research and written assignments and you’ll need to explain and apply what you’ve learned. Think of it as learning through sport, rather than simply spending your lessons playing sport.

Are there exams on BTEC Sport or is it all coursework?

Some units are assessed internally through assignments that you complete during the course, while other parts of the qualification are externally assessed. There are 14 units in total over 2 years, with 4 of them assessed by exams. That means you’ll need to be able to manage coursework and assignments throughout the year, but you’ll also develop revision and exam skills.

What can I do after I've finished the course?

The qualification is designed to support progression into further or higher education and, ultimately, employment. You could explore areas such as; Sports coaching, Personal training and fitness, Sports development, PE and teaching, Sports science, Strength and conditioning, Sports therapy and rehabilitation, Leisure and recreation, Sports management, Sport-related apprenticeships.

  • Have a question?

    Need help your application?

    Speak to us today on: 01392 400500
    Message us via our contact form


    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.

    View our Open Events

  • How to apply

    Ready to start your journey?

    Applying is straightforward:

    1) Complete our online application form

    2) Submit your GCSE results or predicted grades

    3) Attend an interview

    4) Receive your offer and enrol

    Apply Now

female Student portrait smiling at the camera in the Exeter College sports academy kit
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

What our students think?

“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)

“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

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