SPORTS COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Newry Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Sports Coaching and Development Level 3 National Extended Diploma is a comprehensive program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of sports coaching and athlete development. This diploma offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring sports coaches, PE teachers, sports development officers, and sports professionals to develop their coaching techniques, leadership abilities, and understanding of athlete development. This course also acts as an ideal stepping stone onto a higher education course as it is equivalent to three A-Levels.

Throughout the diploma, participants will explore various aspects of sports coaching and development, including coaching principles, athlete assessment, sports psychology, sports nutrition, talent identification, and sports event management. They will gain a thorough understanding of the coaching process, athlete development pathways, and the factors that contribute to effective coaching and athlete performance. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply their learning through practical coaching sessions, work placements, and engagement with sporting organisations.

Participants will attend classroom-based sessions where they will study key topics such as coaching theory, sports psychology, sports nutrition, talent identification processes, and event management principles. They will also have opportunities to engage in practical coaching sessions, where they will learn and apply coaching techniques, observe and analyse athlete performance, and provide feedback and support to athletes.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July 2024 and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:
- 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
- A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
  A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
- Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.
Applicants will need to have a good general level of health and fitness to undergo practical classes and assessments throughout the course.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

This course consists of twelve mandatory modules plus a number of specialist modules.

Areas of study may include:

Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry.
Health, Wellbeing and Sport (Project Based Learning).
Developing Coaching Skills.
Applied Coaching Skills.
Research Project in Sport (Project Based Learning)
Sport Development.
Self-Employment in Sport and Physical Activity.

Assessment in the diploma is based on a combination of written assignments, practical assessments, observations and internal exams. Participants will complete written assignments that demonstrate their understanding of coaching principles, athlete development, and sports concepts. They will also be assessed on their practical coaching ability through coaching observations, where they will demonstrate their coaching skills and techniques.

Applicants will be required to purchase and wear a practical sports kit for this course.

On successful completion of the Sports Coaching and Development Level 3 National Extended Diploma, students can progress to higher level study such as Foundation Degrees or an Honours Degrees in Sports and Exercise related subjects.

Upon successful completion of the Sports Coaching and Development Level 3 National Extended Diploma, participants will have acquired the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in sports coaching and athlete development. Graduates may find employment opportunities in sports coaching organisations, sports clubs, community sports programmes, or may choose to work as self-employed sports coaches. They may work with athletes of various age groups and skill levels, from grassroots to elite levels. They may also wish to go into roles such as sports development, fitness instructing, personal training or leisure management.