Advanced Foundation Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science – Level 3

The Level 3 Advanced Foundation Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science is a two-year programme which develops an underpinning knowledge of sports science. The course is designed for students who may wish to study Sport courses at university.

The Foundation Diploma is completed in the first year of the programme which is equivalent to one and a half A-levels. In Year 2, the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science is studied.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language at grade 6 and Maths at grade 5.

It is advised that all candidates should have some existing links to sports teams, clubs or associations and there is an expectation that all students will be motivated to deliver and take part in practical sessions – both in and out of the College environment. 

In Year 1, candidates will study:

• Functional Anatomy
• Coaching for Performance and Fitness
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Specialised Fitness Training
• Applied Research Methods
• Physical Activity for Individual and Group Based Exercise

An optional second year would include:

• Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Field and Lab-based Fitness Testing
• Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance
• Sport Injury and Assessment
• Sports Massage
• Biomechanics
• Research Project

This course will be delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall.

There are no additional costs.

Students are expected to wear black tops (T-shirts, jumpers, hoodies etc) when in class. Students are free to wear what they choose on their lower half, providing it is suitable for the activity being undertaken.

There are DCG-branded options to purchase should students wish to do so. However, while this is encouraged, we merely expect compliance with our colour code. We would like all learners to purchase a minimum of one T-shirt for events and practicals. 

If you also join one of our sports academies, you may be required to purchase an academy-specific uniform which is an additional cost set by that academy.

All students will benefit from having a tablet or laptop to aid them with their studies. 

There will be ongoing assessment throughout the year. Each unit will be split into a number of assignments and assessed against the unit content. These assessments will be graded on a Pass, Merit or Distinction basis.

Assessments will be a mixture of presentations, reports, practicals and essays, and will form your portfolio of evidence.

In Year 1, Functional Anatomy is assessed via an externally set exam and Psychology is an externally set synoptic assessment.

In Year 2, Nutrition is an externally set time-constrained assessment and Physiology is an externally set synoptic assessment.

Successful candidates may wish to go on to study a further year of Sports Science to complete the Extended Diploma and then apply for university.

Students will be offered conditional places on the Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching at DCG.

You may also wish to go on to study Sports Therapy.

Other courses that may enhance your development are the:

• Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction
• Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
• Level 2 Award in Understanding Nutrition, Performance and Healthy Eating

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or tweet us @Derbycolsport