How to Apply
MENU

Sports

a male in a ready to sprint start position
Ready to apply?
Apply Now
Go Back
Sports
2 young males sit happily chatting in a gym

Why Study Here

At Macclesfield College, our Sports courses offer a standout advantage with access to our onsite gym, in partnership with Lifestyle Fitness. This refurbished facility allows you to gain experience in a industry environment

Designed specifically for those wanting a career as a sport coach, health and wellbeing coach or a sports facility manager.

courses available in Sports

Level 1: Sport

Level 1: Sport

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:   Being Organised (mandatory) Developing a Personal Progression Plan (mandatory) Playing Sport (optional) How Exercise Affects the Body (optional) Contributing to Running a Sports Event (optional) You will also have the opportunity to undertake additional coaching qualifications and Emergency First Aid qualifications.   Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

Completion of this programme will enable learners to progress onto a BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to have achieved 2 GCSE’s at grades 1 or above On successful completion of this programme, you will gain BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Sport.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
Level 1: Sport
  • 2025/2026
apply now
Level 2: Sport

Level 2: Sport

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:  
  • Fitness for sport and exercise
  • Practical sports performance
  • Anatomy and physiology for sports performance
  Specialist units will include:  
  • The mind and sports performance
  • The sports performer in action
  • Training for personal fitness
  • Leading sports activities
  • Lifestyle and well-being
  • Injury and the sports performer
  • Running a sports event
  You will also have the opportunity to undertake additional coaching qualifications and Emergency First Aid qualifications. Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to;  
  • Apply to study the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, ideally you will need to have achieved a Pass or above
  • Pursue a sport related career for example Outdoor Activity Centre or Private Gym
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need 4 GCSE’s at grade 3 or above including English and maths. A GCSE PE/Sports Studies qualification would also be advantageous and you will need to be able to demonstrate a reasonable degree of fitness. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport qualification

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
Level 2: Sport
  • 2025/2026
apply now
Level 3: Sport and Exercise Sciences

Level 3: Sport and Exercise Sciences

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will study a total of 14 units. Six mandatory units will provide a general foundation and 8 specialist units will introduce you to particular topics in more depth.   Mandatory units:  
  • Functional Anatomy (External)
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology (External)
  • Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (External)
  • Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Sciences (Internal)
  • Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing (Internal)
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness (Internal)
  • Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance (External)
  Specialist units:  
  • Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science (Internal)
  • Specialised Fitness Training (Internal)
  • Sports Massage (Internal)
  • Research Project in Sport and Exercise Science (Internal)
  • Sports Injury and Assessment (Internal)
  • Technology in Sport and Exercise Science (Internal)
    You will also have the opportunity to undertake additional coaching qualifications and Emergency First Aid qualifications.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:
  • Apply to study a Higher Education course such as the HNC/HND in Sport and Exercise Science, or a Sport related subject such as Gym Instruction, Leisure Management, Sports Coaching and Development or Teacher Training
  • Seek employment within Sport/Leisure/Outdoor Activity Centres or Private Gyms
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to have achieved one of the following:
  • A minimum of 5 GCSE’s Grade 4 and above, to include English Language or maths.
  • A Level 2 qualification (e.g. BTEC Level 2 Diploma)
A GCSE PE/Sports Studies qualification would also be advantageous and you will need to be able to demonstrate of a reasonable degree of fitness.   On successful completion of this course you will gain a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science qualification.  This qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and can attract a maximum of 168 UCAS points.   You can exit this course after one year and achieve a National Foundation Diploma or continue to second year to gain the National Extended Diploma.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.
Level 3: Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • 2025/2026
apply now
Level 3: Sports Coaching and Development

Level 3: Sports Coaching and Development

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will study a total of 14 units, 8 core units will provide a general foundation and 6 specialist units will introduce you to particular topics in more depth. Core units:
  • Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Wellbeing and Sport
  • Developing Coaching Skills
  • Applied Coaching Skills
  • Research Project in Sport
  • Sport Development
  • Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
  • Sports Psychology
  • Nutrition for Physical Performance
  • Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
  • Sporting Injuries
  • Functional Sports Massage
  • Fitness Testing
  • Fitness Training

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to;  
  • Apply to study a Higher Education course such as the HNC/HND in Sport and Exercise Science, or a Sport related subject such as Gym Instruction, Leisure Management, Sports Coaching and Development or Teacher Training
  • University Courses (i.e. Sports Business/Coaching/Media).
  • Pursue career opportunities within Sport &Leisure/Football Coaching & Fitness/ Private Gyms/Sports Business etc.
  • Opportunities abroad. USA/Australia: Coaching/Playing/Studying.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to have achieved one of the following:
  • A minimum of 5 GCSE’s Grade 4 and above, to include English Language maths.
  • A Level 2 qualification (e.g. BTEC Level 2 Diploma) A GCSE PE/Sports Studies qualification would also be advantageous and you will need to be able to demonstrate of a reasonable degree of fitness.
On successful completion of this programme, you will gain BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Sports Coaching and Development – check

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.
Level 3: Sports Coaching and Development
  • 2025/2026
apply now
Level 1: Sport

Level 1: Sport

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:   Being Organised (mandatory) Developing a Personal Progression Plan (mandatory) Playing Sport (optional) How Exercise Affects the Body (optional) Contributing to Running a Sports Event (optional) You will also have the opportunity to undertake additional coaching qualifications and Emergency First Aid qualifications.   Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

Completion of this programme will enable learners to progress onto a BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to have achieved 2 GCSE’s at grades 1 or above On successful completion of this programme, you will gain BTEC Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Sport.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
Level 1: Sport
  • 2025/2026
apply now
Level 2: Sport

Level 2: Sport

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:  
  • Fitness for sport and exercise
  • Practical sports performance
  • Anatomy and physiology for sports performance
  Specialist units will include:  
  • The mind and sports performance
  • The sports performer in action
  • Training for personal fitness
  • Leading sports activities
  • Lifestyle and well-being
  • Injury and the sports performer
  • Running a sports event
  You will also have the opportunity to undertake additional coaching qualifications and Emergency First Aid qualifications. Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to;  
  • Apply to study the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, ideally you will need to have achieved a Pass or above
  • Pursue a sport related career for example Outdoor Activity Centre or Private Gym
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need 4 GCSE’s at grade 3 or above including English and maths. A GCSE PE/Sports Studies qualification would also be advantageous and you will need to be able to demonstrate a reasonable degree of fitness. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport qualification

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
Level 2: Sport
  • 2025/2026
apply now
Level 3: Sport and Exercise Sciences

Level 3: Sport and Exercise Sciences

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will study a total of 14 units. Six mandatory units will provide a general foundation and 8 specialist units will introduce you to particular topics in more depth.   Mandatory units:  
  • Functional Anatomy (External)
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology (External)
  • Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (External)
  • Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Sciences (Internal)
  • Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing (Internal)
  • Coaching for Performance and Fitness (Internal)
  • Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance (External)
  Specialist units:  
  • Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science (Internal)
  • Specialised Fitness Training (Internal)
  • Sports Massage (Internal)
  • Research Project in Sport and Exercise Science (Internal)
  • Sports Injury and Assessment (Internal)
  • Technology in Sport and Exercise Science (Internal)
    You will also have the opportunity to undertake additional coaching qualifications and Emergency First Aid qualifications.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:
  • Apply to study a Higher Education course such as the HNC/HND in Sport and Exercise Science, or a Sport related subject such as Gym Instruction, Leisure Management, Sports Coaching and Development or Teacher Training
  • Seek employment within Sport/Leisure/Outdoor Activity Centres or Private Gyms
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to have achieved one of the following:
  • A minimum of 5 GCSE’s Grade 4 and above, to include English Language or maths.
  • A Level 2 qualification (e.g. BTEC Level 2 Diploma)
A GCSE PE/Sports Studies qualification would also be advantageous and you will need to be able to demonstrate of a reasonable degree of fitness.   On successful completion of this course you will gain a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science qualification.  This qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and can attract a maximum of 168 UCAS points.   You can exit this course after one year and achieve a National Foundation Diploma or continue to second year to gain the National Extended Diploma.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.
Level 3: Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • 2025/2026
apply now
Level 3: Sports Coaching and Development

Level 3: Sports Coaching and Development

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

During this course you will study a total of 14 units, 8 core units will provide a general foundation and 6 specialist units will introduce you to particular topics in more depth. Core units:
  • Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Wellbeing and Sport
  • Developing Coaching Skills
  • Applied Coaching Skills
  • Research Project in Sport
  • Sport Development
  • Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
  • Sports Psychology
  • Nutrition for Physical Performance
  • Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
  • Sporting Injuries
  • Functional Sports Massage
  • Fitness Testing
  • Fitness Training

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to;  
  • Apply to study a Higher Education course such as the HNC/HND in Sport and Exercise Science, or a Sport related subject such as Gym Instruction, Leisure Management, Sports Coaching and Development or Teacher Training
  • University Courses (i.e. Sports Business/Coaching/Media).
  • Pursue career opportunities within Sport &Leisure/Football Coaching & Fitness/ Private Gyms/Sports Business etc.
  • Opportunities abroad. USA/Australia: Coaching/Playing/Studying.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to have achieved one of the following:
  • A minimum of 5 GCSE’s Grade 4 and above, to include English Language maths.
  • A Level 2 qualification (e.g. BTEC Level 2 Diploma) A GCSE PE/Sports Studies qualification would also be advantageous and you will need to be able to demonstrate of a reasonable degree of fitness.
On successful completion of this programme, you will gain BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Sports Coaching and Development – check

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.
Level 3: Sports Coaching and Development
  • 2025/2026
apply now

aspirational

Careers

  • Skills required for Sports
  • Good attention to detail
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Patience and the ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Ability to use career-specific technology
  • Ability to work independently
  • Computer literate and able to use key design software
a young male holding a weight bar across the back of his shoulders while looking in the mirror

Trips/employers

Throughout your Sports and Exercise course, you will interact with industry professionals through regular guest talks, gaining valuable insights to enhance your learning experience.

LIA CALLAWAY-HARRISON

LIA CALLAWAY-HARRISON

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

The College is proud to spotlight Lia Callaway- Harrison as our Overall Student of the Year 2024. Lia’s dedication and commitment to excellence have been evident from the very start. Her proactive approach to learning, attention to detail and enthusiasm have consistently impressed both staff and peers.

Beyond the classroom, her professionalism during work placements further demonstrated her exceptional work ethic, earning her well deserved recognition.

As Lia continues her studies, we are excited to watch her grow and achieve even greater success. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and confident she will continue to excel in all her future endeavours.

Latest Events

Macclesfield College Building
June Open Event
14.06.2025
10.30 AM - 1:00 PM
Take a look around
Pages we think you’ll find helpful
Student Support
Getting to college
Term dates
Our Campus
Events
STAY CONNECTED
Linkedin Tiktok
Got a Question?
01625 410000
Email us
EMPOWERMENT
THROUGH
LEARNING
Log in
Student
Staff
Find Us

Macclesfield College,
Park Lane,
Macclesfield
SK11 8LF

© 2024 Macclesfield College. All Rights Reserved.
Strategy, Creative & Tech by Lda