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Key Details

Course Area:

Sport

Student Type:

16 - 18 courses | Courses for 19+ students

Course Type:

Full-time FE course

Start Date:

Monday 1st September 2025

Duration:

1 year

Location:

Notts County Football Club

Course code:

C038228 / Q038229

Course Introduction

This course is perfect if you enjoy sport and want to develop your skills and knowledge ready for a career in the sport, leisure or fitness industries.

To be considered for this course course, you will have a football trial at Notts County and they will make the decision as to whether you are suitable.

Examples of units studied may include:

  • Practical Units:
    • Sports coaching
    • Practical sport
    • Fitness
  • Science-based Units:
    • Anatomy and physiology
    • Nutrition
    • Psychology
  • Core Units:
    • Sports development
    • The sports industry

There will also be an additional focus on work experience, employment and independent learning.

Classroom based lessons are held at the Basford Centre and the practical sessions are delivered at community venues. At present, all practical sessions are delivered at Harvey Hadden/Notts County Football Club. We have excellent links with local sports facilities and local professional sports teams to maximise your study opportunities. You’ll get to enjoy learning and playing sport in a fun and friendly environment with experienced coaches and tutors.

You could also join our Fast Track Sport Academy while studying on this course. Read more about the Fast Track Academy.

Programme of Study

When you enrol in your chosen course at Nottingham College, you will be registered in a Level 3 Programme of Study (PoS), which includes the following components:

  • Vocational Qualification
  • English and Maths
  • Personal and Social Development
  • Independent Study
  • Work Experience

The Programme of Study provides you with the opportunity to gain both industry-specific knowledge and essential skills. If you have not yet achieved a grade 4 in English and maths, the PoS ensures you will study these subjects, aiding your progression both at college and in your future career (this is for progressing students, new applicants must have grade 4 English & Maths to study at Level 3). Additionally, the PoS includes a 30-hour work placement related to your course, offering valuable hands-on experience.

You will participate in enrichment activities designed to develop broader skills critical for success in any industry, such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to follow instructions. These activities will enhance your CV and make you more competitive in the job market. Personal development sessions will cover relevant topics like PREVENT, British Values, and personal safety. Your personal development tutor will provide one-on-one support for your wellbeing and growth, while a personal tutor will set academic targets to keep you on track.

The PoS also includes involvement in social action projects, which support local communities and charities. These projects help you develop "future-ready" skills, including respect, tolerance, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, adaptability and resilience, creativity, originality and initiative, and digital literacy. These competencies are essential for becoming work-ready.

Independent study is another crucial element of your timetable, where you will engage in activities such as research, revision, improving digital skills, and completing assignments.

Given the practical nature of the course, consistent attendance is vital for your success and to achieve your full academic potential. We expect full attendance in all classes to ensure you make the most of your educational experience.

By committing to the Level 3 Programme of Study at Nottingham College, you are setting yourself up for comprehensive learning and skill development, preparing you for both academic and professional success.

Course Information

You will achieve one of the following qualifications depending on your qualifications and progression:

  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Sport
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sport
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport
Level 3

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English Language and Maths – both of these must be grades 9–4 (A*–C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. You can also gain a place by having a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C).

Entry onto the Notts County Football Club pathway is also subject to a football trial at Notts County and they will make the decision as to whether you are suitable.

Assessment is primarily through coursework, as well as practical assessments and some external assessments.

You could progress to university, an apprenticeship or employment.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers

Leisure and Theme Park Attendants

Earnings

£11,078

Average Earnings

Employment

Pathways

Public Services

People in these occupations administrate government programmes and services, work in the justice system, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Service Enterprises

People in these occupations provide a variety of services, including property and estate services, home care, hairstyling and beauty services, cleaning, and funeral services.

Sport, Leisure and Recreation

People in these occupations manage and participate in sporting events, provide physical training and coaching, and coordinate leisure and recreation activities.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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