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NRC Logo

Course Code
PFFC02083
Level
Level 3
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End
1 September 2025 - 4 June 2027
Location
Coleraine
Interview Required?
Yes
  • To provide the necessary knowledge and skills to gain employment in the wide variety of Sports Careers.
  • To investigate also the breadth of the Sports Industry, from Health and Fitness; Coaching Teaching and Instruction; Sports Therapy; Health Promotion; Sports Development; Countryside Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits.
  • To establish a basis, through appropriate achievement, for continuing education and career development. A Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is a practical workrelated course. You learn by completing projects and assignments which are based on realistic workplace activities and demands.
  • Recognised coaching qualifications in a variety of sporting disciplines.
  • Visits, guest speakers and involvement in local Sports Development Projects.
  • Team building residentials.

Continuous Assessment through assignments and practical activities.

The Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is equivalent to three A-Levels and offers you the opportunity to progress to Further study and Higher Education.  The qualification is mapped and endorsed by CIMSPA ‘Coach’ and ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’ professional standards. CIMSPA endorsement allows you to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme, and is recognised by employers as being suitable for entry to employment in the role of a multi-skills sports coach in the sport development sector. 

Within this 2 year programme you will complete a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development and have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications and support through a range of optional extras.

What will you study?

YEAR 1 YEAR 2
Mandatory Units
Careers in the Sport & Active Leisure Industry Applied Coaching Skills
Health, Wellbeing & Sport Research in Project in Sport
Developing Coaching Skills Sport Development
  Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
Optional Units
Nutrition for Physical Performance Rules, Regulations & Officiating in Sport
Practical Sports Application Sports Psychology
Fitness Testing  

Optional Additional Support and Qualifications

  • Active IQ Level 2 Award in Understanding Nutrition, Performance and Healthy Eating
     
  • Active IQ Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People in Sport and Active Leisure
     
  • Irish FA qualifications:
    Futsal Introductory Award
    Grassroots Introductory Award
    Football Fundamentals
    Level 1 Coaching Award
    Futsal Referee Award
    Futsal Level 1
    Full Referee Award
    Football for All Workshop
    OCN Level 2 in Football Business
    IFA Roles Volunteers and Staff
    Show Racism the Red Card
    Coaching Disabled Footballers
  • Supplementary support and coaching to enhance your football ability and athletic development to pursue a career in football such as:

    Up to 10 hours additional training per week delivered by UEFA License coaches
    20+ College football games per year
    Scholarship opportunities in America
    Fitness testing every 8 weeks (STATSports, Veo camera analysis)

     

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

This course will also entail completing an AccessNI.

Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas are valued by employers and higher education (Universities and colleges). If you want to get a job straight away you could work in:

  • Sports Centres
  • Leisure Centres
  • Outdoor Activities Centres

If you decide to go to university or college you could take a degree or a BTEC Higher National in subjects such as:

  • Sports Studies
  • Leisure Management
  • Recreation Management
  • Teacher Training
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, or other relevant qualifications, or appropriate work experience.

Course Fees

This course is free of charge.

Further Education (Level 1-3) full-time courses including Apprenticeships have no course fees for most students:

Level 3 Further Education (full-time)

There are no tuition fees for Level 1 - 3 full-time students aged between 16 and 18.

If you are aged 19-24 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, fees will apply. Details of fees are available from any campus reception.

If you are aged 25 or older, fees will apply unless in receipt of a FE grant. (If you are aged 25 or older, admission to a full-time Further Education course will be considered on an individual basis at the College's discretion).

Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)

If you are in receipt of a FE grant, no fees apply.

If you are aged 19 or older and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (3 A Level equivalent), fees will apply.

Details of fees are available from any campus reception.

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