BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science

Applications Open: 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: 27th February 2026

Application Details: At Hartsdown Academy we run the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/ . Prospective students need to choose 1 Vocational Course (BTEC or OCR) and 2 IB Diploma Courses.

Entry Requirements: 5 x Grade 4-9 including Maths & English. A good attendance and behaviour record is also essential.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

This course enables learners to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding within the vocational setting of Sport & Exercise Science. Students will learn diverse knowledge and skills within the vocational area to ensure success in their future educational/career pathways, guiding them into what they may like to specialise in within the field of Sport & Exercise Science.

The National Diploma is the equivalent to two A Level qualifications and requires the completion of 8 units of work relating to the field of Sport & Exercise Science, over a two year period. This is a career subject and is part of the IBCP course. Students should have a high level of interest in sport/physical activity and ideally be an active participant.

To complete the course you will study 9 units.

The course units are as follows:

• Unit 1 - Sport & Exercise Physiology (Exam Unit)
• Unit 2 - Functional Anatomy (Exam Unit)
• Unit 3 - Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology (Exam Unit)
• Unit 4 - Field-& Laboratory-based Fitness Testing (Mandatory)
• Unit 5 - Applied Research Methods in Sport & Exercise Science (Mandatory)
• Unit 6 – Coaching for Performance & Fitness (Mandatory)
• Unit 7 – Biomechanics in Sport & Exercise Science (Optional)
• Unit 12 – Sociocultural Issues in Sport & Exercise Science (Optional)

Extended Diploma in Sports & Exercise Science - 1080 GLH (1420 TQT) Equivalent in size to three A Levels. 13 units of which 7 are mandatory and 4 are external. Mandatory content (67%). External assessment (42%).

Unit 1 – Sport & Exercise Physiology is assessed through a 90-minute exam. This will be taken in June of Year 12.

Unit 2 – Functional Anatomy is assessed through a 90-minute exam. This will be taken in January of Year 12.

Unit 3 – Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology is assessed in a 3-hour exam. Students are given a case study based on a team or individual that requires guidance on psychological interventions in response to psychological factors that are affecting their performance. This is an unseen paper until students sit the exam on the day.

Additional units for the Extended Diploma:
Unit 13 - Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance (Exam)
Unit 14 - Technology in Sport and Exercise Science
Unit 15 - Sports Injury and Assessment
Unit 8 - Specialized Fitness Training
Unit 10: Physical Activity for Individual and Group-based Exercise or Unit 11: Sports Massage

University - A BSc Honours in any of the below:

• Sports Science
• Sports Coaching
• Sport and Physical Education
• Fitness Management and Training
• Elite Sports Performance
• Assistant Performance Analyst
• Technical Scouting
• Community Coaching Roles
• Coaching Roles within Specific Sports
• Development Coordinator

There are a wide variety of potential careers pathways within this sector, below is an idea of what area of expertise your career could involve:

• Sport Performance Analyst
• Technical Sports Scout
• Community Sports Coaching
• Professional Sports Coach
• Sports Development Coordinator
• PE Teacher

UCAS Tariff Points:

PPP - 48
MMM -96
DDD -144
D*D*D* - 168