Sport & Exercise Science (Vocational A-Level)

Outline

The course combines scientific knowledge, practical coaching and an understanding of the wider sports industry across five units.

Unit 1 – The Body Systems and the Effects of Exercise

Explore the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory and energy systems and understand how exercise affects the body and sporting performance.

Unit 2 – Sports Coaching

Develop practical coaching skills and learn how to plan effective sessions. You will explore strategies that can be used to support athlete development and improve performance.

Unit 3 – Sports Organisation and Development

Investigate how sport is organised and funded within the UK and explore pathways for both participation and elite performance.

Unit 17 – Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation

Learn about common sports injuries and explore methods of prevention and treatment. You will also investigate rehabilitation programmes used to support recovery.

Unit 19 – Sports Psychology

Examine motivation, personality and stress management alongside psychological techniques that can be used to enhance sporting performance.

Enrichment opportunities

Your learning will combine classroom theory with applied sporting contexts. Opportunities include:

• Practical coaching opportunities
• Industry-related projects
• Guest speakers
• Access to specialist sports facilities

These experiences will help you develop your employability skills while gaining a greater understanding of the sports industry.

Progression

Studying Sport can support progression to university, apprenticeships and careers across sport, health, coaching and the wider sports industry.

Sport Science and Health

You could progress towards areas including:

• Physiotherapy
• Sports Therapy
• Exercise Science
• Rehabilitation
• Sports Psychology

Coaching and Development

Potential career areas include:

• Sports Coaching
• PE Teaching
• Community Sport Development
• Performance Analysis

Wider careers

The course can also support progression into areas such as:

• Sports Business
• Sports Media
• Sports Management
• Sports Marketing

Assessment

The course uses modular assessment and combines external examinations with internally assessed coursework.

External Examinations

You will complete 2 external exams during the course.

Coursework

You will also complete 3 coursework units, allowing you to apply your knowledge and demonstrate your understanding through different assignments and activities.

Across the course, you will develop skills in human anatomy and physiology, coaching and leadership, communication, performance analysis, research, problem-solving, teamwork and organisation.

Entry Requirements

A combination of 5 Grade 4’s and 5’s or above at GCSE (including maths and English). * One Vocational Qualification in a related subject area will be considered in place of a GCSE. Subject Specific Entry Requirements: GCSE Science at Grade 4. Students also should play sport at a club level (currently or very recently).

* Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

Apply

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