National Extended Diploma in Sport & Outdoor Activities Level 3

Programme Description

Do you have a passion for the outdoors and like new challenges? Do you have a desire to experience a wide range of outdoor activities? This is the course for you!

Sport and Outdoor Activities is a fast moving and ever growing area within Wales and all over the world. Currently millions of pounds are being spent on the generation of Outdoor Activities which showcase our beautiful natural resources both in the pursuit of leisure and for those that are seeking adventure. This course provides an excellent opportunity for you to gain qualifications that can either provide a stepping stone into higher education or into the world of employment.

This course is ideal for those learners who wish to learn more about the outdoors through practical sessions . These skills will be consolidated with theoretical classroom sessions. The course will develop your skills and knowledge within the field, alongside developing essential skills such as literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. You will have access to industry standard facilities and equipment such as our 4G pitch, sports hall, fitness gym, and analysis suite. As well as outdoor provision in the form of watersports equipment and climbing equipment provided by our external partners. You will have the opportunity to obtain a number of additional qualifications from governing bodies whilst on the course such as Outdoor First Aid and Paddle Instructor to name but a few. You are also encouraged to engage in our Duke of Edinburgh scheme that aim to develop your teamwork and expedition skills.

Students will study two qualifications over the duration of their two-year course, completing a L3 National Foundation in Sport and Outdoor Activities in Year 1, progressing onto a L3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities in Year 2.

At a Glance

Full Time

2 Years

Cardigan Campus

Programme Features

Areas of study include: Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Personal Skills Development in Outdoor Activities, Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity, Health and Safety Factors in Outdoor Learning, Outdoor Activity Provision, Sustainability and Outdoor Expeditions.

Students will also develop skills in organisation, personal progression planning and research at an appropriate level.

Throughout the course you will also further develop your numeracy, literacy and digital literacy skills via our online Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) along with an opportunity to develop your leadership skills by leading coaching sessions, organising events and learning new water sports and climbing skills.

Programme Content

The 12 units course combines theory with practical methods of learning. 1080 GLH is equivalent in size to three A Levels.

Year 1:

Unit A: Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
Unit B: Health, Wellbeing and Sport
Unit C1: Personal Skills Development in Outdoor Activities
Unit 2: Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
Unit 24: Health and Safety Factors in Outdoor Learning
Unit 25: Outdoor Activity Provision

Year 2:

Skills for water-based activities
Principles and practices in outdoor adventure
Exercise health and lifestyle
Sports nutrition
Skills for land-based activities
Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity
Practical individual sports
Assessing risk in sport
Leadership in sport

Progression & Employment

Successful completion of the course can lead to opportunities within the sport, leisure and health sector as well as the public service sector. This can include employment in outdoor centres, leisure centres, fitness gyms, governing bodies, police and other emergency services, as well as relevant higher education courses at university leading to the following professions;

Outdoor Instructor, Sport Scientist, Sports Therapist, Sport & Exercise Psychologist, Police, Fire Service, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, GP Referral Exercise Consultant, to name a few.

Method of Assessment

Assessments are predominantly internally assessed written assignments via practical assessments, presentations, logbooks, use of video evidence, open book tests, leaflets/brochures, etc. Each unit is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, with an overall triple grade e.g. PMD awarded on completion.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C/9-4 including either English Language or Welsh (1st Language) and Maths.

GCSE Physical Education is beneficial, but not essential. Progressions from Level 2 Sport with MM profile are accepted. Previous experience in outdoor activities is not essential but an appetite to try new activities is desirable. All learners are assessed on an individual basis via an interview.

Additional Costs

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.

You will need to provide your own stationery and purchase the basic outdoor kit to use in outdoor activities and weekly college trips.

Possible Career Pathways

Fitness Instructors

£20K

Median Salary

Sports Coaches, Instructors & Officials

3,830

Currently Employed

Leisure and Sports Managers

£45,555

For highly experienced workers

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