BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training
This course would suit students that have an interest in pursuing careers in the sport and active leisure industry, with a particular focus on gym instructing or personal training. This course has embedded industry accreditation, allowing learners to progress directly into work in the sector.
why choose this course?
This course is intended for post-16 learners who want to progress directly into employment in the health and fitness sector as a gym instructor or personal trainer. It gives a broad introduction to working in the sport and fitness industry, and it can also lead to further study at university. This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement and accreditation. The qualification provides the knowledge and develops the skills and application required for professional accreditation with the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and the Chartered Institute of Management for Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer standards.
The content of the new BTEC Nationals have been developed in collaboration with employers and representatives from higher education and relevant professional bodies. They have ensured that content is up to date and that it includes the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required in the sector.
Apply for this course
Start date: 08/09/2025
top course highlights
Top Class Sports Facilities
Access to wide range of sports
Excellent Academic success
Regular Sports Fixtures and Tours
Theory into Practice
High quality teaching of theoretical aspects are reinforced through practical sessions. Enabling the students to develop and experience real life scenarios.
Preparation for Next Steps
An excellent tutorial programme coupled with pastoral support enables the students to make informed decisions about their next steps. Whether this be employment within the sporting industry or in a higher education capacity.
Pursuing Sporting and Academic Excellence
The course enables students to effectively combine both sporting and academic pathways to the highest levels. Lecturing staff and academy coaches possess a wealth of experience and expertise in their chosen fields that ensures excellent delivery in all areas.
what will i learn?
You will study through a combination of practical experience and theoretical based learning. Taught units will include health, wellbeing and sport careers in sport and active leisure, fitness skills development, self employment in sport and nutrition for physical performance.
Year 1
- Careers in sport and Active Leisure Industry
- Health, Wellbeing and Sport
- Fitness Skills Development
- Self-Employment in Sport and Physical Activity
- Fitness Testing
- Fitness Training
Year 2
- Personal Trainer Skills Development
- Research Project in Sport (Pearson set)
- Nutrition for Physical Performance
- Business and Technology in Personal Training
- Sports injuries
- Functional Sports Massage
where will it take me?
As a result of studying this course, our students can follow careers in the fitness industry. The primary focus is on progression to employment as a personal trainer and supports learners in setting up their own personal training and exercise instruction business.
Learners can progress from this qualification to higher-education degree programmes, such as a BA (Hons) in Health and Fitness and a BSc (Hons) in Diet, Fitness and Wellbeing.
assessment arrangements
Over the two-year course you will complete compulsory assignments for the internally assessed units which could include written reports, presentations and practical demonstrations. The course also requires work placements set at a designated time by the college in a suitable setting. You will be assisted with finding a placement, but we recommend you have an input into finding a work placement which is linked to your future employment.
entry requirements
You will attend an interview with the course coordinator, your performance and attitude with be considered as well as your commitment to the health and fitness industry. You are also expected to achieve at least 4 Level 4 Grades in any GCSE’s inc. Maths and/or English.
information & support
Working within the Student Services area, the Student Support team will see you on a one to one basis and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal and emotional issues. A professional team of staff work together with your personal tutor to support you so that you can successfully complete your course and recognise pathways to progression after leaving College.
For more information email: vickyp@truro-penwith.ac.uk or phillt@truro-penwith.ac.uk
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£124,791
Entry Level Salary
£22,042
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£53,901
Annual openings in Cornwall
3
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£47,323
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£23,427
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£36,468
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19
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£53,218
Entry Level Salary
£19,340
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£32,344
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3
Potential Salary
£35,616
Entry Level Salary
£2,005
Average Salary
£12,188
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9
Potential Salary
£36,267
Entry Level Salary
£5,025
Average Salary
£15,393
Annual openings in Cornwall
20
Potential Salary
£116,806
Entry Level Salary
£20,631
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£50,452
Annual openings in Cornwall
2
Potential Salary
£55,562
Entry Level Salary
£10,651
Average Salary
£41,992
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£35,617
Entry Level Salary
£10,103
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£23,602
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