Entry Year
Location
Duration
Course Code
Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development YR2 (603/4931/1)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development YR1 (603/4931/1)
Overview
The BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching & Development course is a highly practical, internationally recognised qualification equivalent to three A Levels (up to 144 UCAS points). It is ideal for learners who want to turn their passion for sport into a career in coaching, fitness, physical activity, or sport development.
This course blends classroom learning with first hand coaching experience, giving you the skills, confidence, and industry knowledge needed to succeed in the sports sector. You will study a wide range of industry-relevant topics, including coaching methods, leadership, skill development, sports psychology, exercise physiology, physical education, and sports nutrition.
A key feature of this programme is its strong focus on real-world coaching experience and employability. You will take part in practical coaching sessions, work-based learning, and placement opportunities, all supported by experienced industry professionals. Assessment is 100% coursework-based, with no formal exams, making it ideal for learners who thrive in practical environments.
On successful completion, you will be well prepared to progress directly into employment within sports coaching, leisure, or community sport, or continue your studies at Higher Education level, including honours degrees, HNDs, or Foundation Degrees in sport-related subjects.
Key Areas of Study
- Coaching Practice - developing skills & application in real-world experiences.
- Anatomy and Physiology, Sports Development
- Health, Wellbeing, and Physical Activity
- Sports Psychology, Sports Nutrition
- Career Development in Sport
If you are motivated, people-focused, and enthusiastic about developing others through sport, this course provides the skills, experience, and progression routes to kick-start your career in the sports industry.
This course may be delivered across two city centre sites including Millfield & Girdwood
Are you an aspiring sports performer in football, boxing, or other sports? Why not check out our full-time training and competition opportunities within the Belfast Met Sports Academy. You can avail of these full-time training opportunities as well as studying your course. Click on the links below for the Football (soccer), Athlete Development or Boxing Academies.
Sports Academy - Football - P00876-AA - Course - Belfast Met
Sports Academy - Boxing - P00878-AA - Course - Belfast Met
Sports Academy Athlete Development Programme - P01516-AA - Course - Belfast Met
Students must have one of the following:
• Four GCSEs at Grade C or above (in some circumstances, applicants with a qualifications profile equating to 12 points with a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade C or above will be accepted).
• BTEC First Diploma or Certificate (with a qualification profile equivalent to 12 points or above).
• NVQ Level 2 in a relevant subject area.
• Leaving Certificate (a profile equivalent to 12 points of which three subjects must be at Grade C3 or above at ordinary level).
Non-academic course entry requirements
Important: All applicants must also meet the following conditions:
- be 16 years old by 1 July 2026.
- provide proof of:
- Right to Study in the UK. For courses with work placement, proof of your right to work in the UK is also required.
- Photographic proof of identity
- Provide translated copies of and/or demonstrate equivalency of non-UK qualifications.
Further information on non-academic course entry requirements can be found at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/further-education/entry-criteria-further-education
Please note students admitted for Levels 1-3 without a Grade C or above in GCSE English Language, Mathematics or ICT will be required to undertake Essential Skills qualifications in Literacy, Numeracy or ICT. Students undertaking a qualification in Digital Technology / ICT will be exempt from having to undertake ICT Essential Skills.
The College welcomes applications from students who do not have academic qualifications but who wish to apply by virtue of experience. For further information, please refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process on our website.
Normally students must have achieved grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE English Language. Please refer to individual course admission requirements on course web pages. Students who have not achieved a Grade C or Essential Skills Level 2 Communication will be required to undertake Essential Skills Communication as part of their programme of study. Applicants who do not have the above must provide evidence of English Language competency. Schools will continue to liaise with ESOL & Modern Languages Curriculum area to assess required competency of English Language.
Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page on this link
Preference may be given to those who hold a Level 2 Literacy or Numeracy qualification in addition to science at Level 2.
Entry requirements can change and be discussed on an individual basis if necessary.
Proof of qualifications MUST be provided when you enrol e.g. exam certificates.
Achieved and pending qualifications can be recorded on your online application account.
All courses within Belfast Met are delivered and assessed in English, with the exception of language specific courses. Your competence in English must be verified prior to enrolling on your chosen course.
Visit our Student Funding page to find out how to fund your studies.
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk
Students are assessed using a range of different methods.
These includes, assignments, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical assessments, role-play, and case studies.
This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course.
Careers
Students may progress to higher education courses such as Honours Degree at University, HND Sports, Foundation Degree in Physical Education and Sport, Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Performance Analysis. This course is relevant for employment in the sports industry such as a PE teacher, Sports Instructor, Coach, Sports Development Officer or Health and Physical Activity Co-ordinator.
Interests
- Entrepreneurship
- Sport
- Health
- Fitness
Contact us
School Administrator Tel: 028 9026 5332 or email: hcslinfo@belfastmet.ac.uk
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