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Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development

Length
1 year
Price
5,678 GBP excl. VAT
Next course start
September 2025 See details
Course delivery
Classroom
Length
1 year
Price
5,678 GBP excl. VAT
Next course start
September 2025 See details
Course delivery
Classroom
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Course description

Prepare to work in sports coaching, with our professionally endorsed Level 3 National Foundation Diploma at Writtle College.

As a student at Writtle College, you’ll learn theory in the classroom and get hands-on coaching experience in the college and at local schools.

You’ll also have the opportunity to work towards a CYQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification, and gain a recognised first aid certificate.

We’ve developed our course in consultation with employers and professional bodies. It’s endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), and maps to their professional standards of 'Assistant Coach' and 'Safeguarding and Protecting Children'. After successfully completing the course, you’ll be able to apply for CIMSPA membership and find work as an assistant coach.

Upcoming start dates

1 start date available

September 2025

  • Classroom
  • Writtle
  • English

Suitability - Who should attend?

  • 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 or A*-C; must include English, Maths and Science.
  • Satisfactory references from most recent school, college or employer.
  • Alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application.

Important additional notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

Training Course Content

Mandatory units

  • Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Health, Wellbeing and Sport
  • Developing Coaching Skills
  • Sport Development
  • Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity

Optional specialist units

  • Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
  • Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport
  • Practical Sports Application
  • Organising Events in Sport and Physical Activities

Course delivery details

This course includes both mandatory and optional units. You’ll complete all mandatory units and study one optional unit, as determined by your Course Leader, from the list below.

There is also the opportunity to work towards a CYQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification.

Units are subject to change and availability.

Assessment

We’ll assess your progress in a number of ways including written assignments, practical assessments and presentations.

Why choose Writtle University College

Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!

*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data

Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.

Expenses

Fee: £5,678 Students over 19 starting 2023/24 (per year)

Continuing Studies

Careers

The Level 3 National Foundation Diploma will prepare you for further study, or for employment.

As the course is endorsed by CIMPSA, it’s recognised by employers as being suitable for entry to employment as an assistant coach or in sports development roles.

As a coach, you may work in youth sport or with children at beginner levels, for example primary-school age.

Many primary schools are 'buying in' support for PE teaching, both during school hours and for after-school clubs and holiday activities. This area has grown substantially in recent years since the introduction of the Government’s PE and sport premium.

If you want to continue your studies, there are two main options:

  • progress on to aLevel 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development
  • consider university courses. This qualification is equivalent to 1.5 A-levels and, when combined with other qualifications, prepares you for degree-level study. Writtle College is part of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU); you might choose to stay at ARU and study for adegree in sport.

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Writtle University College
Writtle University College, Lordship Road
CM1 3RR Chelmsford Essex

Welcome to Writtle College! Writtle College, a further education provider, now part of ARU, is located at the ARU Writtle campus on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex. We offer a wide range of exciting courses in land-based, creative and sports...

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