Sport, Fitness and Personal Training – Level 3

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Length 35 weeks
Study Full-Time
Location Carlisle College

Qualification Gained

Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Personal trainers and fitness instructors play an important role in helping people realise their full potential, improving not just their strength and endurance, but their self-confidence and determination too.

This Sports Fitness and Personal training course will help you to become a qualified instructor, gaining both the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and the Chartered Institute of Management for Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) accreditations, meaning that learners who complete the qualification can successfully qualify as a Level 2 Gym Instructor and are able to work in industry straight away.

Throughout the course you will study units in areas such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, self-employment in sport, careers in sport and ethical and current issues, there is also a large practical element with learners working within a gym environment to instruct clients and develop personalised training programmes.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) and above, including English and maths

BTEC Level 2 / equivalent qualification with GCSE maths and English at grade 4 (C)

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course you will achieve a BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training.

What will I learn?

Careers in the sport and active leisure industry
Fitness skill development
Health, wellbeing and sport
Personal trainer skills development
Research project in sport
Sports injury
Self-employment in sport and physical activity
Nutrition for physical performance
Fitness testing
Business and technology in personal training
Fitness training
Ethical and current issues in sport

How is the course taught?

Practical experience
Lectures
Projects
Case studies
Presentations
Weekly practical sessions

How am I assessed?

Practical assessments
Presentations
Report writing
Portfolio

Work experience opportunities

You will be supported to seek work experience with the sport and fitness industry. With learners gaining placements with local gyms and sport clubs, which will allow you to further develop your knowledge and skills from the classroom. You will get the opportunity to work with employers such as Everlast allowing you to see what it is like to work in the sport and fitness industry.

English and Maths

English and maths skills are vital in the sporting industry, whether you are delivering a training programme or analysing V01 max and blood pressure. We embed these into your course to ensure you have every opportunity to enhance your skills.

If you have not yet achieved a grade 4 GCSE in English and/or maths you will be supported to achieve these as part of your programme.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will have the opportunity to apply to university, undertake apprenticeships or enter employment.

Course content would be suitable for those aspiring for careers such as, but not limited to Sports Rehabilitation, Personal Training, Sports Nutrition and many more.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.