Level 3

Level 3 Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports Business)

Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
1 YEAR SCHOOL LEAVERS FULL TIME 01/09/2026
£TBC Southend Campus
Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
1 YEAR SCHOOL LEAVERS FULL TIME 01/09/2026
£TBC Southend Campus

Overview

Turn your passion for sport into a career with this exciting new qualification, launching in September 2026. Designed in response to the growing demand for skilled professionals across the sports industry, this course provides a practical introduction to the business side of sport and the wide range of career opportunities available within the sector.

The sports industry is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the UK and worldwide, creating opportunities in areas such as sports marketing, event management, finance, administration and business operations. Throughout the course, you will explore how the industry works while developing the knowledge, skills and experience needed to take your first steps into employment or further study.

You will also benefit from our partnership with Southend United Football Club, providing access to industry expertise, specialist resources and masterclasses that enhance the learning experience and offer valuable insight into the world of sports business.

Entry Requirements

4 GCSE’s at Grade 4 (must include English Language)

Course Structure

You will study a combination of mandatory and optional units, including Exercise, Health and Lifestyle, Preparing for a Career in Sport and Physical Activity, Work Experience in Sport, Business in Sport, Organising Sports Events, and Innovation and Enterprise. A key part of the programme is meaningful work experience within a professional or semi-professional sporting environment, helping you build valuable industry knowledge and contacts.

Mandatory units:

  • Exercise
  • Health & lifestyle
  • Preparing for a career in sport and physical activity
  • Work Experience in sport.

Optional units:

  • Business in sport
  • Organising sports events
  • Innovation and enterprise

Assessment & Feedback

Students will be internally assessed and externally verified via presentations, practical’s and assignments. There are no external exams associated with the main qualification, although students who may need to re-sit GCSE Maths must undertake the national exams.

Various interpersonal skills will be embedded and developed throughout the academic journey with a strong emphasis on developing; networking, team working, communication, organisational, creative thinking, resilience and problem solving skills.

What Next...

  • Sports Marketing Executive – Promote sports teams, events, brands and sponsorship campaigns.
  • Sports Event Coordinator – Plan and deliver sporting events, tournaments and community sports programmes.
  • Sports Administrator – Support the day-to-day operations of sports clubs, governing bodies and organisations.
  • Community Sports Development Officer – Increase participation in sport and physical activity within local communities.
  • Commercial Partnerships Assistant – Help manage sponsorship and business relationships for sports organisations.
  • Sports Club Operations Assistant – Support the running of professional and semi-professional sports clubs.
  • Membership and Customer Services Coordinator – Manage memberships, ticketing and customer engagement for sports venues and clubs.
  • Sports Retail and Merchandising Assistant – Work in the sales, promotion and distribution of sports products and club merchandise.
  • Leisure Centre Coordinator – Assist with the management and administration of leisure and recreation facilities.
  • Sports Business Apprentice – Gain practical experience while working towards a higher-level qualification in a sports business environment.