BTEC National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development

The BTEC National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development is intended for post-16 students who want to progress directly to employment, including self-employment, in sports coaching and development roles. It is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education, where students have the added advantage of using the qualification to help them obtain part-time employment while studying.

Students must have completed the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching and Development. Based off the Unit requirements for the 720 and 1080 GLH BTECs, we expect that students would top up to the corresponding second year programme. This is due to the number of units required to complete when topping up from the Extended Certificate to the Extended Diploma and students wanting to move to the Diploma from the Foundation Diploma would only do 1 mandatory unit of 180 GLH.

This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement and accreditation. It enables learners to develop underpinning knowledge, to gain experience as a coach and to build skills to impact positively on sports development programmes. The qualification is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), which has confirmed that the qualification is fully mapped to its professional standards of CIMSPA ‘Coach’ and ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’ professional standards; CIMSPAs endorsement of this qualification allows students to apply for CIMSPA membership after successfully completing this programme and is therefore recognised by employers as enabling students to enter employment in the role of coach in the sport sector, for example leading a range of multi-skills sports coaching for an organisation delivering coaching sessions in schools and leisure centres.

Through a mix of lectures, workshops, independent research, and practical sports practice, talks and presentations from sports industry professionals. You will be given the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications including first aid, coaching and fitness awards, whilst also being able to gain some vital work experience. There will be organised trips to sports related organisations, a residential, adventure activities and taking part in sports teams and activities.

Suitable and practical sportswear/kit which includes appropriate sports footwear.

The BTEC qualifications are assessed using internal assessments, which are set and marked by teachers and externally verified by Pearsons.

The qualification has a primary focus on progression to employment in the sports industry. Employment opportunities would be at all participant levels, from beginner to elite. The qualification is likely to attract UCAS Tariff points and is recognised by higher-education providers as meeting or contributing to entry requirements for related courses.

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