Burscough FC Academy · Level 3

The Qualification

Everything you need to know about the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching & Development — the qualification at the heart of the academy.

Level 3Diploma Standard
2 YearFull-Time Course
100%Coursework · No Exams
16–19Age Group
The Course

A Nationally Recognised Diploma

The academy is built around the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching & Development — a two-year, full-time qualification for 16–18 year olds who want a career in sport.

You'll gain a Foundation Diploma in Year 1 and the full Extended Diploma in Year 2. It's assessed entirely through coursework — no exams — and carries the UCAS points to progress to university.

L3
Extended Diploma
Sports Coaching & Development
Duration2 Years
Assessment100% Coursework
Age16–19
ProgressionUniversity / Pro
What You'll Study

Two Years. Twelve Modules

Six modules each year, building from the foundations of coaching to advanced sports science.

Year One

Foundation Diploma

The building blocks of coaching and the sports industry.
  • Careers in Sport & the Active Leisure Industry
  • Health, Wellbeing & Sport
  • Developing Coaching Skills
  • Sports Development
  • Self-Employment in Sport & Physical Activity
  • Practical Sports Application
Year Two

Extended Diploma

Advanced coaching, sports science and research.
  • Sports Psychology
  • Anatomy & Physiology in Sport
  • Fitness Testing
  • Technical & Tactical Skills in Sport
  • Applied Coaching Skills
  • Research Project in Sport
A Typical Week

Your Weekly Timetable

Football and education, side by side — here's what a full week at the academy looks like.

EducationGCSETrainingSpecialismMatchRecovery Day
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayRecovery DayFriday
1 9:00 – 10:30Wellbeing & Performance Application 9:00 – 10:30Training 9:00 – 10:30Maths 9:00 – 10:00Coaching & Leadership Prep 9:00 – 10:00Professional Development
2 10:45 – 11:45Wellbeing & Performance Prep 10:45 – 11:45Employability & Careers Prep 10:45 – 12:00English 10:15 – 12:00Coaching & Leadership Application 10:00 – 11:45Training
3 12:30 – 2:00Training 12:00 – 1:30Employability & Careers Application 12:00 – 4:00Match 1:00 – 2:30English 12:00 – 1:00SpecialismGym / Analysis
4 2:00 – 3:00SpecialismGym / Analysis 2:00 – 3:00Maths From 2:30Recovery & Rest
How You're Assessed

No Exams. Just Coursework

The whole diploma is 100% coursework — assessed continuously across four types of assignment, so you're rewarded for consistent effort, not one big exam.

Written

Reports, essays and structured written assignments.

Practical

Coaching sessions and hands-on sports application.

Spoken

Presentations and verbal assessments.

Project Work

An independent research project in your final year.

Where It Leads

Your Next Step

A Level 3 diploma opens doors — into higher education, the professional game and a career in sport.

University

Progress to a sport-related degree with a recognised Level 3 diploma.

US Scholarships

Support to secure a soccer scholarship at a US college.

Apprenticeships

Move into paid, on-the-job training in sport and coaching.

Careers This Leads To
Team ManagerTeam Manager
Sports AnalystSports Analyst
Grassroots CoachGrassroots Coach
Coaching BusinessCoaching Business
PE TeacherPE Teacher
Sports CoachSports Coach
Applications Open

Enrol On The Diploma

Applying takes less than two minutes. Meet the entry requirements below and you could be starting this September.

Enrol NowBook A Trial

Entry Requirements

  • Open to all school leavers aged 16–19
  • A genuine passion for football and a commitment to full-time study
  • Didn't get the grades you hoped for? You can resit English & Maths with us as part of the programme