Course Overview
This one-year course is designed to give you a strong grounding in all aspects of sport, with particular emphasis on performance and excellence in football.
A mixture of theoretical and practical teaching, combined with our excellent on-site sports facilities will allow you to put into practice what you learn in the classroom.
All Foundation Diploma students will be able to attend all study tours, field trips and excursions associated their specific area of sporting interest.
Once you have successfully completed this course, you can progress to the second year of the Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Football) programme (subject to a successful interview and tutor recommendation).
Modules will include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Coaching
- Business
- Fitness Training
- Professional Development in the Football Industry
Diploma courses combine classroom-based theory with extensive hands-on learning in real-world environments. Lessons are delivered in our modern College Learning Centre and specialist teaching spaces, using contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped libraries, and dedicated course facilities.
You’ll take part in practical sessions in our professional sports environment with access to the latest facilities, developing the technical skills and industry knowledge employers are looking for.
Learning is varied and interactive, with individual projects, group activities, and practical assessments alongside written work. You’ll complete regular assignments and coursework tasks.
Diploma timetables are designed to support participation in sport, clubs, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and personal development.
You’ll be supported by a pastoral tutor, as well as our academic and wellbeing teams, who provide workshops, one-to-one guidance, and online resources. All students also have access to medical professionals on campus.
During this course you will be assessed through both written and practical assessments. You will sit two exams with internal coursework assessments for the remaining modules. Internal coursework assessments will have a variety of assessment methods such as written reports, practical assessments and presentations.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
This course prepares students for careers in sport, education and the leisure industry, including roles such as sports coach, PE apprentice, strength and conditioning support, performance analyst and leisure assistant.
Many progress to sports-based degrees in the UK or USA, including coaching, journalism, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences, BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport and BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management. Our students have gone on to roles such as Sport Development Officer at Gloucestershire FA, coaching apprenticeships with Atlas Camps, leisure centre staff and assistant manager at Ninja Warrior.
These progression routes align with national priorities in STEM, life sciences, digital technologies and health and wellbeing. Locally, the course supports Gloucestershire’s focus on youth engagement, social mobility, active lifestyles and access to higher education and employment opportunities.
Course Overview
Course information
This one-year course is designed to give you a strong grounding in all aspects of sport, with particular emphasis on performance and excellence in football.
A mixture of theoretical and practical teaching, combined with our excellent on-site sports facilities will allow you to put into practice what you learn in the classroom.
All Foundation Diploma students will be able to attend all study tours, field trips and excursions associated their specific area of sporting interest.
Once you have successfully completed this course, you can progress to the second year of the Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Football) programme (subject to a successful interview and tutor recommendation).
What you’ll learn
Modules will include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Coaching
- Business
- Fitness Training
- Professional Development in the Football Industry
How you’ll learn
Diploma courses combine classroom-based theory with extensive hands-on learning in real-world environments. Lessons are delivered in our modern College Learning Centre and specialist teaching spaces, using contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped libraries, and dedicated course facilities.
You’ll take part in practical sessions in our professional sports environment with access to the latest facilities, developing the technical skills and industry knowledge employers are looking for.
Learning is varied and interactive, with individual projects, group activities, and practical assessments alongside written work. You’ll complete regular assignments and coursework tasks.
Diploma timetables are designed to support participation in sport, clubs, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and personal development.
You’ll be supported by a pastoral tutor, as well as our academic and wellbeing teams, who provide workshops, one-to-one guidance, and online resources. All students also have access to medical professionals on campus.
How you’ll be assessed
During this course you will be assessed through both written and practical assessments. You will sit two exams with internal coursework assessments for the remaining modules. Internal coursework assessments will have a variety of assessment methods such as written reports, practical assessments and presentations.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
What can you do after this course?
This course prepares students for careers in sport, education and the leisure industry, including roles such as sports coach, PE apprentice, strength and conditioning support, performance analyst and leisure assistant.
Many progress to sports-based degrees in the UK or USA, including coaching, journalism, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences, BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport and BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management. Our students have gone on to roles such as Sport Development Officer at Gloucestershire FA, coaching apprenticeships with Atlas Camps, leisure centre staff and assistant manager at Ninja Warrior.
These progression routes align with national priorities in STEM, life sciences, digital technologies and health and wellbeing. Locally, the course supports Gloucestershire’s focus on youth engagement, social mobility, active lifestyles and access to higher education and employment opportunities.
2 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English Language and either Mathematics or a Science.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. In the past, these have included visits to Alton Towers, the Houses of Parliament, JCB, Uttoxeter, and the Cadbury Factory. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
More details on Sports Academy and gym membership fees are available here. Hartpury kit bundles are available here.
Can I study this course and play in the Sports Academy?
Yes. Where possible we try to work academy timetables around academic timetables.
What skills and attributes do I need to succeed?
Successful students are passionate about sport, organised, and good at managing their workload. They take pride in their work, meet deadlines, and stay motivated with clear goals whether that’s achieving top grades or progressing to university or employment.
How much does the course cost?
If you're a UK student under the age of 19 enrolling in full-time A-level courses at Hartpury College, you typically won't need to pay tuition fees. For further information, details for those over 19 year-of-age and international students, visit: Finance | Hartpury College
Why study Sport at Hartpury College?
Hartpury is proud to be the number one sports college in the UK, with millions of pounds invested in recent years to ensure our Sport students can access the best learning, playing and teaching resources.
Study at an Ofsted Outstanding college in a professional sports environment, with access to the latest facilities and expert lecturers. We’ve invested over £10 million into our Sports Academy, so you’ll be using industry-standard sports equipment as you put your lessons into practice.
Why study Sport at Hartpury College?
Hartpury is proud to be the number one sports college in the UK, with millions of pounds invested in recent years to ensure our Sport students can access the best learning, playing and teaching resources.
Study at an Ofsted Outstanding college in a professional sports environment, with access to the latest facilities and expert lecturers. We’ve invested over £10 million into our Sports Academy, so you’ll be using industry-standard sports equipment as you put your lessons into practice.
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.8% pass-rate
With a 99.2% BTEC pass rate (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
Similar courses
Level 2 Extended Certificate Sport
If you’re looking to transition to Level 3 study but don't have the grades to do so straight from school, our Level 2 sports course is for you. Our students learn through a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, including trips and work experience, to gain an understanding of the competitive sports industries. On successful completion, you could progress onto our Level 3 sports courses.
Level 2 Extended Certificate General Sport
If you’re looking to transition to Level 3 study but don't have the grades to do so straight from school, our Level 2 sports course is for you. Our students learn through a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, including trips and work experience, to gain an understanding of the competitive sports industries. On successful completion, you could progress onto our Level 3 sports courses.
Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Sport and Exercise Science)
This course is the ideal launchpad for a career in sports science or sports therapy. Students on this course learn through a blend of academic and practical learning and undertake scientific research. Gain experience
using our world-class sports facilities.
Find a course
Our partners & accreditations