If you’re looking for a career in the fitness industry or hoping to progress onto a higher education sports degree, then this course provides an excellent foundation for your development towards your goals.

You will learn through a mix of theory based and practical sessions and study seven modules over the course of the year. This will give you a solid grounding in all aspects of fitness, instructing and sports science.

You’ll also complete an industry recognised YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing, meaning you will be a qualified fitness instructor on completion of the course.

Modules will include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Fitness Training and Programming for health, sport and wellbeing
• Practical Sport Performance (Fitness)
• Professional Development in Sports 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 education and sport, including roles such as primary or secondary PE teacher, community coach, teaching assistant, performance analyst and youth worker.

Many go on to further study, including degrees in BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching, BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport, BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management or Primary Teaching with QTS. Our students have secured roles such as sports coaches, lifeguard and teaching assistants.

These pathways support national priorities in education, life sciences, and digital skills in sport. Locally, the course contributes to Gloucestershire’s focus on health, active lifestyles, inclusive education, and employment progression.