Post 16 Curriculum
Sport Studies
Sport Studies at UTC: Equipping the Next Generation of Sports Professionals
From elite sport and performance analysis to physiotherapy and health promotion, sport science is helping to transform the way athletes perform, recover and achieve success. At UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, our Post 16 Sport Studies pathway combines academic study with practical experience, enabling students to develop the scientific knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours sought by universities and employers. Through specialist facilities, employer-led projects and a curriculum designed around the sport, health and wellbeing sectors, students explore areas such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, performance analysis, fitness training and coaching. Situated within the unique environment of the Olympic Legacy Park, students gain valuable real-world experience and develop the skills, confidence and understanding needed to progress to competitive university courses, apprenticeships and careers across sport, health and performance industries.
Pathways in Sport
Depending on individual students aspirations we offer three different pathways within our Sport specialism, these pathways combine technical learning with academic qualifications to enable our students to go on to the destinations they desire.
| A Level | 3 or 4 A Levels | Work experience and employer engagement opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | Extended Certificate (1 A Level Equivalent) or Diploma (2 A Level Equivalent) in Sport and Physical Activity | 1 or 2 A Levels/AAQs |
| Technical | Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (3 A Level Equivalent) | |
Course Details
Cambridge Technicals: Sport and Physical Activity
This course can be studied as a Foundation Diploma (1.5 A Level equivalent) , a Diploma (2 A Level equivalent) or an Extended Diploma (3 A Level equivalent)
This qualification develops the knowledge, practical skills and professional understanding needed to succeed in the sport, health and physical activity sectors. Students explore how the body responds to exercise, develop coaching and leadership skills, and gain an understanding of how sport is organised and delivered at local, national and international levels. Combining scientific theory with practical application, the course provides excellent preparation for higher education, apprenticeships and careers in sport, coaching, fitness, health and related industries.
Topics covered include:
- Body Systems and the Effects of Physical Activity
- Sports Coaching and Activity Leadership
- Sports Organisation and Development
Assessment: The qualification is assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework, enabling students to demonstrate both their theoretical understanding and their ability to apply their knowledge in practical sport and physical activity contexts.
Working with Professionals
At Post 16, students benefit from with the sport sector, working with local professional sports teams, sporting organisations and industry professionals through employer-led projects, workplace visits, mentoring programmes and careers events. Located within the Olympic Legacy Park and alongside world-class sporting facilities and professional organisations, students gain valuable insight into elite performance, health and wellbeing environments. Students also have opportunities to secure highly work experience placements, developing the skills, knowledge and industry connections needed for university, apprenticeships and future careers in sport, coaching, fitness, performance and health-related professions.
Destinations & Progressions
Our Sport Science students leave UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park ready to take their next steps with confidence, progressing to leading universities, higher apprenticeships and careers across sport, health, exercise and performance industries. Former students have gone on to study courses including Sport & Exercise Science, Psychology, Health & Human Sciences and related disciplines at institutions such as Nottingham Trent University, Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Manchester and the University of Sheffield, while others have pursued opportunities within professional sport and performance environments including with Sheffield United, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday.
Whether you aspire to work in sport science, coaching, performance analysis, sports development, rehabilitation or the wider health and fitness sector, we’ll support you every step of the way, helping you develop the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to achieve your ambitions.