What opportunities will this course give me?

The UK is one of the largest fitness hotspots in Europe with over 7,000 clubs and 10 million members, meaning this industry is worth more than £5 billion. The fitness industry is constantly growing and adapting to new trends and technology.

This course gives you specialist knowledge to enable you to gain employment in the fitness world or move on to higher education. It also meets industry standards and is endorsed by CIMPSA, REPS and UKAD supporting membership to professional bodies.
You will also be given the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications in gym instructing and personal training at the end of each year.

During this programme you will complete an extended work placement for the academic year to gain invaluable experience working in the industry and learning from practising personal trainers. These placements may lead to part time jobs and further opportunities.

Those progressing to university could select degree options such as Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science, Physical Education, or Sport and Exercise Therapy.

Salary earnings can range from £24,000 per year for gym instructors to £37,000 per year for personal trainers.

What will I be learning?

This programme is ideally suited for individuals with a genuine interest in the fitness industry, but who also have the confidence to interact with the public. We ask that ideally you are actively involved in exercise or fitness.

This programme provides you with an opportunity to gain an insight into the wide and diverse nature of this growing sector. The programme retains a strong academic base, whilst including practical units and modules. You will need to be confident, self- motivated and a good communicator as this will stand you in good stead for your research work as well as your work placement.

You will complete projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands and learn about the employment area you have chosen, and develop the skills you need to start a career.

The programme is made up of a variety of 12 practical and theoretical units. Each unit is worth a number of credits which will make up your final grade.

The following are a sample of the units (these may vary each year):
Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
Health, Wellbeing and Sport
Fitness Skills Development
Personal Trainer Skills Development
Research Project in Sport
Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
Nutrition for Physical Performance
Business and Technology in Personal Training
Functional Sports Massage
Fitness Testing
Fitness Training


You must hold at least 5 grades 4s or above, including English and Maths

Why is this course for me?

Throughout the year, assessment for both practical and theory units is undertaken using a variety of assessment methods and styles. Assignments may be reports, presentations, practical assessments or research projects. Each assignment will be graded at Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D) level and these individual assignment grades contribute to the unit and overall programme grades.

Attendance in the College is an average of 11 hours per week of contact time. In addition to this, it is expected you will complete a further 8-12 hours of independent study both in college and at home.

This two year programme offers progression from the Diploma through to the Extended Diploma, dependent on your entry grades and achievement in year one.

What do I need to sign up?

A proven engagement in sports and related activities is required.

You will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 including English Language and maths.

You will require an interview with subject specialist staff to ensure you have a good understanding of the course you are applying for. Attendance and attainment reports from previous education will also be required.

For internal progression it is expected that you will have achieved a minimum of a merit at L2 and made positive progress to achieving your GCSE English and Maths (if below Grade 4) as well as demonstrating that you have upheld the college values.

Adult learners may apply for any of our full time and apprenticeship programmes and your vocational experience will also be taken into consideration alongside existing qualifications.

The programme is fully funded for learners aged 16-18.
For learners aged 19+ the price is upon application only, and after receiving information, advice & guidance.

Is there anything else I need to know?

You must be prepared to apply academic, as well as practical, sports skills. You will be encouraged to take a full and active part in college life. You will need to purchase a college t-shirt which must be worn for all practical lessons, as wearing appropriate bottoms and sports trainers suitable for the environment. You will also be expected to bring stationary to every lesson to include pen and paper.

All learners enrolled on a full-time study programme are expected to attend a compulsory work or industry placement during their course. The number of hours of placement will vary from 35 hours through to 750 hours, this variance is due to the differing types of assessment on each course.

Learners should be aware that this is compulsory part of their study programme and work / industry placements will take place during the college week.

Please note that anyone applying from 29/04/23 will be charged the new price as per below.

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

RESSE3

Need some further advice?

Contact the Learner Recruitment Team for further guidance - email bebetter@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000.

The Equality Act

The College wishes to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. If you are a disabled person, please ensure that we know what you need so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.