Think studying Sport means you can’t go on to university or that there are limited career options? Think again.
Level 3 Sport qualifications open the door to a wide range of degree courses and exciting career pathways in the sports industry and beyond.
We're setting the record straight on some of the biggest misconceptions about studying Sport at MidKent College.
❌ Myth 1: "You have to be an elite athlete."
✅ Reality: Passion and commitment matter more.
You don't need to play for a county team, compete nationally, or spend every weekend at tournaments to succeed on a Level 3 Sport course.
What you do need is:
- An interest in sport and physical activity
- A willingness to learn
- A positive attitude
- The motivation to develop new skills
Whether you enjoy participating in sport, coaching others, or understanding how the body works, there's a place for you.
As you progress through the course, you'll build confidence through practical sessions and develop knowledge that can support a variety of career paths.
❌ Myth 2: "It's all practical."
✅ Reality: It's a combination of theory and practical learning.
Yes, you'll get involved in practical activities such as:
- Fitness testing
- Sports coaching
- Leadership activities
- Practical team and individual sports
But that's only part of the picture.
You'll also explore topics including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Sports psychology
- Nutrition
- Fitness programming
- The science behind performance
Our Sport programmes combine a mixture of theory and practical lessons, helping students develop both hands-on experience and academic understanding.
In other words, you won't spend all day on the pitch, but you won't spend all day in a classroom either!
❌ Myth 3: "There's only one career route."
✅ Reality: Sport can lead to a wide range of careers.
Many people assume that studying Sport means becoming a PE teacher or professional athlete.
In reality, the industry offers opportunities in areas such as:
- Personal Training
- Sports Coaching
- Sports Psychology
- Physiotherapy
- PE Teaching
- Sports Development
- Health and Fitness
- Leisure Management
- University study
The skills you develop – leadership, communication, teamwork and organisation – are valuable in many different sectors.
❌ Myth 4: "Sport isn't a serious qualification."
✅ Reality: Level 3 Sport is a recognised pathway to higher education and employment.
On completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport or Sport & Exercise Sciences, you will gain a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels that attracts UCAS points, helping you progress to university study.
The course is designed to prepare you for the next step, whether that's:
- Continuing your studies,
- Starting an apprenticeship, or
- Entering the world of work.
❌ Myth 5: "It's just playing sport."
✅ Reality: You'll gain real-world skills and experiences.
A Sport study programme is about much more than playing games! The programme combines your main qualification with work experience and personal development to prepare you for your next steps.
You will have opportunities to:
- Complete work placements,
- Learn from industry-experienced tutors, in our new facilities
- Visit sporting venues such as Wembley Stadium
- Take part in community events, such as the school cricket or Boccia games where you’ll develop your coaching skills
- Develop your confidence, team working and communication skills
Ready to find out more?
Find a sport course near you:
