Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity

Turn your passion for adventure into practical skills, industry experience and exciting career opportunities.

The outdoor adventure education industry is growing rapidly, offering successful students a wide range of career paths. You could progress into roles such as outdoor activity instructor, expedition leader, support staff member, teacher or specialist adventure sport coach.

Based in the heart of a National Park, this comprehensive two-year course makes the most of Plumpton College’s extensive estate, the South Downs, local inland and coastal waters, and the College’s outdoor centre in Snowdonia. You’ll develop practical skills in a wide range of land- and water-based activities, alongside the organisation, teamwork and leadership skills needed for a successful career in the outdoor sector.

The course is ideal if you have a passion for adventure sports and enjoy working with people. Outdoor industry professionals need to communicate with and support a diverse range of people in both formal and informal settings. You’ll need to be self-motivated, well organised and enthusiastic about developing your own technical skills, as well as helping others develop theirs.

You don’t need to be exceptionally fit to join the course, but you will take part in a range of physical activities as part of the course requirements.

You'll study three mandatory units in:

• Exercise, health and lifestyle
• Preparing for a career
• Principles

You'll also complete specialist units in:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Sports injuries
• Environmental education
• Skills for land and water
• Current issues

Progression to the second year involves studying:

• Business in sport
• Event management
• Leading on land and water
• Expeditions and impact
• Sustainability

There will be opportunities to study additional qualifications related to the outdoor education sector.

4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4

Progression to higher education could include:

• Sports management
• Outdoor adventure and education
• Teaching
• Leisure and tourism
• Public services

This course can be your first step towards a rewarding career as an outdoor instructor, with opportunities to progress into senior and leadership roles.