AIQ Level 3 Diploma

Physical Activity, Fitness and Exercise Science

(one-year level 2 option available)

If you have a keen interest in fitness and health and are looking to become a fully qualified personal trainer, or work in an associated active leisure role, then this course is for you!

This two year course, in association with Active iQ the UK’s leading awarding body for the active leisure sector, will give you the skills, knowledge and qualifications required for a successful career in the personal training and fitness industry.

Perfect for those just starting out or for career changers, this course will ensure you will be ready to start your own business or work as part of a leisure company.

You will be in college for three days a week with half your time spent enjoying practical sessions in our specialist gym and sports performance lab. You will work towards gaining recognised qualifications in studio cycling, kettlebells, suspended movement, circuits and sports massage, all great additions to your CV!

To give you industry experience and further develop your practical skills, you will complete a relevant work placement one day a week.

What will I study?

Year 1

  • Principles of anatomy, physiology and fitness
  • Planning and instructing gym-based exercise
  • Principles of customer care
  • Working in active leisure facilities
  • Health and safety in the workplace
  • Managing personal and professional development
  • Skills for employment interviews
  • Planning and instructing studio cycling sessions
  • Planning and instructing circuit training sessions
  • Planning and instructing kettlebell exercise sessions
  • Planning and instructing suspended movement training sessions

 Year 2

  • Applied human biology for exercise and fitness
  • Anatomy and physiology for sports massage
  • Understanding the principles of soft tissue dysfunction
  • Principles of nutrition for healthy lifestyles
  • Conducting consultations with personal training clients
  • Programme design and delivery for personal training
  • Professional practice in sports massage
  • Sports massage treatments
  • Developing exceptional customer care skills
  • Enterprise and entrepreneurship
  • Marketing products and services
  • Technology in sport and exercise

How long will it take?

  • 2 years, full-time

What qualifications do I need to start?

  • Typically 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (including Maths and English), or a Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject
  • Some experience of gym based training or a desire to enhance knowledge
  • A degree of physical fitness due to physical exertion on the course

What qualifications will I gain?

Career options after this programme

  • Personal training – sole trader or working within an existing company
  • Sports massage therapist
  • Gym instructor
  • Class instructor
  • Activity leader
  • Additional job roles within the fitness and health industry

Student Profile
James Melvin

Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Physical Activity, Fitness and Exercise Science 2022 

Next step: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business   

Ambition: Professional model and businessman 

“I chose this course because I wanted to learn the biology behind fitness. It’s important for me to understand how the body works and how to get the best out of it. I was also attracted by the fantastic modern facilities and by the friendliness of the lecturers. 

“I’ve enjoyed both the classroom and practical sessions because together they’ve enabled me to take my fitness to a higher level, particularly by using the high tech equipment in the fitness studios and sports science lab. It’s helped with my modelling career and with my basketball, which I play nationally. 

“I’ve modelled sports and leisure clothing for leading brands and I’d like to launch my own brand of high end street wear, so I’m now studying business at Reaseheath.”