Awarding organisation Active IQ has unveiled a new two-year college diploma qualification offering an alternative to the BTEC for further education students eyeing a career in the physical activity sector.

Due to launch to colleges in March – in time for a September course start date – the Level 3 Diploma in Physical Activity, Fitness and Exercise Science will equip students with a broad range of knowledge, skills and competences to progress into employment and/or higher education.

Taking two years to complete, with an exit point after year one, the Diploma will provide students with an overview of the exercise and fitness landscape, teach them how to plan and deliver fitness programmes, and will provide entry to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) at Level 3. Students will explore fitness and exercise knowledge, technology in sport and exercise, personal and professional development, motivational strategy, entrepreneurship and business skills.

“Vocational qualifications have been the focus of significant change over the last 18 months and with the leisure industry rapidly growing, we need qualifications that are of a high standard, truly valued by employers and which provide a clear line of sight to work,” said Active IQ commercial director Jenny Patrickson.

“We are working closely with employers to gain feedback on the design, delivery and assessment of our qualifications so that active leisure qualifications provide operators with graduates who have a high level of knowledge and practical skills.”

On completion of the first year, students will receive a fitness instructor qualification and access to REPs at Level 2. This allows for students to combine work and study – starting their career as a fitness instructor while completing their Diploma studies. Both years allow optional pathways into fitness and exercise specialisms, health and wellbeing topics as well as leisure operations and management.