Leisure and recreation

What is it? A vocational A-level that will introduce you to the leisure and recreation industries. It's one of the new Advanced Vocational Certificates of Education. You'll look at a wide range of topics from marketing and human resources to sports coaching, cinemas and theme parks. You'll learn the theory first and then put what you've learnt into practice. For example if you were studying fitness testing you might set up a training programme for an individual based on your assessment of their fitness levels.

Why do it? The leisure and recreation industries are all about helping people to enjoy themselves and you can specialise in areas that particularly interest you. If, for example, you are keen on sport, you could learn how to coach a group of young people as part of the course.

What skills do you need? Because the industries are customer-orientated, you must be able to communicate well. You don't need any specific qualifications but you will need good written communication skills as a third of the course is assessed.

How much practical work is there? It depends on the school or college. Centres encourage you to show your knowledge practically through eg observed coaching sessions or role plays. But if you're keen to study cinemas but you live miles from the nearest multiplex, you can show what you have learnt through a written project.

Ratio of coursework to exams: 2:1.

Is it hard? "It's sometimes seen as an as easy option, but it's not," says Julie Gibson, the chief examiner in leisure and recreation at Edexcel. "Some people think that they'll be playing hockey or talking about football all day. But it's more vocational than that. A discussion about football might focus on the marketing of the Premiership."

Who takes it? More boys than girls. Plus it's popular with mature students who might do it part-time while working in the leisure or recreation industries.

How cool is it? Very, says Gibson. "What other subject would allow you to study David Beckham's relationship with the media or footballers' salaries?"

Added value: The opportunity to pick up other qualifications along the way. For example you can get coaching, first-aid and life-guard qualifications as part of the course.

What subjects go with it? Business and physical education.

What degrees does it lead to? Leisure management, sports science, human resources and marketing.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? "It'll certainly set you up for an enjoyable one," says Gibson. "Jobs in this field are rewarding because they are people orientated."

What do the students say? "I did a placement at the Sports Council as part of the course last year," says Iain Kay, 20, who is doing his AVCE in leisure and recreation at Preston College. "I'm hoping to get a full-time job when I finish. I also got a qualification in coaching handball as part of the course."

Which awarding bodies offer it? Edexcel, OCR and AQA.

How widely available is it around the country? Very widely.

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk