Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) FAQ
Manchester Cycling Academy is proud to work in partnership with British Cycling to deliver the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE).
Over the last few years we’ve discovered loads about DiSE so we want to share our knowledge with you.
It’s commonly said that “The Only Stupid Question is the One You Don’t Ask” so if you have a question that we haven’t yet answered then drop us a message via the WhatsApp link and ask away!
🏅 What is the DiSE Programme?
DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) is a Sport England funded Level 3 qualification that supports talented young athletes (aged 16–18) in combining elite-level training with academic studies (A Levels or BTECs). Delivered in partnership with British Cycling (BC), South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College and regional cycling academies, DiSE aims to develop future professional or elite-level riders.
👥 Who is DiSE for?
• Riders aged 16–18 competing at regional or national level in any BC race discipline.
• Students enrolled in full-time post-16 education (e.g., A Levels or BTECs).
• Athletes nominated by a National Governing Body (NGB) talent pathway.
• Endorsement from British Cycling or a club coach is beneficial but not required.
• Riders who will be on a college based apprenticeship may apply.
📅 At What Age Do I apply?
You apply when you are in year 11.
📅 How Long does the Course last?
DiSE is a two-year qualification, typically completed in 18 months, running alongside academic studies. It starts in late September and finishes around the same time as your A levels, sometimes just after.
💸 Is there a cost?
DiSE is fully funded by the Department for Education and Sport England, meaning there is no cost to you. Students must cover other costs such as equipment, kit, and travel.
📚 What Does the Programme Involve?
• Online seminars and assignments
• Monthly in-person Hub Days at our Manchester base or around the north of England
• Strength & conditioning, technical training, and performance workshops
• Subjects include: Sports psychology, nutrition, anti-doping, career planning, athlete welfare
• Support from experienced coaches and tutors
🧠 Will DiSE Affect My Academic Studies?
No. DiSE is designed to complement your other education. Flexible scheduling allows you to manage both commitments effectively.
🎓 What Qualification Will I Receive?
You will receive a level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence, which is equivalent to two A Levels at grade C and worth 64 UCAS points. It’s a pass or fail outcome, meaning that there are no grades.
🤔How is DiSE Assessed?
DiSE is assessed through competence based learning methodology. Learners are assessed on their understanding of key areas across a range of subjects. For example: Students will be asked to create their own nutritional strategy including requirements for the amount of Macro Nutrients such as Proteins and Carbohydrates they will need and when they need to consume them.
Your personal Tutor will assess you on your knowledge of your subjects and if you are at pass level, will mark you as competent. If not, then your Tutor will ask you to do some more work in your own time and the assessment process will continue until you are deemed to be at pass level. There are no exams and a very small amount of written work. Much of it is via what we call professional conversations between you and your Tutor.
📍 Do I have to Live in Manchester?
No. While Hub Days are held in Manchester, DiSE uses online platforms such as Google Classroom or Zoom for accessibility. Travel is required only once a month. Whilst is is not mandatory to attend all of the Hub Days as we know that you will have a busy calendar, you will have to attend at least one of each of them in your eighteen months with us in order to pass the course.
🏴 Do I have to be English?
No. Whilst DiSE is a Sport England funded programme, riders from Scotland and Wales can take the course too. We have learners from all over England and Wales who enjoy coming to us and meeting new people.
📝 How Do I Apply?
Go to: https://manchestercycling.academy/programme/dise/
📞 Can I Speak to Someone Before Applying?
Yes. Please contact us via the WhatsApp form here: https://manchestercycling.academy/programme/dise/
💼 Who Manages and Funds DiSE?
• Funded by: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
• Managed by: Sport England, through SportsAid
• Awarding body: 1st for Sport.
📊 How Are Places Allocated?
There are 100 places for the British Cycling DiSE Programme nationally in 2025/26 with 50 places available for September 2025. Learners are chosen by a British Cycling selection panel.
🏫 Why Must I Be Enrolled in Another Full-Time Study Programme?
DiSE is designed to complement another full-time qualification or apprenticeship.
📊 How Are Places Allocated?
There are 100 places for the British Cycling DiSE Programme nationally in 2025/26 with 50 places available for September 2025. Learners are chosen by a British Cycling selection panel.
🤔 How Does British Cycling Select Applicants?
Riders are assessed on:
• Academic eligibility
• Sporting performance
• Attitude, commitment, and recommendations
📝 Is There a Reserve List?
Yes. But withdrawals are rare. Reserve candidates may be contacted up to mid-December.