BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology

BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology is a four-year course that will give you a detailed understanding of mainstream, sport, and exercise psychology. You will complete a research project and have the opportunity to undertake work experience within these areas. 

Year 1

Sport modules in Year 1 will introduce the importance of sport to individuals and communities, focusing on physical activity and health, sport and exercise science, sports psychology, sociology, and management. 

You will also study mainstream psychology modules delivered by the Psychology department. These will be on a wide range of topics designed to give you an introduction to psychology and provide key foundations on which to build, including laboratory practice and reporting.

Year 2

In your second year, you will study a module focused on sport as a global phenomenon. This module will increase your awareness and appreciation of the far-reaching impact of sport around the world by exploring not only the social, political and cultural benefits of sport, but also the less favourable impacts of sport. Additionally, you will study a module focused on the foundational knowledge, theories and contemporary issues of relevance in sport and exercise psychology. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of what sport and exercise psychology is and an appreciation of what sport and exercise psychologists are seeking to achieve.

Additionally, you will continue to study mainstream psychology modules delivered by the Psychology department. There are two themed modules in Year 2: The Social Mind and Brain and Behaviour–Clinical Perspectives. The Social Mind integrates material from social, cognitive, developmental and biological psychology, while Behaviour–Clinical Perspectives integrates material from biological and cognitive psychology. You will also take a module in Research Methods delivered by the Psychology department.

In the first three semesters, you will be given the choice of one additional module from across the University. This will broaden your knowledge in a range of topics and develop your academic abilities ready for a more in-depth and specialised exploration in sport and exercise psychology in your final two years.

Years 3 and 4

In the final two years, you will deepen your understanding of the sport sector/industry by completing two subject-specific modules in sport and exercise psychology, and develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to undertake academic inquiry into sport. 

All students take an Advanced Studies in Sport module to help them prepare for a major independent project on a topic that reflects their interests and/or career aspirations. You will also complete a Professional Practice in Sport module, which includes a period of work-based learning and guest lectures on working in the sport and exercise psychology industry.

You will also study a range of core subjects: cognitive psychology, social psychology, individual differences, and developmental psychology. These modules will provide opportunities to develop skills in group work, practical work, and experience of working with pre-school children. You will also get the chance to sharpen your communication skills through group discussions and oral presentations.

We would encourage you to develop your knowledge, skills and experiences in sport and exercise psychology by engaging in voluntary and/or paid sport and exercise psychology opportunities beyond the course.

You will complete your BSc (Hons) Sports Psychology course as an independent learner, capable of critical analysis and communication through various mediums to a range of audiences. You will have also laid the foundations of being an independent researcher, prepared for further study at MSc and/or PhD / Professional Doctorate level.

Having a sport psychology degree will equip you for a range of career options in sports, performance, exercise, and/or psychology industries. A sport psychology degree also makes you eligible for further study and training to become a qualified sport and exercise psychologist.

What jobs can you get with a Sport Psychology degree?

• Graduates from this course will be well placed to source  a range of jobs in the sport and exercise industry. For example, by working directly with athletes and clients (e.g., as a coach, personal trainer, etc.) or by working with sport and fitness organisations (e.g., as a sport development officer, administrative staff, or team co-ordinator).  
• With further postgraduate training, graduates from this course can be employed to work with a broad range of clients including individual athletes, teams, and support staff across a range of sporting disciplines, providing sport psychology support to help them deal with the demands of their sport.
• With further postgraduate training, graduates from this course can be employed in exercise psychology settings, including being employed to work with individuals and groups in GP surgeries, employers' premises, client's homes, clinical settings, and local fitness centre roles, to counsel clients about the potential benefits that can be derived from participation in regular exercise.
• Graduates from this course can be employed to conduct research in sport and exercise psychology in commercial and academic settings.
• With further postgraduate training, graduates from this course can be employed to teach and train sport and exercise psychology students (in lecturing roles, for example) and/or establish and direct private practice in sport and/or exercise psychology.

96% of our graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020-21, HESA).