Psychology of Sport

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this degree provides a strong foundation for those aiming to specialise in sport and exercise psychology. Explore the intriguing ways in which athletes and exercisers think, feel, and behave.

You’ll benefit from studying in an excellent department with cutting-edge psychology and sports equipment and facilities. Our research-active staff, who bring extensive academic and practical expertise, ensure a comprehensive and applied learning experience.

Designed to offer in-depth knowledge and practical skills, this course features a hands-on approach to developing research capabilities. It encourages you to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations. In your final year, you can specialise in areas of psychology and sport that intrigue you and undertake a supervised research project, allowing you to delve deeper into your specific interests.

Course Modules

• Year one: Core Areas of Psychology, Introduction to Sport Psychology, Introduction to Qualitative Research, Introduction to Quantitative Analysis, Philosophical Roots, Research Approaches and Academic Skills in Psychology, and Psychological Assessment and Strategies for Athletes.

• Year two: Behaviour Change, Biological Psychology, Classic Paradigms in Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology in Childhood and Adolescence, Further Research Methods, Individual Differences, New and Critical Theories in Social Psychology, Psychological Assessment and Strategies for Athletes, and Research and Professional Skills.

• Year three: Become Unstoppable: Professional Skills, Critical Issues and Topics in Sport Psychology, Applied Sport Psychology with Teams, Dissertation, and two optional modules from a range that may include: Atypical Child Development, Behaviour Change: Children, Families and Communities, Brain and Behaviour, Educational Psychology, Effective and Affective Thinking and Processing, Forensic Psychology, Media Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Psychology of Health, Psychology of Mental Health, The Psychology of Extreme Violence, Animal Therapy (Assisted and Individual) and Work Placement.

Assessment methods will vary depending on the modules you choose to study. You can expect exams, research reports, and essays. The remaining assessments will be split between assignments, practical reports, group work, and presentations.