BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Psychology

Course Overview

Our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Sport and Exercise Psychology degree covers an exciting and continually expanding field of study as there is an increasing need and awareness of sport and exercise psychology support services in relation to performance, public health and well-being. The work of sport and exercise psychologists can be wide ranging, from working with high level athletes to help them reach their potential, to supporting the general population to maintain their exercise routines.

More Info

The course is designed to provide a scientific understanding of the human mind, brain, behaviour, and experience, and of the complex interactions between these, as applied to competitive and recreational sport and exercise. It seeks to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of mainstream psychology and to then consider it in a theoretical or applied sport and/ or exercise environment. This Sport and Exercise Psychology degree is the first step in the required qualifications essential to become a registered sport and exercise psychologist. You'll study modules from both psychology and sport courses which enables you to blend your understanding of both disciplines.

Why this course at Marjon?

Learn from qualified sport and exercise psychologists, who have considerable expertise and continue to consult with clients.
Exploring the cutting edge research of sport and exercise psychology topics such as mental health and well-being in sport, and abuse in sport.
Study on sports focused campus with like-minded people with onsite sport centre, gym and pool and health clinics.
Work with NHS patients in exercise referral clinics.
Work alongside wide range of athletes from elite sport to community focused exercise.
The programme provides an excellent underpinning for further study in Sport and Exercise Psychology at postgraduate level.

Perfect if you're curious about:

What is the relationship between mental health and sport and exercise?
Why do some individuals choke under pressure, and how can it be prevented?
How can you build lasting confidence in an individual?
How can you encourage long-lasting adherence to physical activity that benefits health?
How can psychology reduce injuries in athletes, and help athletes to overcome them?
How can athletes develop their concentration skills?

Book a virtual open day How to apply for this course Register interest for Sept 2020

Course Snapshot

Melissa Coyle - Course Lecturer

"In your first year you will gain an understanding of psychology and how that applies to a sporting context. You will also learn about factors that impact on health and wellbeing and how they can be overcome. During your second year you will learn key concepts in exercise psychology such as social support, self-esteem and concentration. You will also study key concepts such as memory, language and personality. In the third year you will learn advanced applied psychological techniques that can help improve sporting performance and will also study professional ethics and relationship management skills."

Modules

All modules are compulsory:

1st Year

Foundations in Psychology
Social Psychology I
How do people work in groups? What influences our group roles and behaviour?
Introduction to Sport, Exercise & Health Psychology
Develop a foundation level of knowledge and understanding of key concepts and models in sport and exercise psychology such as injury, personality, anxiety / arousal, confidence, motivation, adherence, theories of behaviour change, and exercise addiction.
Health & Wellbeing
You’ll investigate factors which impact on wellbeing; ill-health, stress & loss, alongside how illness & disability are displayed in the media. For assessment , you'll create an information leaflet for someone with a mental health problem.
Understanding Research; Theory & Method
An introduction to research methods, we focus on the big questions: What is research? What is positivism? How do I research? What about ethics?
Developmental Psychology

2nd Year

Sport & Exercise Psychology
Key intermediate concepts within the field of sport and exercise psychology: e.g. Social support, emotions, coping, self-esteem, mental health, eating disorders, mental toughness, career transition, music, group dynamics, attention and concentration.
Social Psychology 2
Thinking & Learning
Memory & Language
Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods

3rd Year

Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology
Reinforce and develop the students' understanding of advanced applied techniques in mental skill development and performance enhancement; e.g. Assessment techniques relevant to sport and exercise psychology, psychological skills, and applied consultancy frameworks and philosophies.
Advanced Sport & Exercise Psychology
Provide an in depth level of knowledge, understanding, and experience of the applied practice of sport psychology. Such as applied professional ethics , counselling skills, Consulting relationships and gaining entry to working with client.
Working with People
Neuropsychology
Empirical Project

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What might you become?

Our Sport and Exercise Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to provide graduates with chartered membership of the Society, the necessary first step in a career as a psychologist in the UK. The next step after completion of this BSc degree for a career as a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist is to complete a BPS accredited MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology programme. Training in Sport and Exercise Psychology is acquired through postgraduate education and supervised practice; you are not qualified to practice as a Sport and Exercise psychologist without further training.

This degree prepare students for a career in the field of sport and exercise psychology and supports progression into professional psychology careers paths including postgraduate training, educational psychology, clinical psychology, occupational psychology, health psychology, teaching (further training required) and research. It also provides excellent preparation for other related careers in sport science support, the sport, fitness and health industries, and health promotion.

Current Students

“I enjoy the sports modules most, especially the ones relating to goal setting and self-talk. The lecturers are easy to get along with and the course has helped me to become more understanding of the people around me.”

“I most enjoy studying behaviourism and why people act in certain ways. I like the people in my class and the tutors are helpful, they always get the information across. I’ve developed through the group presentation task by mixing with new people and presenting in front of my peers.”

Lecturers

Melissa Coyle

Senior Lecturer

Melissa has research interests that include increasing self-awareness and positive growth and mental health, developing confidence and emotional control, reducing anxiety, and facilitating communication.

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Tracy Edwards

Technician - Psychology Laboratory

Tracy is the Senior Psychology Technician overseeing the specialist Psychology facilities. She supports undergraduate and postgraduate students in areas such as the application of statistical analysis, writing skills and presentation skills.

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Sophie Gibbs-Nicholls

Lecturer

Sophie, who plays pool for England, teaches sport and exercise psychology principles and how these can be applied to improve sport performance.

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Dr Alister McCormick

Senior Lecturer

Alister teaches psychology and its applications to sport, exercise, and health. His main research interest is how psychological interventions can be used to improve the performances of people who participate in endurance events, such as middle- and long-distance running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon events.

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Dr Rosanna Walters-Symons

Lecturer - Psychology

Rosanna specialises in the psychology of sporting performance, examining the critical perceptual cognitive factors that enable elite performance. Her research fields are cognitive psychology, performance psychology and quantitative methods.

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