BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Psychology
Study psychology and its application to sport and exercise.
Easy access to both sport science and psychology labs
Entry requirements
Three A-levels at grades BBC or above.
Or BTEC triple grades DMM or above.
Or Access 30-42 D/M with minimum 18D.
And GCSE English Language at grade 4 or grade C or above.
Course Summary
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.
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.
Students say...
Connor Bromley
“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.”
Benjamin Cawley
“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.”
This course is 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?
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.
Accredited by:
British Psychological Society
Modules for this course
Course Snapshot
“ 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
1st Year
Foundations in Psychology
Social Psychology I
Introduction to Sport, Exercise & Health Psychology
Health & Wellbeing
Understanding Research; Theory & Method
Developmental Psychology
2nd Year
Sport & Exercise Psychology
Social Psychology 2
Thinking & Learning
Memory & Language
Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods
3rd Year
Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology
Advanced Sport & Exercise Psychology
Working with People
Neuropsychology
Empirical Project
Fees and funding
Fees UK students: £9,250 per annum
Fees for International students: £12,000 per annum
Teaching and assessment
How will you be taught?
Teaching typically includes lectures, seminars, practical’s and interactive group work. There are typically 12-14 hours of contact per week.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment methods are through case studies, exams, practice al assessment, critical reviews, essays, oral presentations, poster presentations, portfolios, and research thesis.
Course leader
Dr Hazel Bending
Hazel is a chartered member of The British Psychological Society (BPS). Her research has focused on how students in Higher Education best learn; investigating how various techniques from using technology to reflective practice and wellbeing can enhance students’ experiences and skills.
View full profileLecturers
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.
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.
Sophie, who plays pool for England, teaches sport and exercise psychology principles and how these can be applied to improve sport performance.
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.
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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