Sport and Exercise Psychology

This module will introduce the importance of research and explore different philosophies underpinning scientific research in sport and exercise, alongside specific qualitative and quantitative methods for interdisciplinary study. Key concepts such as validity, reliability, and ethics will be considered. Additionally, the module aims to raise student awareness about the importance of developing academic and employability skills. For instance, students will explore potential graduate careers and identify the skills needed in such careers, before reflecting on current competencies to bridge gaps (which will be further supplemented by students working with personal academic tutors). While focusing on the sport, exercise, and health industries, students will also be encouraged to consider the transferability of these skills to other professions, such as teaching.

This module will introduce students to key topics in sport psychology and the psychological aspects of physical activity and exercise participation. It will cover psychological concepts, models and theories that describe and explain experiences in sport and exercise. The module will cover topics regarding psychological phenomena that determine athletic success, the initiation and adherence of physical activity, and psychological responses to exercise. Students will also discuss key readings related to these topics, and gain initial insight into how sport and exercise psychologists might enhance athletic experiences and exercise participation. This module establishes a foundational knowledge base that connects to sport and/or exercise psychology modules at levels five and six.

This module offers an introduction to the study of sport from a socio-cultural perspective. Specifically, this module will engage students in contemporary discussions about what matters in sport, culture, and life. Using examples from across the globe, students will also be encouraged to reflect on their basic assumptions with regards to sport, and how these might impact sport psychology practice. Following this, students will be asked to consider the use of psychology by sport coaches, with a particular focus on how sport coaches might help their athletes to learn mental skills (e.g., relaxation) and life skills (e.g., assertiveness).

This module introduces students to teams and groups, key aspects of sporting involvement and performance. It explores team formation and the challenges of maintaining such teams, including cohesion and interpersonal relationships. The module examines current knowledge of sport group productivity and strategies for enhancing group effectiveness. Additionally, the module covers the development of sporting and motor skills, focusing on learning environments that impact skill acquisition. A notable feature is the consistent collection of data through laboratory activities, providing a hands-on approach that aids in understanding the laboratory report process.

This module will examine both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in sport, emphasising practical research skills such as data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation. It will also focus on critical skills, including evaluating research papers, methods, designs, and methodologies. Students will explore social processes like leadership, team communication, and conflict within sport research, gaining a broad awareness of ethical issues in both quantitative and qualitative methods. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse research techniques and their applications in sport, alongside an awareness of the ethical considerations involved in conducting sport research

This module examines key approaches and topics in social psychology, covering conceptual and historical issues and debates in areas such as social identity, social cognition, prejudice, social constructivism, and discursive psychology. This module also considers individual differences by examining personality, motivation, emotion, well-being, and health through various theoretical lenses, with applications focused on sporting and exercise contexts. Additionally, the module considers developmental psychology, examining theoretical and methodological perspectives on development within social, biological, and cultural contexts, highlighting both historical and contemporary viewpoints. Here, topics such as play, intelligence, relationships, and gendered and sexual identities will all be examined.

This module examines the knowledge and skills required for a career in sport and exercise psychology, focusing on core communication skills for building effective professional relationships. Students will examine various factors impacting approaches to consultation and develop the ability to communicate with clients from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, this module will consider discussions around mental health, and how to manage such conversations. Finally, this module will further develop research skills in students, such as idea generation, selecting methods of data collection and analysis, considering research ethics, and more. By doing so, this module will seek to prepare students for the research dissertation in their final year of study.

This module introduces students to a range of psychological skills techniques that have been used to enhance performance in sport settings. These techniques are designed to enhance psychological skills such as emotional regulation, focus and concentration, imagery, and stress management for athletes. Students will see how theories and concepts covered at Level 4 provide the basis for the psychological skills introduced here. Moreover, students will develop an understanding and appreciation of new theories and research designed to explain the function and efficacy of specific skills. Students will also experiment with these skills, design appropriate interventions, and consider how these can impact upon athletes’ experiences in performance environments.

This module will examine those psychological factors that affect physical activity and exercise behaviour. Specifically, this module will use theories (e.g., Self-Determination Theory) and behavioural models (e.g., Transtheoretical Model) to examine the possible barriers related to the adoption and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle in an environment where sedentary living is becoming ever more prevalent. The psychological processes that underpin the physical activity and exercise motivation literature will also be used to appraise the specific intervention programmes that practitioners may undertake. At the same time, students will design their own interventions when working with individuals and groups within a physical activity context.

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of planning, executing, and presenting an in-depth, independent research project focused on a specific area within sport and exercise. Students will select their project focus through consultation with tutors, ensuring alignment with their interests and the curriculum. Students will also develop a strong awareness of appropriate research methodologies for empirical studies, emphasising analytical and evaluative approaches. Throughout the module, students will receive guidance on research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This hands-on project offers a valuable opportunity for students to critically examine a topic of personal and academic significance, contributing to their professional and academic development.

This module will critically examine various philosophical and theoretical approaches to delivering applied sport psychology services, requiring students to explore their own potential approaches and understand different delivery perspectives. Building on foundational knowledge of practitioner processes such as assessment, intervention, and evaluation, students will also examine diverse environments where psychological knowledge related to performance can be applied and evaluated. This exploration will enhance students' critical understanding of the possibilities in sport, exercise, and performance psychology, aiding in the development of their own approaches to service delivery across various contexts.

This module will critically examine the biological basis of human and non-human behaviour, including comparative and evolutionary psychology, typical and atypical neuropsychology, neuroscience, behavioural genetics, and the effect of hormones on behaviour. This module also critically examines fundamental topics in cognitive psychology, such as sensation and perception, attention, language, learning, memory, thinking, problem solving, decision making, metacognition, consciousness, and cognitive neuropsychology. Conceptual and historical issues relevant to biological and cognitive psychology are also critically discussed. Further, students will critically examine the research methods used by cognitive and biological psychologists.

This module offers students vocationally relevant experience in sport, exercise, and psychology- related organisations. By engaging with professional roles within the industry, students can enhance their employability by applying theoretical knowledge and reflecting on the skills required for specific roles. Additionally, the module encourages students to critically reflect on their graduate employability skills, working with tutors to address skill gaps and explore postgraduate study and employment options in related fields. Students will also examine job application processes and learn from the experiences of others, further preparing them for careers in sport, exercise, and psychology.

This module will critically examine the impact of injury on performers from several perspectives. First, it will critically examine the challenges of short-term injury for the athlete and how successful return to play is influenced by several psychological, cultural, and social variables including the rehabilitation process. Next, it will critically examine the impact of career-ending injury and retirement from sport. Theories and models adapted and designed to explain this psychologically challenging process will be critically appraised alongside alternative approaches to understanding the athlete in transition. Consideration will also be given to how governing bodies might better prepare athletes for and support them post sport.