BSc (Hons)

Sport and Exercise Psychology

C680

Sports psychologists work to help both team and individual sports men and women to fine tune their physical and mental capacities to maximise performance at critical times.

A man in the start position to begin a race

Course overview

The course is designed to ensure you develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation within the field of sport and exercise psychology. This is the first step to developing individuals who are effectively prepared to practise as competent and confident professionals, who can make sound and compassionate decisions, problem solve and provide a consistent and high standard of evidence-based practice.

Central to the programme is the understanding that you will develop the knowledge, skills, behaviour and values required of a future practitioner psychologist.

Modules include Group Dynamics, Psychological Skills, Designing Exercise Interventions, Applied Sport Psychology and Psychology of Injury. In Year 3, you will also research and write a dissertation in an area of your choice.

Expert teaching combined with bespoke amenities, such as our psychology laboratory, ensure you have the knowledge base to critically evaluate and engage with contemporary sport and exercise psychology research and practice.

Graduates find work as practitioner psychologists, sport and exercise scientists, teachers/lecturers, researchers/scientists, health promotion workers and in management roles in sport.

Our Sport and Exercise Psychology degree can lead to eligibility to train to become a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered practitioner psychologist through the completion of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 4 years sandwich
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

C680

Typical offer

104-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • High-quality teaching in a friendly learning environment from staff who have experience in both applied and research backgrounds
  • Combine scientific rigour with practical experience and develop essential transferable skills to optimise your employment opportunities
  • Benefit from access to industry-standard psychology laboratory equipment as part of the programme
  • The programme is accredited by the British Psychology Society (BPS)

Course details

Work Placements

You have the opportunity to undertake a professional practice experience as part of an employability module in the third year of your study. This module provides students with the opportunity to gain vocationally relevant experience in a sport and/or exercise-related organisation that aligns with the student’s specific career interests. Students will be expected to critically reflect on the individual skills, knowledge and ability required to fulfil specific professional roles within the context of their chosen experience.

Learning and Teaching

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours

Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours

Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 264 hours
Independent learning: 900 hours
Placement: 36 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

Year 1 (Level 4)*:

67% coursework
8% written exams
25% practical exams

Year 2 (Level 5)*:

83% coursework
8% written exams
9% practical exams

Year 3 (Level 6)*:

70% coursework
0% written exams
30% practical exams

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Sport Matters

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. This module will help students to understand difficult concepts and explore some of the fundamental questions and challenges in sport today. Using examples from across the globe, students will also be encouraged to reflect on their basic assumptions with regards to sport. At the same time, an emphasis will be placed on the development of transferable academic skills and critical thinking in particular.

Developing Graduate Employability Skills: Raising Self-Awareness

This module will seek to raise student awareness about the importance of developing graduate employability skills alongside their academic studies. Working with personal tutors, students will consider the various graduate careers they might pursue, the skills needed to undertake such roles, as well as reflecting on the skills they currently possess and how they might ‘bridge’ any gaps. Although there will be a focus on the sport, exercise, and health industries, students will also be encouraged to consider the transferable nature of graduate employability skills to other professions (e.g., teaching).

Sport Psychology

This module will introduce students to key topics in sport psychology. It will cover some of the key psychological theories and concepts that influence peoples’ experiences in the sport environment. These might include exploring what happens when athletes fail to cope with stress and anxiety; how athletes respond to and deal with injury; and what role personality and mental toughness might play in athletes reaching their potential. Students will also begin to discuss key readings related to some of the central concepts and thus develop their understanding. Fundamentally this module establishes a knowledge base that links to other sport psychology modules at levels five and six.

Group Dynamics

This module will introduce the student to teams and groups, an important feature of sporting involvement and performance. The team will be examined in relation to how they are formed and how, over time, they can evolve into an effective and high functioning group. In addition, students will study the challenges inherent in maintaining a high functioning team and factors that can impinge on this including cohesion and interpersonal relationships. The focus of the module is therefore to examine current knowledge of sport group productivity and functioning, and to consider strategies to develop and increase the effectiveness of group functioning.

Sport Coaching 1

This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles that underpin coaching practice. As such, the module will highlight the importance of the fundamentals of learning and teaching; the key role of leadership in coaching; and the need to develop a philosophy of coaching. In the process, students will be provided with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of these key principles and their importance through reflecting on established coaching practices, and looking at key case studies of coaches and their work.

Research in Action

This module will introduce the importance of research and explore the different philosophies that underpin scientific research in sport and exercise. It will also introduce a variety of specific qualitative and quantitative methods appropriate for the interdisciplinary study of sport and exercise. Consideration will also be given to key concepts such as validity, reliability and ethics.

Skill Acquisition

This module will examine how sporting skills, and motor skills more generally, are developed. Features of learning environments that impact on the skill acquisition process will be explored. A particular feature of the module will be the consistent collection of data through laboratory activities that enable a ‘hands on’ understanding to be developed. This will assist in the development of understanding of the laboratory report process.

Exercise Psychology

This module will introduce students to thinking psychologically about physical activity and exercise participation. It will explore some of the key psychological theories and concepts that impact experiences with regards to physical activity and exercise. These might include how physical activity and exercise can improve our psychological well-being and mental health, or how social and environmental factors might support active travel. Students will also begin to discuss key readings related to some of the central concepts and thus develop their understanding.

Optional modules

Volunteering in Professional Contexts  15 credits

Sport Coaching 2  15 credits

Modules

Data Analysis in Sport

This module will examine quantitative approaches to research in sport. An emphasis will be placed on practical research skills (e.g., key methods of data collection, management, analysis) and critical skills (e.g., evaluating research papers and methods), alongside a broad awareness of ethical issues in sport research.

Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise Psychology

This module will examine qualitative methods in social processes (e.g., leadership, team communication, team conflict) in sport research. An emphasis will be placed on practical research skills (e.g., data collection, analysis, interpretation) and critical skills (e.g., evaluating research designs and methodologies), alongside a broad awareness of ethical issues when using qualitative methods.

Social Psychology

This module aims to explore some of the key approaches and topics in social psychology in greater depth. Students will be introduced to key conceptual and historical issues and debates in social psychology, as well as some of the traditional areas of the discipline such as social identity, the self, social cognition and prejudice. The module will examine both ‘classic’ studies and theories, as well as contemporary treatments of these topics. The module will also examine approaches to social psychology and traditions emerging from these, such as social constructionism and discursive psychology.

Developmental Psychology

This module examines a number of theoretical vantage points and methods from which developmental phenomena can be studied. Students engage with a variety of conceptual and historical issues, as well as more contemporary ways of looking at development. Key will be an examination of situated development within a complex setting in which social, biological and cultural factors play a part.

Developing Graduate Employability Skills: Extending Opportunities

This module aims to extend the opportunities available to students to develop their graduate employability skills alongside their academic studies. Working with personal tutors, students will be encouraged to engage with potential employers, while also developing their research skills. Although there will be a focus on the sport, exercise, and health industries, the importance of developing professional relationships in terms of graduate employability across various domains will also be considered.

Personality and Individual Differences

This module aims to extend students understanding of the spectrum of individual differences and draws on content from a range of areas of psychology. Specifically, this module covers key issues of contemporary significance using core areas of individual difference psychology such as personality, motivation, emotion and well-being. Topics are focused on in-depth by examining different theoretical approaches to these concepts which allows students to understand how conceptual and historical issues inform our understanding and application of individual differences. The application of individual difference theory and research will be considered within the module in a number of contexts; e.g., clinical, educational, organisational, as well as sport and exercise contexts.

Developing Effective Relationships

The aim of this module is to enable the student to develop the skills and theoretical knowledge required of a practitioner within the domain of sport and exercise. Building on a strong theoretical foundation, students will examine a range of factors and the potential impact of each upon the approach adopted by the consultant. A core focus of the module will be to introduce students to core communication skills and how they can use these skills to build more effective professional working relationships. Crucially, students will develop the ability to communicate with clients regardless of age, intellect or social group.

Psychological Skills

This module introduces students to a range of psychological skills techniques which have been used to enhance performance in both sport settings. These techniques are designed to enhance psychological skills such as emotional regulation, focus and concentration, self-confidence and stress management for athletes. Students will see progression between some of the theories and concepts covered at level 4 and how those theories have provided 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 have the opportunity to experiment with these skills, design appropriate interventions and consider how these can impact upon athletes’ experiences in performance related, competitive environments.

Designing Exercise Interventions

This module will examine those psychological factors that affect physical activity and exercise behaviour. Specifically, this module will use theories and behavioural models 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 then be used to appraise the specific intervention programmes that practitioners may undertake.

Modules

Dissertation

This module aims to provide students with the experiences of planning and executing an in-depth and independent research project that investigates a specific area within sport/exercise. Students will negotiate the focus of the project with tutorial guidance and will be expected to show an awareness of research methodology appropriate for an empirical research project. Emphasis will be placed on topics that are analytical, interdisciplinary and/or evaluative in nature. This is the opportunity for students to produce a research project in a particular area of interest that relates to the curriculum being studied.

Professional Development in Sport, Exercise, and Psychology

This module provides students with the opportunity to gain vocationally relevant experience in a sport, exercise and/or psychology-related organisation. Alongside staff, students will investigate areas of interest in sport, exercise, and psychology vocations and will be introduced to the demands of different professional roles. Such engagement with the sport, exercise and/or psychology industry can be a valuable employability tool. Students will be expected to apply their theoretical and subject knowledge of sport, exercise and/or psychology and critically reflect on the individual skills, knowledge and ability required to fulfil specific professional roles within the context of their chosen organisation.

Developing Graduate Employability Skills: Reflections and Next Steps

This module will encourage students to critically reflect on the development of their graduate employability skills during their time at university. Working with personal tutors, students will critically appraise their efforts in ‘closing’ any graduate skills gaps, as well as the options available to them in terms of postgraduate study and employment in the sport, exercise, and health industries, and other related areas. At the same time, students will critically examine the processes involved in applying for graduate jobs, while also learning from the experiences of others.

Applied Sport Psychology

This module will critically examine a range of potential philosophical and theoretical approaches to the delivery of applied sport psychology services. Students will be required to explore their own potential approach to service delivery and understand the differences in delivery from a variety of perspectives. This critical exploration will be developed from a foundation understanding of practitioner processes when working including assessment, intervention and evaluation.

Psychology of Injury

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 more 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.

Psychology in Context

This module will critically examine the variety of environments where psychological knowledge related to performance can be examined and practice evaluated. The opportunities to understand the scope of contexts will aid the students in developing their critical understanding of the possibilities in the field of sport, exercise and performance psychology.

Cognition and Behaviour

This module provides you with a broad overview of 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 cognitive psychology are also covered. You will gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by cognitive psychologists.

Brain and Behaviour

This module provides you with an insight into 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. You will learn how our conceptual models of biological psychology have developed through history as new methods of investigation were developed. You will also gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by biological psychologists.

Entry requirements

104-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)

BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4

T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few.We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages. 

2024 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

Kit

Students are expected to wear appropriate attire for practical sessions. Students can buy branded kit from us or wear their own. Students can buy as little or as much they like. Indicative cost is £15-£50 per item.

Core Texts

These are available from the University Library; however, some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some Core Texts can be bought second hand, or as an eBook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £50-£200 per academic year.

Professional Courses

We deliver several professional courses (e.g., coaching courses, Combined Level 3 Gym Instructor and Personal Training, etc.) either as part of or alongside the taught curriculum. However, any course that is mandatory is delivered free of charge, with optional courses often heavily subsidised. Indicative cost is £10-£600 per course.

Volunteering or Placement

Students may incur travel costs on volunteering and/or placement modules. However, we will consider each individual students’ circumstances when undertaking these experiences and seek to minimise any such costs as appropriate. Indicative cost is £10-£30 per day for travel.

Optional

Overseas trip

Students have the option to attend a trip to a Film Festival throughout the duration of the course. Indicative cost: £375 per academic year.

Technology

It is recommended that students purchase their own hard-drive storage at the beginning of the course. Indicative cost: 2TB devices cost £80.

Disclosure and Barring Service

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.

Mandatory

Printing and Binding

The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates work as practitioner psychologists; sport and exercise scientists; teachers/lecturers; researchers/scientists; health promotion workers; and in management roles in sport.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduate employability and further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.

Pre-approved for a Masters

If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

Learn more about our MSc Applied Sport Psychology programme.

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