BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology

Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of psychology and focus on the application of psychology in sport and exercise settings on a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society.

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    • Studying Abroad Option Available
    • Sandwich Year Option Available
    • International Students Can Apply
    • Professional Accreditation

    Overview

    UCAS Code: C813
    Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time
    Start Dates: September 2020, September 2021
    Subjects: Psychology
    Sport and Physical Activity
    Location: Edge Hill University

    Psychology is increasingly used by elite athletes in pursuit of the marginal gains that will propel them over the winning line. However, winning isn’t everything, so research also focuses on how psychology can promote engagement and motivation in non-elite physical activity. This degree, accredited by the British Psychological Society, is an innovative collaboration between the departments of Psychology and Sport and Physical Activity. It explores the science of mind and behaviour, equipping you with an understanding of the principles of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, physiological and social psychology. You will explore how psychological science explains performance and engagement, as well as discover how this can be used to help develop athletes and promote physical activity and exercise. You will study what motivates athletes and exercisers, how to support and develop elite sport performers, and the influence of exercise on psychological wellbeing.

    Student and Alumni Profiles

    • Brett Bienias

      BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology
      This course provides an opportunity to gain a lot of hands-on experience. Early on you get to conduct your own interviews and observations, as well as collect data and complete research.
       View full profile
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    In Depth

    What will I study?

    Year 1 begins with the study of cognitive and biological psychology, exploring the relationship between brain and behaviour, perception, memory and intelligence. The course then progresses onto aspects of social and developmental psychology, personality and individual differences. There is an opportunity to develop academic, personal and interpersonal skills in a specially designed module called Essential Skills in Applied Psychology. Emphasis includes student personal development, career aspirations and employability. You will also be introduced to the research methods and data analysis that underpin psychological science, discover key concepts in sport and exercise psychology, and explore both the structure and function of various physiological systems.

    In Year 2 you will study four major interrelated areas of psychology (social, developmental, biological and cognitive) helping to develop a critical awareness, improve interpersonal and social skills and understand human behaviour. More advanced research methods will be introduced where you will work as part of a group conducting qualitative and quantitative research. Continuing the exploration of sport and exercise psychology, you will address topics within motor skill learning, sport performance, and exercise participation and its psychological benefits.

    In Year 3 the course focuses on the application of psychology in sport and exercise settings with an emphasis on real-world challenges. Modules explore how psychological principles can be trained to enhance the learning and performance of movements, how psychological skills training can help support and develop athletes, and how physical activity and exercise behaviours can be changed and maintained. You will also study personality and individual differences, benefit from a dedicated employability module, and undertake a piece of individual research submitted as a dissertation within an area of sport and/or exercise psychology.

    How will I study?

    Two thirds of this degree will be spent in the Department of Psychology, with one third being spent in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. Our dedicated sport and exercise science laboratories allow hands-on exploration of human movement and performance in sport and exercise through class activities and student-directed research projects. There is a wide range of IT facilities, including experiment generation and statistical packages.

    How will I be assessed?

    Most modules are assessed through a mixture of examination and coursework, although some are assessed solely by coursework. Assignments may be traditional essays and literature reviews, research project reports, case studies and oral presentations. In Year 3, you will complete your dissertation project.

    Who will be teaching me?

    You will be taught by highly experienced and enthusiastic tutors with a real commitment to teaching, research and consultancy in sport and exercise settings. The team is made up of British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Psychologists and Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologists, as well as accredited British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) psychology practitioners. As a team we are dynamic, friendly and supportive of your needs.

    A Great Study Environment

    Two students, one carrying a cognitive psychology book, walk away from a suite of computers.The £6m Law and Psychology building provides contemporary teaching and learning facilities for students in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Law and Criminology.

    The three-storey building includes a 250-seat lecture theatre, seminar and tutorial rooms, and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. There are also specially designed experimental facilities for psychological research.

    Psychology resources include state-of-the-art eye trackers, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) methods, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for examining cognitive functioning and brain activity. Other specialist laboratories include a group testing laboratory, two bi-directional observation rooms, a ‘bar simulation laboratory’ (for alcohol research), audio-visual suites and dedicated IT facilities equipped with subject specific software installed to support experimental work.

    Modules

    Expand All

    Year 1

    PSY1109Essential Skills in Applied Psychology (20 credits)

    Essential Skills in Applied Psychology develops a range of academic, personal and interpersonal skills designed to enhance your potential both within and beyond university. The focus is on harnessing key undergraduate skills such as academic reading, writing and critique, group working, finding and presenting information, time management, self-awareness and reflection, and applying them in the context of the degree subject. The module takes a holistic approach to applications of theory.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    PSY1111Introduction to Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology (20 credits)

    Introduction to Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology will familiarise you with the approaches and concepts central to the study of behaviour. The module explores the historical and theoretical concepts of personality and individual differences, social cognition and social and cognitive development.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY1112Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology (20 credits)

    Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology considers the processes underlying behaviour (such as perception, sensation and memory) and how human beings are embedded in their world (e.g. by way of their shared biology and learned knowledge). In this way, the module aims to equip you with a broad understanding of basic theories and concepts and a range of interrelated approaches towards the psychological study of human behaviour.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY1116Investigating Methods in Psychology (20 credits)

    Investigating Methods in Psychology demonstrates the key approaches to research in psychology and develops your skills in experimental design, data analysis and data interpretation. You will learn about approaches to research in areas of cognitive, developmental, social and biological psychology and will be provided with the opportunity to learn and practice these techniques yourself.  The module will also enable you to gain the skills required in order to produce descriptive and inferential statistics.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SPT1430Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Physiology and Nutrition (20 credits)

    Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Physiology and Nutrition introduces you to the essential concepts of exercise physiology and nutrition and their application in sports and exercise. The module provides you with a knowledge of both the structure and function of the various physiological systems and the manner in which nutrition plays a part in maintaining homeostasis. The exploration of these theoretical concepts will be supplemented by additional laboratory sessions which will assess physiological function at rest and during various modes and intensities of exercise.  The data collected will be utilised to develop competencies within the laboratory and enable you to undertake appropriate analysis.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    SPT1434Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 credits)

    Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology equips you with knowledge of the key concepts and theories of sport and exercise psychology. The module includes an overview of fundamental psychological theories and perspectives, personality and motivational theory, and emotions in sport and exercise. You will also be introduced to basic measurement tools and methods.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    Year 2

    PSY2112Developmental Psychology (20 credits)

    Developmental Psychology addresses the processes involved in key aspects of human development and their relevant applications in real world settings. It will focus mainly (though not exclusively) on development in childhood including areas such as cognition, memory, language, emotional, and social development. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of key theories and psychological research that have informed our understanding of development in these areas.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    PSY2113Social Psychology (20 credits)

    Social Psychology reveals the extent to which social influences and interactions are pervasive in affecting individual behaviour, while also considering how the actions of an individual in turn affect other individuals and groups. You will develop an awareness of the relationship between person and situation and examine how this dynamic relationship both influences, and is crucial to, the understanding of behaviour.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY2114Cognitive Psychology (20 credits)

    Cognitive Psychology will examine both classic and contemporary research that has led to the development of theories regarding how attention, perception and memory all function. The module will also examine how each of these components interact during everyday tasks. You will consider how thinking, language and emotion enable us to reason about, and interact meaningfully with, the external world, gaining an understanding of the processes used to communicate, comprehend, and use information and knowledge.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    PSY2115Biological Psychology (20 credits)

    Biological Psychology studies the human nervous system, including its structure and functioning. There will be a particular focus upon the brain. You will learn in detail the processes by which messages are passed through the system and the way the brain interacts with the hormones of the endocrine system in order to preserve life. The methods by which the brain is commonly researched will also be explored in order to provide a basis for understanding much current research and theorising in psychology.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    PSY2116Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 credits)

    Research Methods and Data Analysis provides you with the skills necessary to design, execute and report your own research. A particular emphasis is placed on data analysis: quantitative techniques (analysis of variance and regression) and qualitative techniques (grounded theory and phenomenological analysis). These data analysis skills will be essential for carrying out dissertations and are also highly valued by employers.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SPT2434Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 credits)

    Sport and Exercise Psychology provides a theoretical understanding of contemporary sport and exercise psychology. The module is centred on three key themes. These are the psychological processes of sport participation, the psychological processes associated with exercise participation, and the psychological processes influencing the learning and performance of movement skills. Key components of the module include the understanding and evaluation of psychological theory and empirical evidence, as well as gaining practical experience of laboratory and/or field-based activities within the discipline. The module will be of direct relevance if you wish to gain an insightful understanding of the underpinning psychological theories and concepts in both sport and exercise settings.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    Year 3

    PSY3129Personality and Individual Differences (20 credits)

    Personality and Individual Differences is a module designed to develop your appreciation of individual differences in the study of human behaviour. In particular, the module will examine how individual differences interact in almost every example of psychological research with experimental or situational paradigms to produce results differing profoundly for individuals of different personalities, different capacities and different motivations.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    PSY3135Dissertation (30 credits)

    Dissertation requires you to carry out a piece of research for which, with tutorial support, you have responsibility for designing, gathering data, analysing data, and reporting the findings. You will work independently and demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and initiative in managing your work.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    PSY3136Reflections and Future Directions (10 credits)

    Reflections and Future Directions considers the historical and conceptual issues in psychology from an informed perspective, using knowledge and understanding acquired throughout the degree. You will learn to acknowledge your own individual role as a prospective psychology graduate within a wider context, recognising and maximising the skills acquired throughout the programme, in preparation for future employment or further study.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SPT3434Applied Sports Psychology (20 credits)

    Applied Sports Psychology provides you with the opportunity to study the application of the discipline of sport psychology. You will review, consolidate, extend and apply your knowledge of sport psychology theory through a problem-based learning approach. The module will examine human behaviour in the sporting environment and focus upon the application of psychological skills training (PST) intervention strategies to maximise sporting performance.


    Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Practical(s): 30%.

    SPT3435Applied Exercise Psychology (20 credits)

    Applied Exercise Psychology offers you the opportunity to study the practical application of  theories in exercise and health psychology. You will review, consolidate, extend and apply your knowledge of exercise and health psychology theory. Levels of intervention will be addressed and you will investigate matching strategy and theory to appropriate populations. You will also critically evaluate the empirical evidence demonstrating the psychological consequences of exercise and physical activity behaviours.


    Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Practical(s): 30%.

    SPT3436Applied Skill Acquisition in Sport (20 credits)

    Applied Skill Acquisition in Sport recognises that the way in which complex movements are acquired and coordinated, how skills can be made robust under pressure, and how experts and novices differ in their cognitive-perceptual skills has been the object of research for nearly a century. This module will explore the theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence concerning how the brain controls movements and consider how this knowledge can be applied in the optimisation of movement skills and expertise development. You will gain an understanding of the contemporary issues in, and approaches to influence, both the control and learning of human movement, with a specific focus on applying this knowledge in real-world environments.


    Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Practical(s): 40%.

    Timetables

    Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

    Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

    Entry Criteria 2021/22

    Entry Requirements

    Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

    Example Offers

    Some examples of how you can achieve 104-112 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

    • A Level: BCC-BBC;
    • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

    Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

    As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

    For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

    EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

    If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

    Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

    Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

    Entry Criteria 2020/21

    Entry Requirements

    Typical offer 112 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

    Example Offers

    Some examples of how you can achieve 112 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

    • A Level: BBC;
    • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

    Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

    As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

    For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

    EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

    If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

    Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

    Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

    Career Prospects

    What are my career prospects?

    This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) provided the minimum standard of a lower second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.

    This degree is ideal preparation for a career in 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. Sport-related careers include coaching and physical education, the exercise and fitness industry and health promotion. Graduates from this subject are attractive to employers in a range of commercial and public sector areas.

    It is important to recognise that training in sport and exercise psychology is acquired through postgraduate education and supervised practice. On completion of this programme, you will require further training to practice as a sport and exercise psychologist.

    How can I enhance my employability?

    It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.

    Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:

    • Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
    • Erasmus+ and Study Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
    • Learning a Language – you may be able to participate in Language Steps classes, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as additional study.

    Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2020/21, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21 are £12,250 per annum.

    The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

    Financial Support

    Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK and EU students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining this programme in academic year 2020/21, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2020/21 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2020.

    Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

    Scholarships

    ScholarshipsEdge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.

    These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

    To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

    Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

    Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

    Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

    Visit Us

    If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

    Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective students, including monthly campus tours, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

    Request a Prospectus

    If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

    Get in Touch

    If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

    Course Changes

    Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

    12th February 2020 - Change to Entry Requirements

    104-112 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2021 entry.

    25th June 2018 - Change to Entry Requirements

    GCSE English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) has been added to the entry criteria.