Sport Psychology
BSc (Hons)

Research Methods and Statistics I (Core)

The aim of this module is to introduce you to basic issues in psychological research. The nature of psychology as a science will be made clear through your beginning to practice as a scientist yourself, gathering and evaluating evidence to test hypotheses.

Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology (Core)

This module will introduce you to the foundations of social and developmental psychology. The module also aims to discuss the links between these two areas of psychology, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of areas of psychology and helping to strengthen your understanding of the field of psychology.

Introduction to Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition (Core)

The module aims to introduce key theoretical and applied concepts in sport psychology and skill acquisition. In addition the module will provide a foundation in the language, methods, interventions and issues in sport psychology and skill acquisition. Through the presentation of theory and research the module aims to develop students’ understanding of this area of study.

• Credits: 20

Research Methods and Statistics II (Core)

This module builds on the foundation of research methods introduced in Research Methods and Statistics 1. The aim of this module is to expand your familiarity with basic research methods techniques. The nature of psychology as a science will be reinforced and explored as qualitative methods are introduced.

Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology (Core)

This module aims to introduce you to the foundations of cognitive and biological psychology. The module also aims to discuss the links between these two areas of psychology, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of areas of psychology and helping to strengthen your understanding of the field of psychology.

Everyday Psychology (Optional)

This module introduces you to topics within psychology that you can directly apply to your own lives. The aim is to engage and encourage you to begin considering the integrated and applied nature of psychological research using real life examples that will capture your interest. You will be exposed to cross-paradigmatic approaches and be introduced to academic debate and controversy within the context of specific topics.

Physiology of Exercise (Optional)

This module introduces you to fundamental principles underlying exercise physiology, focusing on the structure and function of physiological systems. You should be able to identify key physiological responses to exercise within theoretical frameworks and concepts, and you should also be able to assess and record physiological responses to exercise using newly learnt laboratory techniques to further your understanding and present your findings within pre-defined criteria associated with the study of exercise physiology.

Basic Biomechanics (Optional)

The module will provide you with knowledge of basic biomechanical principles and experience of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. The module will involve a series of lectures to identify and explain the key principles of biomechanics, and associated smaller group laboratory or seminar classes to allow you to further explore and understand these topics. Laboratory classes will provide you with hands-on experience of biomechanical data collection, particularly collection and analysis of force data.

Sport Performance (Optional)

This module aims to introduce you to a variety of sporting activities as a context for understanding how sport science disciplines can contribute to successful performance.

Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis (Core)

This module aims to provide you with hands-on experience collecting and analysing qualitative data, develop your skills in writing qualitative research reports, and develop your understanding of the philosophical assumptions that underpin qualitative research.

The Social Brain (Core)

This module introduces the theoretical approach in psychology known as social neuroscience. The aim of this course is to understand the social brain and, in particular, how social processes constrain individual minds. The course will address the notion of the self by studying our social interactions, in particular how we understand the intentions, emotions, and goals of others in order to survive in the modern world, rounded in neuropsychological literature and with an appreciation for the development of the field over the history of psychology. The course will necessarily have a focus on individual differences particularly focussing on personality theories.

Quantitative Research Methods and Statistics (Core)

The aim of this module is to build on the foundation in research methods and statistics gained from Level 4. You will be introduced to more complex experimental design and the appropriate statistical techniques.

The Developing Mind (Core)

The module is designed to develop your understanding of traditional cognitive psychology topics within a developmental perspective, from childhood to adulthood. The module addresses theories of development and learning, language development, reasoning and individual differences, in particular intelligence. It aims to expand on developmental and cognitive material introduced at Level 4, while also showing the interdisciplinary nature of the areas. The provisional nature of knowledge will be examined in terms of an approach which emphasises the progression of the field historically.

Social Psychology of Sport (Core)

This module aims to critically examine the impact of interpersonal and intra and inter group contexts on the experience of sport and sports performance. The module more specifically, aims to explore the impacts of others (e.g. opponents, crowd) on the psychology of sports performance and the understanding of a range of factors influencing the effective functioning of sport groups.

Physiology of Training (Optional)

This module will enable you to develop an integrated approach in the physiological aspects of training. This includes developing sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills to understand the physiological responses to training and how these can be manipulated to maximise performance. You will also begin to develop the ability to assess determinants and limitations of performance from an integrated and mechanistic viewpoint.

Sports Biomechanics (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Skill Acquisition I (Optional)

This module is designed to provide an understanding of how skills are acquired and what practitioners can do to expedite the learning process. Key evidence-based methods for enhancing skill acquisition will be covered alongside theoretical explanations of key research findings. You will have opportunities to put these methods into practice.

Contributing to the Community (Optional)

As local employers and suppliers of services, businesses are an integral part of any community or society. On this module, students with business or management ambitions will develop an appreciation of social issues and concerns. This module provides you with practical work experience in a community-focused service, such as a charity, social or education service. You will develop your societal awareness and gain a greater understanding of local-level organisations. The placement acts as a case study for you to explore issues of social justice and community action. The module also helps to develop your employability skills through the process of self-reflection and evaluation and by applying theory to practice.

Experience and Employment in Sport (Optional)

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to experience the workplace and to develop skills and knowledge in relation to working within the sport sector.

The module will help prepare you for the workplace by raising awareness of workplace issues, and encouraging you to reflect on your own personal and professional development. It will also help you to define and then develop the specific work-related skills that you need in order to become more employable in a sporting field. You will be encouraged to share experience in order to encourage learning and to help you articulate your strengths.

Experience and Employment in Education (Optional)

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to experience the workplace and to develop skills and knowledge in a relevant discipline. The module will help prepare you for the workplace by raising awareness of workplace issues within the education sector, encouraging you to reflect on the development of your professional practice.

It will also help you to define and then develop the specific work-related skills that you need in order to become more employable. You will be encouraged to share experience in order to encourage learning and to help you articulate your strengths.

Independent Project (Core)

This module aims to give you the opportunity to undertake independent research on a topic of your own choice within the field of psychology, under the individual guidance of a supervisor. Training on appropriate data collection, data analysis and presentation techniques is given as necessary.

Extended Literature Review (Core)

The module will give you the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive literature review of a specific area of psychology of interest to you, within the field of psychology, under the guidance of their supervisor. It will develop and consolidate skills in critical thinking, evaluating bodies of literature and in presenting reasoned arguments; all skills central to scientific practice. You will also hone your knowledge of research techniques and statistical analysis in order to aid you to critically evaluate the research you are reading. Training on appropriate data collection, data analysis and presentation techniques is given as necessary.

Applied Sport Psychology (Core)

The module aims to assess your ability to understand, critique, and apply various assessment methods unique to the domain of applied sport psychology. You will demonstrate a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks and models which underpin the psychological techniques implemented by an applied practitioner.

Psychology of Attention (Optional)

This module aims to introduce you to concepts within cognitive psychology of attention, and its everyday applications and research methodologies employed within this field of research and industry.

Health Psychology (Optional)

This module provides knowledge of the theory and practice for changing behaviour to improve health.

Psychology of Intimate Relationships (Optional)

In this module you will be introduced to the scientific study of issues around intimate relationships such as sex, love and attraction. Evolutionary and socio-cognitive approaches will be compared and contrasted, using historical and cross-cultural evidence. Perspectives on gender and sexuality will also be explored. You will be encouraged to engage in a critical evaluation of the debates that are covered but also to be able to apply the findings of the research to issues and controversies in society.

Experimental Biomechanics (Optional)

The module aims to develop knowledge, understanding and experience of kinetic and kinematic measurement techniques involved in biomechanical analysis of sport performance. 

The Enterprising Workplace (Optional)

This module provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace whilst reflecting on, identifying and improving your own skills, knowledge and professional identity. You will be introduced to the concepts of enterprise, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship and will explore how these exist within organisations.

Applied Child Psychology (Optional)

This module aims to develop your understanding of applied child development studies, to present a critical examination of theoretical and empirical basis of child development specifically in applied settings and to examine the implications of theoretical approaches and models for future development.

Psychology of Education (Optional)

The aim of this module is to introduce you to educational psychology and examine the links between theory, research and current professional practice. The module will concentrate on the practical applications of psychology within educational contexts in terms of work with individual children and young people, their teachers and carers. The module aims to develop your understanding of assessment techniques, individual differences, pupil motivation, social disadvantage, behavioural problems and special educational needs from the perspective of the pupil, parents, teacher and psychologist.

Psychology of Ageing (Optional)

Module description coming soon.

Skill Acquisition II (Optional)

This module provides you with an in-depth and critical understanding of contemporary theory, research, and practice in the field of skill acquisition and motor behaviour. This module also aims to enhance applied practice by allowing students to plan, develop, and implement sessions that are evidence-based and grounded in theory.

Environmental Physiology (Optional)

This module aims to give you an understanding of the effects of environmental factors on sport performance and to enable you to critically evaluate strategies to improve performance.

Managing in the Workplace (Optional)

In this module, you will consider the challenges of leadership and management. You will learn how these practices impact on the culture and success of an organisation through real-life examples. You will identify, observe and develop skills required to promote positive management practice and will analyse your own management style. You will be encouraged to consider leadership qualities and how you can demonstrate these at all levels in an organisation.