Sport and Exercise Psychology

Loughborough University

Overview

The   Sport and Exercise Psychology degree from  Loughborough University moves beyond the fundamentals of psychological science by focusing on significant areas in the applied contexts of sport and exercise while providing a critical understanding of sport and exercise psychology research and practice.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) through Accreditation Through Partnership the programme is supported by a large group of sport and exercise psychology staff who conduct cutting-edge research in their areas of expertise. Several also work as practitioners with with national governing sport bodies, individual athletes and professional teams. Their expertise include: group dynamics and leadership; social identity in sport and performance; mental health and wellbeing in elite sport; the coach-athlete relationship; eating disorders in sport; exercise in the management of mental health; resistance to performance breakdown; and motivation.

The programme targets significant areas of sport and exercise psychology packaged in the following modules: Introductory Qualitative and Quantitative Research; Self-Regulation in Sport and Exercise; Performance Psychology and Management; Psychology of Exercise for Clinical Populations; Mental Health in Sport and Exercise; Professional Practice in Sport Psychology; The Psychology of the Coach-Athlete Relationship; as well as a research project.

Careers  

• Sport and exercise psychologist or scientist

Becoming a sport and exercise psychologist: You should contact the BPS about registering for the Stage 2 Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP), which typically involves two years full-time (up to four years part-time) training as a 'Trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist'. Please be aware that the BPS requires trainees intending to register on the Stage 2 QSEP to have Graduate Status for Chartership (GBC). On successful completion of the BPS Stage 2 Qualification, you can apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a 'Sport and Exercise Psychologist'. You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to enquire about opportunities and supervisory fees.

Becoming a sport and exercise scientist (specialising in psychology): Training to become a sport and exercise psychologist through the BASES Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) typically requires two to four years of training under supervision. Depending on your first degree you may have to pass the Open University's 'Investigating Psychology 2' 60-credit module to qualify for training.

• Academic: lecturer/professor

You should apply for a doctoral degree (PhD) in an area you are interested in. PhDs are typically three years of full-time study (up to five years part-time study) and in the UK, funded doctoral degrees are regularly advertised on our website, jobs.ac.uk and the BASES website. It is also possible to self-fund a doctoral degree - you are encouraged to identify topic areas you are interested in and contact potential supervisors to enquire about opportunities.

Graduate destinations

Graduates from this course have gone on to careers such as: sport and exercise psychologist, sport and exercise scientist, lecturer in sport and exercise psychology, and sport coach or exercise instructor/trainer. Other students have progressed to doctoral research in the field of sport and exercise psychology.Graduates from the School have gone on to pursue roles in sport and exercise psychology within organisations such as the British Psychological Society, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, GiveSurf, Leicester Tigers, and the Ministry of Defence. Many graduates undertake Stage 2 training to become Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) accredited Sport and Exercise Psychology practitioners. Graduates have also secured positions at: Aston Villa FC, Bedworth Cricket Club, Decorum and Tring Athletics Club, Fulham FC Foundation, Help for Heroes, InnerDrive, International Tennis Federation, Leeds Gymnastics Club, Leicester City FC, Nottingham Forest FC and Scottish Borders Council.

Accreditation

 British Psychological Society (BPS)