The aim of this module is to introduce students to the principles and application of core psychological skills that support performance across sport, exercise and broader performance environments. The module focuses on the development of practical competencies in areas such as attention, confidence, motivation and performance preparation, using structured and applied learning approaches. Students will engage with performance scenarios in both sport and non-sport contexts, developing the ability to apply psychological techniques within defined ethical and professional boundaries. The module provides a foundation for advanced study in performance psychology and applied consulting practices in later stages of the programme.

1. Explain key psychological concepts and theories underpinning performance, including attention, motivation, confidence and arousal regulation.
2. Apply basic psychological skills and techniques to support performance in structured sport, exercise and broader performance contexts.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how performance may be influenced by pressure, distraction and environmental demands.
4. Design and implement simple performance strategies, such as goal setting and pre-performance routines, within guided scenarios.
5. Communicate effectively when applying psychological skills in performance settings, demonstrating awareness of interpersonal and contextual factors.
6. Reflect on the effectiveness of applied performance techniques and identify strengths, limitations and areas for development within their own practice.

This module aims to provide students with an advanced knowledge and understanding of human responses and adaptations to sport and exercise environments. Using a psychological approach, students are offered the forum for discussion and understanding of cognitions, affect and behaviour and the complex interactions between these in the various scenarios that present within a sport and/or exercise setting. A key focus of the module is to provide an understanding of the psychological approaches using real ‘applied’ situations within sport and exercise settings.

1. Analyse attitude formation and beliefs about sport and exercise psychology.
2. Apply psychological theory to explain performance in sport and exercise.
3. Discuss the use of behavioural observations for performance in sport and exercise.
4. Explain the effects of environmental and personal dispositional variables on behaviour in a variety of sport and exercise situations.
5. Analyse and interpret the scientific literature using an evidence based approach.
6. Discuss emerging trends in psychological approaches used within sport and exercise settings.
7. Describe the different stages of skill learning in motor performance
8. Apply motor learning theory in professional practice settings.

In its most simple form, ethics is the study of what makes a particular action in a particular situation the right thing to do. In the world of sport, there are unique challenges to the practice of ethics. This module will explore the current ethical issues in sport.

1. Describe the current ethical issues in sport.

2. Discuss the ethical framework and decision making process.

3. Debate current ethical issues in sport informed by evidence from the scientific literature.

4. Reflect on their own views on current ethical issues in sport.

This module will provide students with the knowledge and understanding of long-term athlete development, including talent identification, selection and development in sport. Biological, social, and psychological factors of success will be considered. Students will explore early and late specialisation, and diversification within a variety of sports.

1. Describe and critically evaluate the different talent development pathways

2. Explore and define the biological, social, and psychological factors that may impact talent development, identification, and selection

3. Describe and discuss the early and late specialisation within sport

4. Development and justify a coaching framework to show effective ways of promoting interest, participation or performance in sport

5. Discuss sources of evidence in relation to current and future athlete development priorities

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the role of social psychology in sport and exercise contexts. The students will critically examine the influence of interpersonal experiences on sport and exercise performance and explore how inter- and intra-group dynamics influence the experience of sport performers. The module will also aim to explore the influence others who actively participate in the sporting contexts, including coaches, the crowd, and opponents. The factors that influence the functional effectiveness of groups in sport and exercise contexts will also be examined.

1. Critically evaluate key theories and concepts in social psychology relevant to sport, exercise and performance contexts.
2. Apply social psychological principles to analyse practical issues that arise in sport and exercise environments.
3. Analyse interpersonal dynamics within sporting contexts, including relationships between key stakeholders that exist within these contexts.
4. Critically examine inter- and intra-group dynamics influence behaviour, cohesion and performance in sport and exercise contexts.
5. Evaluate the influence of social and environmental factors, including spectators, media and organisational structures on sport and exercise experiences and performance.

The aim of this module is to provide an advanced understanding of mental health and wellbeing in sport and exercise contexts. Students will critically examine the prevalence, risk factors and lived experiences of mental health difficulties among athletes and explore the impact of sporting environments on psychological wellbeing. The module emphasises the application of evidence-based principles to the promotion of mental health, prevention of psychological distress and support of athletes experiencing mental health challenges. Students will also explore ethical, professional and organisational responsibilities in safeguarding athletes wellbeing and working within appropriate boundaries of competence.

1. Describe and explain key concepts, theories, and research relating to mental health and wellbeing in sport and exercise contexts.
2. Identify and discuss common mental health difficulties experienced by athletes and the psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence mental wellbeing in sport.
3. Recognise potential indicators of mental health concerns in sporting contexts and understand the contextual factors that may influence athlete wellbeing.
4. Apply basic mental health promotion and support principles to practical sport and exercise scenarios, within appropriate ethical and professional boundaries.
5. Explain ethical, professional, and referral responsibilities when responding to mental health concerns in sport and exercise environments.

This module provides an exploration of the fundamental concepts and practices that underpin research in sport coaching, including experimental design, critical thought, the validation of data, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and presentation.

1. Use advanced literature-searching techniques and databases to find subject-specific information, reference appropriately and use relevantstatisticalsoftware (learning skills; IT).

2. Critique relevant research methodology in the sport coaching field.

3. Write an ethics proposal for experimental work with human subjects.
4. Select appropriate statistical tests to analyse a variety of experimental designs.
5. Demonstrate advanced presentational skills, including using reference-handling software, linking images in text documents, and compiling contents pages and indexes (communication; IT).

The aim of this module is to explore the theory and practice of sport psychology consulting, alongside the development of reflective skills essential for ethical, effective, and athlete-centred practice. The module aims to develop competencies in applied sport psychology through case based learning and simulated consulting tasks, enabling the student to apply psychological principles in structured performance contexts. Students will also develop an understanding of professional boundaries, scope of practice and the importance of recognising limits of competence, including making appropriate referral decisions within applied settings. Reflective practice is a core component of the module, supporting students in evaluating their personal and professional development, decision making and ethical awareness in sport, exercise and performance psychology.

1. Critically evaluate key theories and research on individual differences in sport and exercise psychology and their implications for athlete-centred consulting practice.
2. Apply sport psychology consulting frameworks and ethical guidelines to analyse and respond to applied case scenarios involving diverse athlete needs and performance contexts.
3. Demonstrate professional competence in simulated consulting tasks, including communication, needs analysis, goal setting, and intervention planning.
4. Engage in reflective practice to critically appraise personal learning, professional development, and ethical decision-making within sport and exercise psychology contexts.
5. Evaluate professional and ethical boundaries in sport psychology consulting, including issues of scope of practice, athlete welfare and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The aim of this module is to provide an exploration of the neural and psychophysiological mechanisms underpinning human performance in sport and exercise contexts. Students will critically examine how brain function, autonomic regulation, and psychophysiological processes influence skill acquisition, fatigue, stress, recovery, and adaptation to training. Students will explore and critically interpret contemporary neuroscientific and psychophysiological assessment methods within applied sport and performance environments.

1. Critically evaluate contemporary evidence on the neural and psychophysiological mechanisms underpinning performance, skill acquisition, fatigue, stress, recovery and adaptation in sport and exercise contexts.
2. Explain and interpret the functioning of key neural and psychophysiological systems relevant to performance and human movement in sport an exercise environments.
3. Select and justify appropriate neuroscientific and psychophysiological assessment methods to applied sport and performance settings with due consideration of validity, reliability, feasibility and ethical practice.
4. Analyse and interpret psychophysiological and neuroscientific data using appropriate frameworks to inform evidence-based performance and recovery strategies.
5. Demonstrate applied decision-making and effective communication informed by neuroscientific and psychophysiological principles within sport and exercise environments.

The aim of this module is to integrate cognitive, emotional, motivational and social perspectives to examine performance under pressure in sport and other high-demand contexts. The module emphasises the ethical application and critical evaluation of performance psychology principles, preparing the student to understand and support performance, consistency and adaptability.

1. Critically evaluate key theories and empirical research in performance psychology relevant to performance under pressure in sport and other high-demand contexts.
2. Analyse and integrate cognitive, emotional, motivational, and social factors that influence performance, consistency, and adaptability.
3. Apply performance psychology principles to the interpretation of applied performance scenarios while recognising ethical, professional, and scope-of-practice boundaries.
4. Demonstrate effective communication and professional judgement when discussing performance psychology concepts within sport and performance environments.

The aim of this module is to provide an advanced understanding of the cognitive processes
underlying human performance in sport and exercise. Students will apply cognitive psychology principles to performance enhancement, coaching, and exercise adherence and understand the relevance and implications of motor skill knowledge in applied contexts. Students will also explore how motor learning theories can influence the design of training environments for elite performers.

1. Critically evaluate key theories and empirical research in cognitive psychology, motor learning, and skill acquisition as they relate to human performance in sport and exercise contexts.
2. Analyse and interpret cognitive and behavioural performance data (e.g. attention, decision-making, perception, learning curves) using appropriate theoretical and methodological frameworks.
3. Apply cognitive psychology and motor learning principles to the design and evaluation of evidence-based strategies for performance enhancement, coaching practice, and exercise adherence.
4. Evaluate the role of cognitive processes such as attention, perception, decision-making and memory in shaping performance and learning in sport and exercise environments.
5. Communicate and justify evidence-based insights from cognitive psychology and motor learning research in sport, exercise and high-performance contexts.

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the psychology of physical activity, health and well-being. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between physical activity and one's psychological state. This module will detail how physical activity is a primary component of a healthy lifestyle, and explore how physical activity and exercise are centrally important to a holistic view of health and well-being. The module also explore the psychological determinants of physical activity participation, and the associated implications for health and well-being.

1. Critically evaluate contemporary psychological issues in the area of physical activity, health and well-being and their implications for health promotion practice.
2. Analyse and interpret the relationship between an individual’s psychological state and physical activity participation using relevant theoretical frameworks.
3. Critically examine psychological, social and environmental determinants that influence engagement in physical activity and health behaviours.
4. Design and evaluate evidence-based strategies to enable people to engage in physical activity for the benefit of their health and well-being.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of psychological approaches used to support physical activity behaviour change in health and exercise contexts.

The study of a specific topic in sport, exercise and performance psychology, involving original research. The choice of topic is by negotiation between the student and an appropriate member of teaching staff acting as supervisor. The project should, where possible, be original research and include some elements of design and planning for data collection, analysis of findings and development of new hypotheses. Data collection may be laboratory experimentation, questionnaires, social or behaviour observation.

1. Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of problems in sport, exercise and performance psychology.
2. Conduct appropriate research, and undertake design and development of a problem in sport, exercise and performance psychology and critically place the problem and its solution within the context of the body of knowledge of the selected topic area.
3. Generate new hypotheses for the selected topic area based on relevant research and own results.
4. Plan, organise, direct and control tasks and resources so as to accomplish project goals effectively within the allotted time.
5. Maintain accurate, accessible records of data collection, decisions made and their rationale in a reflective workbook and utilise suitable software packages for data manipulation and the preparation of typewritten documents.
6. Evaluate the experimental approach adopted and recognise its strengths and limitations, and compare and integrate the project findings with findings from previous work reported in the literature or elsewhere.
7. Prepare a structured, coherent project submission and engage in critical discussion of the conduct of the project and the significance of its findings.