Module Directory

This module explores holistic approaches to athlete development by examining how psychological, emotional, and social factors influence wellbeing and performance. It introduces students to a range of mental health challenges commonly experienced in sport, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, and considers how these may affect individuals across diverse backgrounds and sporting contexts. Through case studies, evidence-informed strategies, and reflective discussions, students will learn how to support athlete wellbeing as part of ethical and inclusive coaching practice. In addition to understanding the needs of athletes, this module also focuses on the health and wellbeing of coaches. Students will investigate the impact of burnout, stress, and emotional labour within coaching roles, and explore sustainable strategies for self-care and professional resilience. By the end of the module, students will be better equipped to promote safe, person-centred environments that value diversity and support long-term participation in sport.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide students with a foundational understanding of common mental health conditions in sport and examine how inclusive, ethical, and evidence-informed coaching practices can support the holistic development and wellbeing of athletes from diverse backgrounds.


• To enable students to critically reflect on the emotional demands of coaching and apply sustainable strategies that support both athlete and coach wellbeing, fostering resilient, athlete-centred coaching environments.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Explain common mental health conditions experienced by athletes and explain their potential impact on performance and development.


2. Identify and discuss inclusive strategies that support the holistic development and wellbeing of athletes from diverse backgrounds.


3. Analyse the emotional and psychological demands of coaching and explore sustainable approaches to supporting coach wellbeing.


4. Critically evaluate person-centred coaching practices that address the long-term wellbeing of both athletes and coaches in varied performance contexts.

Indicative syllabus:

• Introduction to athlete and coach wellbeing in sport


• Overview of common mental health conditions in sport (such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder)


• The impact of mental health on performance, development, and engagement


• Ethical and inclusive approaches to supporting athlete wellbeing


• Understanding the coach’s role and limits in responding to mental health challenges


• Recognising signs of mental distress and knowing when and how to refer appropriately


• Coaching strategies that promote resilience, confidence, and self-regulation in athletes


• Understanding and managing stress and burnout in coaching practice


• Tools and techniques for coach self-care and wellbeing


• Reflective practice for personal and professional development


• Creating psychologically safe and person-centred coaching environments


• Integrating evidence-based approaches to support mental wellbeing in sport


• Case studies of wellbeing-focused coaching interventions

This module will be delivered via:

• One 1-hour seminar per week
• One 1-hour lecture a week
• Four 2-hour voluntary support sessions across the term

All learning resources will be available before scheduled sessions. A variety of materials, including academic readings, case studies, podcasts, and videos, will be provided to support different learning styles and deepen understanding of mental health and wellbeing in sport. Students are expected to complete the weekly readings prior to class and actively participate in discussions, case study analyses, and practical activities that explore ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based approaches to athlete wellbeing.

All taught sessions, except practical workshops, will be recorded and accessible via Listen Again. The module’s content and activities will reflect diverse sporting environments and promote psychologically safe, person-centred coaching practices. Reflective practice is central to this module. Students will be encouraged to engage in self-reflection and peer feedback to support their personal and professional development, including strategies for managing stress, burnout, and promoting resilience.