Programme aims
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: A knowledge of individual difference, social, cognitive and developmental factors in sport and exercise psychology.
A2: A knowledge of psychological factors underpinning physical activity behaviour and well-being.
A3: A knowledge of psychological skills and how they are applied in sport and exercise.
A4: An understanding of issues within professional practice in sport and exercise psychology.
A5: A knowledge of different research methods and analytical procedures.
A6: An understanding of how to conduct empirical research in sport and exercise psychology.
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding. Seminars/lectures will be the principal method of delivery of A1-A5 and contribute to the delivery of A6. These sessions will comprise a blend of lecturer-led delivery, student-led presentations, discussions of research articles and case-studies, and role play scenarios. To reflect the applied nature of the discipline, practicals and laboratory sessions will provide students with a knowledge of skills and techniques relevant to research and applied practice. Across all modules, a range of online resources will be provided via the virtual learning environment and students will be supported to undertake relevant reading and associated activities. In class activities and the virtual learning environment will faciltate group discussions and peer learning. The completion of a research project will underpin A6, contribute to A5 and a range of A1-A4 dependent on the project topic.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ knowledge and understanding. These include written assessments such as examinations, literature reviews, research proposals and reports, analysis of current psychological practices, intervention proposals, and the research project. These will be completed by oral presentations, practical assessments, and the production of psychological resources such as vodcasts.
Exams: A1, A3, A5
Research proposal: A2, A5, A6
Research report: A1, A5
Analysis of current practice: A1, A4
Intervention proposal: A4
Research project: A1-A6, but especially A5 and A6.
Oral presentations: A1, A2, A5, A6
Literature review: A1, A5
Practical assessments: A1, A3, A5
Vodcasts: A1-A4
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Systematically retrieve, select and integrate appropriate information
B2: Synthesise and evaluate evidence, arguments and ideas from both primary and secondary sources in a self-directed manner
B3: Apply theoretical knowledge to real world settings.
B4: Select, apply, and evaluate appropriate research methodologies and analytical procedures.
Learning methods
Seminars/lectures across all modules will contribute to B1-B3. B4 will primarily be developed in the Research Methods and Research Project modules through the use of seminars, computer laboratories, and tutorial support. Across the programme, taught sessions will be complemented by online resources and through the completion of tasks and assessments to help achieve B1-B4.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ intellectual and cognitive skills.
Exams: B1-B4
Research proposal: B1, B4
Research report: B1, B2, B4
Analysis of current practice: B1-B3
Intervention proposal: B1-B3
Research project: B1-B4
Oral presentations: B1, B2, B4
Literature review: B1, B2, B4
Practical assessments: B1-B3
Vodcasts: B1-B2
C: Practical skills
C1: Demonstrate appropriate laboratory and field skills in an accurate and safe manner.
C2: Able to use appropriate software for data collection, presentation, analysis, etc.
C3: Design effective psychological interventions at individual, group, community or population levels in sport and exercise.
C4: Design and appraise monitoring and evaluation tools in sport and exercise.
C5: Critically evaluate ethical issues in research and applied sport and exercise psychology.
C6: Critically reflect upon own professional skills to benefit future learning and practice.
Learning methods
C1 and C2 will primarily be developed in the Research Methods and Research Project modules, along with Cognitive, Social Differences, and Development modules. C1 will particularly developed in practical and laboratory sessions, which will provide opportunties to learn and develop a range of relevant skills in a supervised and supportiv environment. C2 will be developed in computer laboratories and tutorial support. C3 will primarily be developed in the Applied Techniques module, alongside the Professional Practice and Social/Individual Difference module. Specifically, the use of seminars, discussions of case studies, and role play scenarios will enable students to develop evidence-base interventions and associated resources. C4 will be primarily be developed in the seminars delivered on the Professional Practice, Applied Techniques and Developmental modules. C5 and C6 will primarily be taught in the seminars and associated discussion tasks on the Research Methods and Professional Practice modules. Across the programme, taught sessions (lectures, seminars, practicals and laboratories) will be complemented by online resources and through the completion of tasks and assessments to help achieve C1-C6.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ practical and professional skills.
Exams: C2, C3, C5
Research proposal: C2, C4, C5
Research report: C2
Analysis of current practice: C2-C6
Intervention proposal: C2-C3
Research project: C1, C2, C5, C6
Oral presentations: C2, C5, C6
Literature review: C2
Practical assessments: C1-C6
Vodcasts: C2
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
D2: Proficient in various word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, web browsing and email packages, and able to use appropriate online databases.
D3: Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyse data.
D4: Able to explore, analyse and find effective solutions for problems involving reasonably complex information.
D5: Work effectively as part of a team to collect data and/or to produce reports and presentations.
D6: Study independently, set realistic targets and plan work and time to meet targets within deadlines and evaluate and reflect on own performance.
Learning methods
Seminars/lectures across all modules will contribute to D1, D2, D4 and D6. D3 will primarily be developed through the use of seminars, computer laboratories, and tutorial support. In SE738 Research Methods, students will learn qualitative and quantitative research designs and analytical techniques, and these will be applied to tackle specific issues in other modules including the Research Project and Social Psychology. D5 will primarily be developed in the group assignments and interactive tasks on Research Methods, Applied Techniques and Social Psychology modules. D6 will primarily be developed in the Research Project module with support from a allocated supervisor, along with ongoing support from a personal tutor across the programme. All taught sessions (lectures, seminars, practicals and laboratories) across the programme will be complemented by online resources and through the completion of tasks and assessments to help achieve D1-D6.
Assessment methods
A range of methods will be utilised to assess students’ key skills.
Exams: D1-D4, D6
Research proposal: D1-D4, D6
Research report: D1-D3, D6
Analysis of current practice: D1, D2, D4, D6
Intervention proposal: D1, D2, D4, D6
Research project: D1-D6
Oral presentations: D1-D6
Literature review: D1, D2, D4, D6
Practical assessments: D1-D6
Vodcasts: D1, D2, D6