Sport and Exercise Psychology (including Year Abroad)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Sport and Exercise Psychology (including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Events, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Psychology
BSC C681
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Admission criteria

  • GCSE: Mathematics C/4.
  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels and a minimum grade C in a science subject or Mathematics. PE and Psychology are acceptable as science A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent including C in one science subject or Mathematics. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include 5 in a Higher level science subject or Mathematics. Our GCSE Maths requirement can be met with either: 4 in Standard level Maths; 3 in Higher level Maths; or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.
  • A-level Science or equivalent: If you have or are studying other level 3/A-level equivalent subjects in areas related to science or maths we may be able to consider you if you do not meet the requirements outlined above.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Prof Joanne Hudson

Professor

Swansea University

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  PS101-4-AU-CO  Understanding our place in the world  Core  15  15 
02  PS102-4-AU-CO  Growing in the world  Core  15  15 
03  PS103-4-AU-CO  Experiencing Emotion  Core  15  15 
04  PS104-4-SP-CO  Thinking and the Mind  Core  15  15 
05  PS105-4-SP-CO  The Social World  Core  15  15 
06  PS106-4-SP-CO  The Social Brain  Core  15  15 
07  SE104-4-AU-CO  Sport and Exercise Psychology  Compulsory  15  15 
08    SE102-4-SP or SE103-4-SP  Optional  15  15 
09  PS117-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Personal Development and Employability  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  PS406-5-AU-CO  Developmental Psychology  Core  15  15 
02  PS407-5-AU-CO  Social Psychology  Core  15  15 
03  PS411-5-SP-CO  Brain and Behaviour  Core  15  15 
04  PS425-5-SP-CO  Cognitive Psychology  Core  15  15 
05  SE205-5-SP-CO  Health and Active Lifestyle  Core  15  15 
06  SE207-5-SP-CO  Sport and Performance Psychology  Core  15  15 
07  SE230-5-SP-CO  Research Methods in Sport and Exercise  Core  15  15 
08    SE206-5-AU or SE224-5-AU  Optional  15  15 
09  PS417-5-FY-CO  PS417-5-SP  Compulsory 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  AW121-6-FY-CO  Abroad Module 120 Credits  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SE309-6-FY-CO  Research Project  Core  45  45 
02  SE330-6-AU-CO  Environments Shape Physical Activity: Translating Research into Practice  Compulsory  15  15 
03  SE304-6-SP-CO  Applied Sports Psychology  Compulsory  15  15 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05    Option from list  Optional  15  15 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

1. To provide an education in the core areas psychology and their application to sport and exercise, appropriate to gain Graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
2. To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of psychological science and the application to sport and exercise, while also providing opportunities to develop expertise within particular areas of specialisation within either sport and exercise science (e.g., movement science; sport and exercise nutrition) or psychology (e.g., cognitive psychology; social psychology).
3. To provide students with a suitable grounding for further study, professional training, and/or research.
4. To provide training in transferable skills necessary to meet the current requirements of graduate employers.

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: Basic psychological theory, research methods and statistics.

A2: Psychological theory within the core domains as outlined by the BPS. These are Biological Psychology; Sensation and Perception; Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Social Psychology; and Research Methods.

A3: Different research methods and analytical procedures appropriate for psychological science

A4: Concepts, principles, and techniques in broader aspects of sport and exercise science.

A5: Principles and techniques in those areas in which the student has chosen to develop special expertise

Learning methods

The scheme has been designed to be progressive: acquisition of basic psychological theory, research methods and statistics (A1) is taught in the first year. Acquisition of compulsory core courses in psychological theory (A2), and knowledge of statistical theory and experimental design (A3), are taught in the first and second years. Concepts, principles, and techniques in broader aspects of sport and exercise science and the psychological applications are covered across all three years, but primarily in the second and third years. Understanding of specialist topics is encouraged in the third year by means of specialist option modules (A5), in addition to a compulsory final year research project (A5). The compulsory second year modules and the final year project provide the core syllabus required for professional accreditation by the British Psychological Society.

Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles outlined in A1-A5 and direct students to textbooks, online material, and research papers. Laboratory practical sessions complement lectures and contribute to teaching and development of A4 and A5, particularly for the sport and exercise applications of psychological theory. Computer-based workshops are also utilised to develop knowledge and understanding of research methods and analytical procedures (A1-A3). A range of other learning methods are also integrated across modules including tutorials, discussion groups (A1-A3), project research and supervision (A5), student presentations (A5) and directed reading (A1-A4). The range of learning methods included, alongside access to listen again and availability of all resources via Moodle, will ensure that learning methods are inclusive for all students.

Assessment methods

A variety of methods of assessment are used, including multiple-choice exams (A1-A5), essays (A1, A2, A4), end-of-year open book examinations (A1-A5), laboratory reports (A1-A4), oral presentations (A5), data analysis and presentation (A1, A3), vodcasts, client reports and case studies (A2, A4, A5) and a research dissertation (A3, A5). These methods give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding via range of means, with examinations taking place remotely to support inclusivity and submission of coursework being online via FASER. Sessions specific to the assessment will also be embedded into modules to further support students.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Critically evaluate the relative strengths of a range of theories and techniques used in sport and exercise psychology and parent disciplines.

B2: Employ evidence-based reasoning to produce coherent research plans and hypotheses.

B3: Assemble and integrate evidence from a variety of sources, including primary sources

B4: Select, apply, and evaluate appropriate research methodologies and analytical procedures.

B5: Apply theoretical knowledge to real world settings.

Learning methods

B1 is developed in both lecture and laboratory classes, across the three years of the course, whilst B2 is developed in most laboratory assignments and is central to the final-year project. B3 is developed through lectures, guided reading, and tutor-led discussion groups. B4 is developed in computer-based statistics workshops and laboratory sessions, as well as the final-year research project. B5 is achieved by progressive subject development over the 3 years, and applied sports psychology and sports science modules which students undertake in the second and third year. The range of learning methods included, alongside access to listen again and availability of all resources via Moodle will ensure that learning methods are inclusive for all students.

Assessment methods

B1-B5 are primarily assessed by open book examinations, essays, laboratory reports and client case studies. The final year project also assesses intellectual and cognitive skills B1-5. Students will take examinations remotely to support inclusivity and submission of coursework will be via FASER. Sessions specific to the assessment will also be embedded into modules to further support students.

C: Practical skills

C1: Effectively test research hypotheses using standard statistical techniques (e.g., t-tests).

C2: Present quantitative data in tabular and graphical form.

C3: Use a range of psychological and sport and exercise science tools, such as specialist software and laboratory equipment

C4: Design effective psychological interventions at individual, group, community or population levels in sport and exercise.

C5: Plan, undertake and report an empirical project.

Learning methods

Practical skills (C1-C4) are developed in laboratory classes, assignments, and project work. C1 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of statistical software, whilst C2 is taught in laboratory-based project work and computer-based workshops, and further developed in the final year research project. C3 and C5 are developed in laboratory classes and during the supervision of the final year individual project. C4 is developed through supervised practical sessions in sport and exercise psychology laboratories and lectures in applied sport and exercise psychology modules. The range of learning methods included, alongside access to listen again and availability of all resources via Moodle will ensure that learning methods are inclusive for all students. Supervised practical sessions (e.g. with exercise components) will also be adapted to ensure all students can participate.

Assessment methods

Practical skills are assessed through marked laboratory reports (C1-C3), open-book examinations (C1-C4), scientific papers (C1-C4), and the final year empirical project (C1-C5), that includes assessment of both an oral presentation and a written report of the project. Students will take examinations remotely to support inclusivity and submission of coursework will be via FASER. Sessions specific to the assessment will also be embedded into modules to further support students and one to one support with the final year project will be provided through a project supervisor.

D: Key skills

D1: Communicate ideas effectively in written, oral, or visual means

D2: Be computer-literate i) Use appropriate IT facilities to prepare and present laboratory reports and essays. ii) Use statistical software to analyse quantitative data

D3: Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to collect, analyse and present data

D4: Problem solve and reason scientifically complex problems and design effective solutions

D5: Improve own learning and performance i) Organise activity and time in an effective way. ii) Study independently

Learning methods

D1 is developed throughout the course in laboratory classes, lectures, tutorials, computer-based workshops, and the final year individual project. D2(i) and D2(ii) are taught in computer-based workshops and practical laboratory sessions in both the first and second year and further developed with supervision of the third-year project. D3 is developed primarily in practical laboratory sessions, computer-based workshops and in the final year project, whilst D4 is developed in exercises and laboratory practical classes and in the final year project. D5(i) and D5(ii) are emphasised throughout the programme and are developed by means of rigid deadlines, feedback on assignments and discussions with class tutors. Students are also directed to the University’s Skills for Success package which allows them to book one-to-one support sessions, attend workshops and access online resources for a range of academic skills.

Assessment methods

Written skills (D1) are assessed through coursework essays and practical reports, including the final year project and via examinations. Oral and visual communication skills (D1) are assessed via student presentations, including the final year project presentation, vodcasts and infographics. D2 and D3 are assessed via statistical analysis worksheets and tasks in year 1 and incorporated into a range of assessments, thereafter, including the final year project. D4 is assessed in scientific reports and the final year project reports. There is also an element of problem-solving in researching, preparing, and answering essay questions. D5 is assessed indirectly by awarding marks for evidence of additional reading and by imposing strict deadlines for coursework assignments. Students can also book appointments with Skills for Success to support development of assessments.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.