(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Sport and Exercise Psychology (including Placement Year)
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 C682
17/10/2023
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: ABB, including B in one science subject or Mathematics (PE and Psychology count as science A-levels)
BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655, including Higher Level Science or Mathematics grade 5, or (if not taking HL Maths) Standard Level Mathematics grade 4. We will accept either IB Maths syllabus at Standard Level or Higher Level.
Standard Level Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma:15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject and units studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
BTEC HNC and HND qualifications can be considered for direct entry into the 2nd and final year of this course. Contact the Admissions Team for more information.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
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.
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
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.
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.