Course content
Sport and exercise psychology has expanded rapidly over the last few years, with an increasing need and recognition of sport science support services, and public health and well-being.
The work of sport and exercise psychologists can be wide ranging. From working with high level athletes to help them reach their potential, to supporting the general population to optimise their exercise participation.
Working with our experienced sport and exercise psychology staff, you'll build your theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
With access to a range of facilities such as our world-class Tudor Hale Centre for Sport, you'll gain the skills and experience that a range of employers are looking for.
Why this course?
- You will be provided with the scientific background to enable you to analyse sports performance and exercise participation from a psychological viewpoint
- You will gain knowledge and skills in how to maintain and enhance performance and participation to a range of populations
- The provision of specialist education reflects the considerable expertise that is available within the Faculty
- Preparation for entry into employment
- The degree programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society
- The programme provides an excellent underpinning for further study in Sport and Exercise Psychology at postgraduate level
Our facilities
Over the past few years, we have redeveloped both of our campuses so that you have the best facilities available as you study for your degree. We pride ourselves on the quality of the learning environment we can offer our students. All of our facilities are designed for academic teaching, research, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions and for your social/recreational use throughout the week and weekends.
The world-class Tudor Hale Centre for Sport is the focus of sporting activities, both academic and recreational, at the University. The Tudor Hale Centre for Sport incorporates a suite of state of the art sport science laboratories, a sports injury clinic, a strength and conditioning room and a fitness suite. In addition, there is a sports hall used for basketball, netball, trampolining, badminton, volleyball, cricket, soccer, table tennis, hockey and ultimate frisbee.
Located beside the Tudor Hale Centre for Sport you will find our brand new Sports Dome, incorporating four indoor tennis courts, our all-weather astro turf pitch, and grass rugby pitch.
Facilities:
- Brand new Sports Dome, with four tennis courts, three netball courts
- Sports hall
- 110m synthetic athletics track
- Modern fitness suite
- Strength and conditioning room
- Two multi-purpose gymnasiums
- Indoor and outdoor climbing walls and climbing boulder
- Grass football and rugby pitches
- Outdoor netball and tennis court
- Floodlit synthetic Astro Turf pitch
- Two seminar rooms
- Cricket nets
Where this can take you
We understand the importance of ensuring that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to compete successfully in today’s challenging jobs market.
Our students have gone on to work in a variety industries including:
- Fitness consultant
- Athletic trainer
- Sports psychologist
- Sports science support personnel
- Sports equipment consultant
- Health promotion
- Exercise prescription on GP referral schemes
Have you thought about postgraduate study? We offer postgraduate research programmes (MPhil/PhD) across the field of sport disciplines.
Supervision is offered by a strong, research-active team with a range of expertise. Our research interests stem from applied experience to deliver ‘real world’ meaningful results.
Course accreditations

Indicative modules
Year One
- Applications of Psychology in Sport and Exercise (double module)
- Scientific Enquiry into Sport and Exercise (double module)
- Everyday Experience and Psychological Methods
- Interpersonal Skills
- Perspectives in Psychology
- Principles of Psychology
Year Two
- Analysis Methods for Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Stress, Coping, and Emotions
- Motivating Athletes
- Cognitive Psychology for Sports Performance
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Psychology of Physical Activity and Health
Year Three
- Independent Project (double module)
- Applied Sport Psychology: Delivering Mental Strategies
- Group Dynamics in Sport
- Applied Sport Psychology: Professional Practice
- Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions
Including a choice of two from:
- Psychology of Injury and Rehabilitation
- Psychology in Context: Work and Organisations
- Developing as a Researcher in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
- Developing Employability Skills for Sport and Exercise Psychology
International English Studies
Teaching and assessment
We pride ourselves on the quality of the teaching given to our students. Innovation, enthusiasm and expertise combine to deliver the excellent standards that give our institution its high reputation for learning and teaching.
When you come to Chichester, you will join a community of students and lecturers working in partnership to ensure that your learning experience reflects best practice and embraces the opportunities presented by new, interactive technologies.
Each module is delivered differently, depending on its content and focus of study. In most modules you can expect lead lectures to introduce core content, but the majority of your time will be spent working in small groups with tutor support in seminars, workshops or laboratory sessions.
Many sessions will require you to have completed some preparatory work, and you will also be given structured follow-up work after a session to further progress your learning, often reading or an individual/group task. As you progress through your degree, you will be expected to take more and more ownership over your learning and development, directing your study into areas of most interest to you.
How you will be assessed
You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, examinations, portfolios, practical assessments, lab reports, and oral presentations.
Our course includes a mix of assessments, so that you may develop a wide range of transferable skills. Modules are assessed at every stage of the course, offering cumulative assessment of your progress. You can monitor your own progress, allowing you the opportunity to discuss and plan your development with your lecturers throughout the course. Where appropriate, special arrangements can be made for students with an identified need.