What it's like studying Sport Psychology

Get a first-hand account of what it's like to study Sport Psychology, watch Tansy show us a day in the life of a School of Sport and Exercise Sciences student.

The LJMU Sport Psychology undergraduate course is a great first step for those aspiring to become a sport psychologist. 

Not knowing what to expect when I embarked on the three-year course I was pleasantly surprised by the wide-ranging modules, available placements in the final year and the support of staff along the way. Being a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course, not only are you introduced to the ways in which psychology, now deemed essential, can be applied in the sporting environment, you are also exposed to topics such as developmental, biological and social psychology, which are fascinating. 

Although I am heavily set on working in the world of sport, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about alternate psychology vocations, health and clinical psychology, and such routes have been taken by some of our graduated classmates.

‘The Sport Psychology course at LJMU was amazing for me for many reasons. The main one being the support from the tutors and how well the lessons were planned out, which made it very easy to keep on top of everything. The course itself was a very exciting prospect and I am very glad I took it as it has got me into a job I have dreamed of in social psychology.’ – Craig Latimer

Given the course is based at the Byrom Street Campus, time on the course can be divided between lecture theatres, the Motor Lab and some of James Parsons classrooms and computer labs. Outside of lectures, there is plenty of availability to connect with tutors and engage in other activities to support your learning, such as participating in the multitude of groundbreaking research experiments being conducted daily in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. 

The careers advisors are on hand to help boost your CV and prepare you for the world of work as they offer one-to-one tutorials, which come in very handy when the process of applying for placements start.

‘The quality of the teaching and supervision that I received while completing the BSc and MSc Sport Psychology courses at LJMU has provided me with the applied skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed in securing an applied psychology position and a place on the Sport and Exercise Psychology Professional Doctorate programme.’ – Freddie Turner

The placement module offered in your third year is a great opportunity to experience applied work, with a range of provided placements to satisfy your curiosity. 

The best piece of advice I can offer anyone about to undertake the undergrad course is to take full advantage of every opportunity put to you and engage with lectures and lecturers alike. If you’re stuck, ask for help. If you want to know more about a certain topic, you need only ask. 

The jump to university life is the epitome of the phrase 'you get out what you put in', so if you allow yourself, this could be the most exciting three years that could propel you into your chosen vocation.  

Interested in studying Sport Psychology at LJMU? Take a look at the sport-related courses on offer within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences.