2024/25 entry
BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology
Why study Sport Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University?
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Taught by BPS Chartered Psychologists and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered Practitioners in Sport and Exercise
- Study in state-of-the art laboratories and teaching facilities
- Applied learning opportunities within LJMU, with regional partners and remote opportunities further afield in the UK
- Includes a free applied focus event on understanding the world of applied sport and exercise psychology. Previous events include engagement with sport psychologists working with Olympic athletes and English Premier League football clubs
- Step one on the career path to becoming an HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist in Sport and Exercise
- Employability themes integrated throughout the programme
About your course
BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University is professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society. The course offers exciting placement opportunities that are all, uniquely for the sector, both external and pre-sourced across a range of settings including schools, councils, local charities and sports clubs.
Sport and exercise psychologists are increasingly in demand to help improve performance by developing key psychological and perceptual-cognitive-motor skills. They can be found working with Olympic and Paralympic athletes and professional sports clubs, as well as in physical education or therapeutic professions. They also work with individuals with specific neurological conditions to help develop motor learning and control processes, plus aspects of social cognition.
The basis of the programme is to take the core psychological principles and apply them to real scenarios in professional sport, exercise and physical activity settings, plus areas such as physical education or therapeutic professions.
On this course you will develop scientific research skills, theoretical knowledge and skills in reporting empirical findings so that you will be able to carry out research projects based on real practice. Moreover, a key component of the programme structure is to develop applied skills that will allow you to operate effectively in a wide range of contexts.
You will develop fundamental and principal skills in Levels 4 and 5, culminating in a core applied placement or work-based learning project and major project in Level 6. If you choose an applied placement, you may spend a proportion of your final year working with an external placement provider. In doing so, you will also develop transferable skills that are essential in most careers, such as critical evaluation and verbal and written presentations. For your major project, you will fully experience the research process through the planning, production, analyses and report of a piece of independent research conducted in a responsible, safe and ethical manner.
Practice is an essential part of your studies, so you will have use of our 25 million state-of-the-art science laboratories and equipment, as well as opportunities to gain experience during your core placement.
"On my placement I had the opportunity to work with children with autism and trampolining, supporting the children and parents to enjoy the exercise sessions. This was an opportunity to help me to grow as a trainee sport and exercise psychologist."
Professional accreditation/links
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and confers eligibility for graduate membership of the BPS and the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). To be eligible for Chartered Membership via your undergraduate degree you must have achieved at least a 2:2 award.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.
Employability
LJMU is one of a limited number of UK universities to provide a complete training route to become a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered Practitioner Psychologist in Sport and Exercise.
Further training is required after a degree in BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology in order to become an HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist in Sport and Exercise.
This involves completing a postgraduate qualification, such as an accredited masters in sport psychology and a period of supervised practice. A British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) endorsed MSc Sport Psychology can be undertaken at LJMU.
Some of the staff within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences are Registered Supervisors for the HCPC-approved Stage 2 Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology through the BPS and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) independent programme Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR).
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences also offers a BPS accredited and HCPC approved Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology, which will enable students to complete their training at LJMU.
The demand for high-quality science graduates continues to increase. This course puts you on the pathway for a career in sport and exercise psychology and sports science management roles within the world of sport and national governing bodies. Alternatively, you could pursue further study at PGCE, masters or PhD level. With your BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), you will be eligible to apply for other psychology MSc programmes, such as Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology or Educational Psychology.
Find out more about career opportunities in sport and exercise sciences.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology
20 credits
This module explores theories and processes in cognitive and biological psychology. It includes studying the neuroanatomy and components of the nervous system and gaining an understanding of the behavioural and neuroscientific evidence that underpins cognitive and biological psychology.
Professional Practice in Sport Psychology 1
20 credits
This module offers students an introduction to the history, philosophies, and paradigms of sport and exercise psychology. It also familiarizes them with the profession's training requirements and outlines pathways for development within organizations like the BPS Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology and BASES SEPAR. Furthermore, it delves into contemporary issues, techniques used by sport and exercise psychologists, and ethical and diversity considerations in the field, promoting self-awareness of career-relevant knowledge and skills.
Introduction to Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences
20 credits
This module covers various topics in developmental psychology and individual differences research. It introduces research methods used to investigate these areas and equips students with the skills to summarize relevant sources and explain key issues in developmental psychology and individual differences research.
Academic Skills (Sport Psychology)
20 credits
This module is designed to assist students in enhancing their academic and study skills to facilitate a smooth transition into higher education. It focuses on academic skills such as writing, data management, and critical thinking, as well as study skills like time management, utilizing feedback, and maintaining proper academic conduct.
Research Methods 1
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of research methods, along with covering the basic application and interpretation of various data analysis techniques.
Psychosocial Principles of Sport and Exercise
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial concepts that underpin the sport and exercise environment.
Level 5
Core modules
Professional Practice in Sport Psychology 2
20 credits
This module explores psychological techniques in sport and exercise psychology, focusing on needs analysis and interventions. It covers psychological skills training and emphasizes client understanding, intervention design, and professional development, including relevant knowledge and skills.
Research Methods 2
20 credits
This module will enhance your understanding of the research process and related methodological approaches, whilst also developing your knowledge, skills and to complete investigations involving data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Advances in Cognitive and Biological Psychology
20 credits
This module aims to connect original research data and modern theories in cognitive and biological psychology. It explores cutting-edge experimental techniques tailored to these fields and encourages critical reflection on the utility and scientific rigor of benchmark methods and study paradigms in cognitive and biological psychology.
Exercise and Health Psychology
20 credits
This module aims to explore psychology's role in promoting physical activity and exercise for health. It covers the exercise landscape, including its benefits and population differences, as well as the design and evaluation of health promotion campaigns using behaviour change theories.
Developmental and Social Psychology
20 credits
This module explores how developmental and social psychology influence group behaviour and individual differences. It covers key areas in human development, individual differences, and social self-concepts, including developmental disorders, self and identity, gender, personality, and group dynamics like close relationships and prejudice.
Sport and Performance Psychology
20 credits
This module will develop your ability to evaluate psychological principles associated with sport performance, motor control and learning, considering individual (e.g., personality) and environmental (e.g., culture) factors.
Optional Modules
STUDY YEAR ABROAD - APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Level 6
Core modules
Current Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology
20 credits
This module will help to develop your ability to critically evaluate contemporary issues in sport and exercise psychology that influence participants' performance, physical activity, wellbeing, health, and development.
Professional Practice in Sport Psychology 3
20 credits
This module prepares students for their placement by focusing on developing their skills in planning, preparing, initiating, and reflecting on applied sport and exercise psychology practice with clients. It covers legal requirements, personal conduct, teamwork in project settings, and necessary skills for practice in this field.
Applied Motor Behaviour
20 credits
This module will provide you with a critical understanding of contemporary issues in motor behaviour, and the ability to synthesise and apply findings to sport, exercise and health settings.
Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology Placement
20 credits
This module focuses on applying theoretical knowledge and practical skills in sport and exercise psychology through group placements and supervision. It involves group work, creating practical products or services, and practicing reflection. Structured around group learning agreements, placement activities, and supervision tutorials, the module includes assessments and interaction with experienced practitioners.
Major Project
40 credits
This module will critically extend your understanding and deployment of research processes through the planning, production, analyses and report of a piece of independent research conducted in a responsible, safe and ethical manner.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is via formal lectures (including guest lectures from sport psychologists working in industry), seminars, online activities and tutorials, plus fieldwork and laboratory sessions. Guided independent study using our libraries and the web accounts for 70-80% of each module.
Web-based content is also available through our virtual learning environment Canvas. Seminars and tutorials give you the chance to go over material covered in lectures in the form of group discussions, presentations, worked examples or practical demonstrations, while fieldwork and laboratory sessions help you develop your applied skills.
Work-related learning
Application of theory to practice is a vital element of this course and this can significantly enhance your professional development and career prospects. You will not only spend time doing practical laboratory work, but will also participate in applied sport and exercise psychology learning opportunities in your final year to explore typical sport and exercise psychology careers and practice.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Throughout your degree programme you will have the support of a personal tutor, so that you always have someone who can discuss your coursework planning, assessment feedback and any other course-related issues. Your personal tutor will also give you one-to-one feedback on your exam performance and advice on areas for improvement. Additional support is provided when you come to write your research dissertation in the final year. You will also work with your personal tutor in small groups to develop study skills essential for the sport psychology programme.
The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. These include:
- written assignments (essays, brief response questions)
- exams (seen and unseen)
- practical work
- portfolios (including e-portfolios)
- presentations (group and individual)
- and reflective practice/diaries
You will then complete an independent research dissertation supervised by one of your tutors in your final year. You will be given plenty of help with planning your workload as a full assessment schedule is provided at the start of each academic year.
Feedback on all coursework is provided within three weeks of submitting it and may be given via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face and/or in writing. You can always arrange one-to-one sessions with your tutors to discuss or clarify issues related to feedback as well. We believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Gillian Cook
Programme Leader
Dr Cook studied BSc (Hons) Psychology and MSc Psychology of Sport and Exercise. She conducted her PhD at Loughborough University in collaboration with British Swimming and examined the psychology of the worlds best Olympic swimming coaches, in particular understanding how they optimise their own and their athletes performance. Gillian is a British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, and a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Practitioner Psychologist. She is the club and first team sport psychologist at Dundee United Football Club, and has worked with teams and organisations including British Swimming, British Athletics, Birmingham City Football Clubs Academy, Scottish Hockey, Loughborough Sport, Nike, the NHS and the BBC. She is regularly interviewed about sport psychology-related topics on British national radio and news outlets, such as BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales and The Sunday Times. Her research interests include high-performance leadership and the psychology of performance excellence. Specifically, her research examines how effective leaders create the conditions for others to thrive and deliver optimal outcomes in high-pressure environments.
I enjoy the opportunities for extensive undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and interactions with students and staff, student mentoring and supervision, and applied sport psychology consultancy work
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
You will study in Liverpool city centre at our City Campus. Our sport and exercise sciences facilities are world-leading and feature state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for our current and future sport scientists. The Avril Robarts library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBB-ABB (120-128)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
BBB-ABB
Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 21
Subject requirements: At least one A level qualification in sport, science or social science-related discipline
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DDM
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Minimum of 120 points including relevant subjects
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: DDM
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.