Students will complete a qualitative lab report analysing provided interview excerpts or reflective narratives related to experiences in sport and exercise. Students will integrate theory, research, and applied insights to address both module learning outcomes. Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module, comprising task-related feedback on a week-by-week basis, together with discussions to encourage peer-learning, in addition to comments from the relevant tutor.

This module introduces students to the foundations of psychology as a professional and scientific discipline. Learners will develop an understanding of the routes to qualification and accreditation within psychology and related fields, exploring the ethical and professional standards that underpin practice in sport and exercise psychology. Students will gain knowledge of core research methodologies, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and examine how ethical principles are applied within research design and implementation. The module will also encourage students to engage critically with current developments in psychological science and professional practice, fostering an appreciation of how contemporary issues influence the work of psychologists.

In addition to this, learners will begin to develop their own professional identity through guided reflection, exploring employability skills, transferable competencies, and future training pathways. The module also highlights applied and ethical considerations in sport and exercise research, encouraging students to evaluate how qualitative methods contribute to understanding behaviour. Through applied examples, discussion, and qualitative data analysis, learners will integrate theory, research, and reflection to understand key topics in sport and exercise settings.

1. Reflect on and articulate personal development in relation to ethical, professional, and research standards within psychology.

Learning Outcome: Reflection; Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

2. Demonstrate an understanding of qualitative research methods in sport and exercise psychology

Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving; Research Skills

Students follow a single-semester study programme. Students will learn through a combination of asynchronous lectures, synchronous lectures, and webinars. Video lectures will be posted on the virtual learning environment (VLE), and students will be required to view these each week prior to completing the webinar activities, which will then be used to build upon the material presented in the video lectures. In addition, students can access support material via the virtual learning environment (e.g., Blackboard) and Microsoft Teams.

Students are required to access additional support material independently.

Students will learn through a combination of video lectures, independent activities, formative feedback tasks, peer to peer discussions, and 1-2-1 tutor support.

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
Microsoft Teams
Internet access
Library facilities

British Psychological Society (BPS). (2021). Code of Ethics and Conduct. Leicester: The British Psychological Society.¿ Available at: https://www.bps.org.uk/guideline/bps-code-ethics-and-conduct

McCarthy, P., & Jones, M. (Eds.). (2014). Becoming a sport psychologist. Abingdon: Routledge.

Smith, B., & Sparkes, A. C. (2016). Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise. London: Routledge.

Becoming a sport and exercise psychologist introduces psychology as both a scientific discipline and a professional career. You will explore ethical, professional, and research standards that underpin psychological practice, alongside routes to training and accreditation. Through guided reflection, you will evaluate your developing professional identity, employability skills, and future career pathways. This module provides a strong foundation for progression within psychology and related sport and exercise professions.