In this module, students consider issues pertinent to the application of sport and exercise psychology. In the first half of the module the skills and knowledge required to practice effectively (e.g., counselling skills, case formulation, philosophy of practice, methods of evaluation) are considered along with issues surrounding the delivery of psychological interventions to different groups (e.g., youth athletes). Ethical issues that may arise during the consultancy process in sport and exercise settings are considered and discussed throughout the module. In the second half of the module, a range of psychological techniques available to practitioners are outlined (e.g., self-talk, imagery). Theoretical and empirical evidence for the effectiveness of these techniques will be considered. Students will be required to consider which psychological techniques are most appropriate and how they should best be applied to a range of scenarios (e.g., enhancing confidence in a novice exerciser, helping an elite athlete cope with a career ending injury).

For this module students will be required to complete two summative assessments.

Assessment One: A video-recorded 10-minute presentation that demonstrates professional skills and knowledge, to a hypothetical sports/business organisation who require performance psychology services. This assessment examines LOS 1, &4 and is worth 50% of the overall module mark.

Assessment Two: One case study in which a proposed intervention is outlined, justified, and critically appraised. The total word limit for this assessment is 2500 words and is worth 50% of the module grade. This assessment examines LOS 2, 3 & 4 and is worth 50% of the overall module mark.

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via on-line tasks and discussions throughout the duration of the module. Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising a combination of task related feedback and comments on online discussion contributions.

Students follow a two-semester study programme. Students will learn through a mixed of a combination of asynchronous lectures and synchronous seminars. Video lectures will be posted on the virtual learning environment (VLE) and students will be required to view these before the seminars. The seminars 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). Learning is facilitated through the completion of core tasks (e.g., lectures and seminars) and independent study (e.g., additional reading, optional tasks, assignment preparation). Students are regularly directed to recommended resources (e.g., reading, video tutorials) to support completion of activities. Students are required to access additional support material independently. 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 relevant tutors.

1. Demonstrate knowledge which is at the forefront of professional practice in sport and exercise psychology and apply this to a performance setting which requires psychology services. Application, Communication, Knowledge & Understanding

2. Apply a critical understanding of the ethical and professional practice issues concerning the implementation and evaluation of psychological interventions in sport and related performance settings. Analysis, Communication, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving, Reflection

3. Apply knowledge and understanding of selected psychological skills and techniques and be able to critically evaluate their efficacy in sport and performance settings. Application, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving, Reflection

4. Design and evaluate a psychological skills training programme for an individual, team or group within a sport or similar performance domain. Analysis, Application, Communication, Enquiry, Problem Solving, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning

Resources needed to effectively engage and complete the module include:
Access to an appropriate PC, with accompanying Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, and Java software.
Access to appropriate reading materials, which can be accesses through the Staffordshire university library for free.

Williams, J. M. (2010). Applied sport psychology: personal growth for peak performance (6th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill.

McCarthy, P., & Jones, M. V. (2013). Becoming a sport psychologist. Routledge.

How to maximise your chances to perform at your optimum!
In this module, you will consider issues pertinent to the competitive world of performance psychology. You will explore how individuals respond to and function across various competitive situations, such as sport, business, military, and exercise. Key issues regarding the application of psychology will include ethics, adherence issues, methods of evaluation, and measuring effectiveness. During the module, you will also explore and practice the use of a range of psychological strategies (e.g., imagery, self-talk) to maintain and enhance performance.