In this module, students consider issues pertinent to the professional practice of sport and exercise psychology. In the first part 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). In the second part of the module the skills required to practice effectively (e.g., counselling skills, communication skills and reflective practice) 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.

For this module students will be required to complete one summative assessment.

Assessment One: 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 100% of the module grade. This assessment covers Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3.

Additional Assessment Details:
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.

INDICATIVE CONTENT
In this module, students consider issues pertinent to the professional practice of sport and exercise psychology. In the first part 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). In the second part of the module the skills required to practice effectively (e.g., counselling skills, communication skills and reflective practice) 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.

Students follow a distance learning guided study programme and access support material via the virtual learning environment (e.g., Blackboard). Learning is facilitated through the completion of core tasks (e.g., asynchronous lectures and synchronous seminars) and independent study (e.g., additional reading, optional tasks, assignment preparation). In addition, core tasks are updated weekly and may include set reading, personal reflection, and discussion board tasks in addition to various other activities. 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 a systematic understanding of knowledge which is at the forefront of professional practice in sport and exercise psychology. Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Communication, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning

2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and critical appraisal of selected psychological techniques used by sport and exercise psychologists, while demonstrating an awareness of ethical and professional practice issues in performance psychology. Analysis, Knowledge & Understanding, Enquiry, Learning, Application, Problem Solving

3. Critically analyse the application of sport and exercise psychology knowledge whilst reflecting on your personal approach to professional practice, supported with relevant professional practice literature. Application, EnquirY, Communication, Analysis, Knowledge & Understanding, Problem Solving, Reflection

Access to an appropriate PC, with accompanying software including Office 365 (MS Teams, One-Drive, Word, PowerPoint et al.), Adobe, and Java software.
Access to appropriate reading materials, which can be accesses through the Staffordshire University library resource page for sport and Exercise.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS:
The following two texts (Dosil, 2006; Gallucci, 2013) are referred to frequently throughout this module, both texts are available to download for free as an e-book from the university library.

Dosil J . (2006) The Sport Psychologist's Handbook : A Guide for Sport-Specific Performance Enhancement . Chichester, UK : John Wiley.

Gallucci, N. T. (2013). Sport psychology: Performance enhancement, performance inhibition, individuals, and teams. Psychology press.

What does it take to become a Sport and/or Exercise Psychologist?

In this module you will consider issues pertinent to the professional practice of sport and exercise psychology. You will learn about a range of psychological techniques available to practitioners, including self-talk and imagery, whilst understanding the theoretical underpinnings and scientific research regarding the effectiveness of these techniques. You will be required to put yourself in the shoes of a psychologist and consider which psychological techniques are most appropriate and how they should best be implemented to a range of scenarios (e.g., enhancing confidence in a novice exerciser, helping an elite athlete cope with a career ending injury). This module will also give you the opportunity to develop and practice the skills required to work effectively as a psychologist in the real-world (e.g., counselling skills, communication skills and reflective practice).