What you'll study

Across your three years of study, a progressively deeper expertise is built in psychology and its application to sport and exercise. Year one introduces all seven BPS core areas: social, biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences, conceptual and historical issues. You'll explore research methods alongside an exploration of how psychology is applied in sport and exercise contexts for the benefit of performance and health.

In year two, the seven core areas are revisited in greater depth, strengthening understanding of human behaviour across contexts. Teaching is enriched by lecturers who are practising Sport and Exercise Psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, providing real-world insight into applied practice. Consideration of real-world questions relevant to high performance sport and exercise for health is facilitated by the nine thriving sports academies at Hartpury University.

By year three, contemporary issues in sport and exercise psychology are examined and the contexts in which psychological interventions are designed and delivered. An independent research project is completed under expert supervision which allows focused investigation of an area of interest.

In your first year, you'll explore all seven BPS core areas: social, biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences, conceptual and historical issues, and research methods. You'll also examine the application of psychology in sport and exercise contexts, incorporating our unique strengths in sport, exercise, health, education, and innovative approaches such as animal-assisted and green therapy.  

Compulsory Modules

Psychology Past and Present

Psychology Past and Present provides an engaging introduction to psychology by tracing its evolution from ancient philosophical traditions to contemporary scientific practice. This module explores how psychology has emerged as a distinct discipline, examining key studies and theoretical developments that have shaped the discipline, whilst evaluating the ethical challenges that have informed modern practice standards. You'll discover how psychological knowledge addresses real world questions and consider psychology's future in an era of technological advancement and global interconnection.

Professional Skills in Psychology

Professional skills in psychology introduces you to the professional and ethical foundations of psychology as both a scientific discipline and an applied practice. It focuses on developing key professional skills required for ethical, reflective and inclusive psychological practice. You'll explore the importance of diversity, cultural humility and communication, while also learning strategies for self-care and ongoing personal and professional development.

Introducing Cognitive and Biological Psychology

This module introduces you to cognitive and biological approaches in psychology. Supported by practical work, this module will provide you with an understanding of how cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making are supported or influenced by biological mechanisms including neural, hormonal, and neurochemical systems.

Introducing Social and Developmental Psychology

This module introduces you to social and developmental psychology, exploring how individual behaviour is shaped by social contexts and how humans develop cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Supported by practical work, you'll examine key theories, classic and contemporary studies, and the methods psychologists use to investigate these areas. 

Introductory Research Methods in Psychology

This module introduces the principles and practices of psychological research. This will include an introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, enabling students to understand how psychological evidence is generated, evaluated, and communicated.  You'll develop research design skills, ethical awareness, and the ability to engage with empirical literature. You'll be introduced to key research software tools used in psychology and will also gain experience in writing research reports.

Introduction to the Psychology of Sport and Exercise

Within this module you'll examine the history and development of sport and exercise psychology as a profession. You'll explore how psychological theory and research helps understand behaviour, motivation, and performance enhancement in sport and exercise contexts, applying psychological theory to real world scenarios. The module will support you to self-reflect on personal interests, skills, and career pathways in sport and exercise psychology.

In your second year, you'll study the seven core areas of psychology in greater depth, supporting breadth and depth of understanding of human behaviour across various contexts. Specialist guest lecturers alongside our own Sport and Exercise Psychologists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council will enable real-world and applied illustrations of theory and concepts relevant to practice in sport and exercise domains.

Compulsory Modules

Social and Cultural Psychology

In this module, you'll engage with theories, empirical research, and applied perspectives to explore how individuals are shaped by social interactions, group dynamics, and cultural contexts. You'll be supported to apply psychological principles to real world issues and to communicate research-informed insights effectively to diverse audiences.

Brain and Behaviour

You'll explore in greater depth the biological and cognitive bases of behaviour, learning about different methodological approaches, and integrating perspectives from biopsychology and cognitive psychology. You'll examine how brain processes give rise to cognition, emotion, motivation, and behaviour, and how these processes vary between individuals. By engaging with and evaluating current debates, you'll develop your understanding of the dynamic interplay between brain, cognition, and behaviour.

Advanced Research Methods in Psychology

This module engages you with contemporary ethical principles, methodological debates, and data analysis techniques, applying these to the design and evaluation of psychological research. Emphasis is placed on developing practical competence in formulating research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, analysing complex data, and interpreting findings within the context of existing theory and evidence, thereby preparing you for independent empirical research. The module supports interdisciplinary collaboration and co-construction through ‘Think Tanks’ that connect psychology students with peers and staff from other academic and professional areas at Hartpury, broadening perspectives on research application and impact.

Lifespan Development

This module provides a comprehensive examination of the processes of psychological development and continuity across the entire lifespan human, from prenatal through to the end of life. You'll evaluate major theoretical frameworks and research in developmental psychology translating this into practical interventions designed to enhance development or support maintenance of functioning across different life stages.

Individual Differences

In completing this module, you'll explore theoretical perspectives and empirical research underpinning individual differences psychology gaining an understanding of how psychological assessment and measurement are used to study human differences. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in the analysis and interpretation of individual differences data, as well as an appreciation of the applied and ethical considerations involved in psychological assessment.

Applications of Psychology in Sport and Exercise Environments

Explore how psychological theories, concepts, and research are applied to enhance performance, participation, and wellbeing in sport and exercise settings. Emphasis is placed on bridging the gap between theory and practice, considering how to communicate psychological concepts effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and exploring how psychological evidence can contribute to problem-solving, policy-making, and professional interventions.

In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to consolidate your learning from years one and two by applying this to contemporary issues in sport and exercise psychology, and in developing your understanding of the contexts in which psychological interventions are developed and delivered. You'll also complete an independent research project under expert supervision, which allows focused investigation of an area of interest.

Compulsory Modules

Professional Practice and Standards in Psychology

This module supports you in preparing to transition from undergraduate study by supporting critical self-reflection and professional identity development. You'll explore diverse career pathways in psychology and the professional competencies required for effective practice. Through engagement with professional bodies' standards (BPS, HCPC) and ‘meet the expert’ sessions, you'll strengthen your understanding of what it means to be a professional psychologist in contemporary practice contexts.

Evidence-Based Practice in Wellbeing

In this module you'll evaluate evidence-based wellbeing practice through a critical examination of theories, research, and applied approaches within health psychology. You'll explore how psychological wellbeing interacts with physical health, and consider the individual, societal, ethical, and contextual factors that should be accounted for in developing therapeutic approaches and interventions.

Positive Psychology

This module critically examines the theoretical foundations, historical development, and contemporary applications of positive psychology. Using contemporary research on human strengths, flourishing, and positive emotions, you'll explore the strengths and limitations of commonly used interventions.

Psychology Dissertation

This module enables you to undertake an independent psychological empirical project on a negotiated topic with supervisory guidance. Building on experiences provided at Level 4 and Level 5, you'll design, conduct and report a substantial research project that critically situates your findings within the psychological literature. This module emphasises ethical practice, project management, digital competence, and the development of research skills appropriate for graduate-level study or further professional pathways.

Advances in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Critically explore contemporary theory, research, and practice in sport and exercise psychology. You'll develop your understanding of different philosophical approaches underpinning professional practice and consider the practical implications of these for intervention design and delivery. The module emphasises evidence-based problem-solving and equips you to critically evaluate and apply psychological theory to address real world challenges in sport and exercise settings.

Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology

This module provides a research-informed exploration of current challenges, debates, and emerging topics facing athletes, exercisers, practitioners, and researchers in the field. Each issue is critically explored through different philosophical lenses, developing your ability to construct evidence-based arguments for academic audiences.