Program Overview

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Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Psychology (Sport and Exercise Psychology) Programme

The BSc (Hons) Psychology (Sport and Exercise Psychology) programme is designed to explore the foundations of psychology in relation to the application of sport and exercise. This programme closely aligns with the Psychology (BSc) Hons degree and provides students with the opportunity to gain a wealth of theoretical knowledge relating to the science behind how we think, act, and interact with others.

Key Information

• Campus: Brayford Pool
• Typical Offer: See More
• Duration: 3 years
• Part-time: 6 years
• Validation Status: Subject to Revalidation
• UCAS Code: C850

Course Overview

The programme is taught by research-active academics with specialist expertise in areas such as cognitive neuropsychology, mental health, body image, sport and exercise psychology, and attentional processing. Across the School of Psychology, there is also expertise in topics such as mental health, sleep, gambling, and body image, which represent modules offered as electives in the third year and enable further specialisation to complement the core programme modules.

Why Choose Lincoln

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society
• Subject area ranked 3rd overall in the UK
• Conduct research alongside our research-active staff
• A range of optional modules
• Specialist facilities including sleep, EEG, and psychophysiology labs
• International study and work experience options

How You Study

This course is aimed to reflect current research-informed teaching and innovation to evaluate how psychological knowledge is understood and applied in real-world settings, particularly the fields of sport and exercise. Teaching can be delivered in large lectures, small seminars, workshops, computer-based laboratory sessions, and tutorials. Most modules involve two hours a week of timetabled teaching, with independent study expected outside of these hours.

Modules

First Year

• Brain, Behaviour & Cognition
• Designing and Communicating Research
• Developing Individual in Society
• Introduction to Research
• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Psychology in Student Life

Module Overviews

Brain, Behaviour & Cognition

This module aims to introduce students to a wide range of topics outlining the structure and functions of the brain and nervous system, and the relationship between these brain structures and the behaviours, both covert and overt, resulting from them.

Designing and Communicating Research

This module builds on the introduction to research in psychology and sport science by exploring in greater depth how to design appropriate studies and communicate research findings effectively.

Developing Individual in Society

Building on the previous research skills module, this module will further develop the previously identified set of Skills for Life.

Introduction to Research

An appreciation of research methods is critical for understanding empirical disciplines like psychology and sport science. This module introduces students to some of the basic concepts underlying qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

This module introduces students to key concepts, theories, and applications of psychology in sport, exercise, and physical activity settings.

Psychology in Student Life

The module will introduce students to science-backed tools and habits that they can use to improve their own skills, social awareness, and wellbeing.

Second Year

• Cognition
• Developmental Psychology
• Health and Exercise Psychology
• Psychological Assessment & Psychometrics
• Research in Practice
• Social Psychology
• Sport and Performance Psychology
• International Study (Option)
• Work Experience Year (Option)

Module Overviews

Cognition

The module extends the investigations of cognition that began in the first year, considering areas critical to our understanding of cognition in more depth.

Developmental Psychology

This module aims to examine the concepts, theories, research methods, and influencing factors in child development relevant to the period from birth to pre-adolescence.

Health and Exercise Psychology

This module will facilitate a deeper level of knowledge, understanding, and critical awareness in key areas of health and exercise psychology.

Psychological Assessment & Psychometrics

The module aims to provide an introduction into psychological assessments using psychometrics, including questionnaires and scales.

Research in Practice

This module aims to showcase how research is applied in practice, in policy, and in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and social responsibility.

Social Psychology

This module seeks to explore some of the central issues of social psychology, including how people deal with social information.

Sport and Performance Psychology

This module will facilitate a deeper level of knowledge, understanding, and critical awareness in key areas of sport and performance psychology.

Third Year

• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
• Dissertation
• Addictions (Option)
• Applications of Organisational Psychology (Option)
• Approaches in Organisational Psychology (Option)
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Option)
• Body image and eating disorders (Option)
• Counselling Skills and Theory (Option)
• Developmental Psychopathology (Option)
• Investigative and Courtroom Psychology (Option)
• Risk Perception, Assessment and Management (Option)
• Sleep, Cognition and Well-Being (Option)
• Social Cognitive Neuroscience (Option)
• Work Experience in Higher Education (Option)

Module Overviews

Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology

This module will deepen students' understanding of psychological concepts, theories, and models in sport and exercise settings.

Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology

This module aims to draw on aspects of cognitive and clinical neuropsychology to examine the consequences of brain dysfunction.

Dissertation

This module provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic relevant to the field of their particular degree and to demonstrate original and critical thought.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.

International Study and Work Experience

You can choose to take a year out between year two and your final year of study. You'll be able to select one of the following options:

• International Study: This option provides an opportunity to explore study in a new overseas culture and environment at one of the University's approved partner institutions.
• Work Experience: This option offers the opportunity to enhance your personal and professional development by gaining experience in a real workplace setting.

How You Are Assessed

The aims of the module assessments are to measure the development and attainment of course outcomes, including the developing key skills such as critical analysis and evaluation. Examples of common assessment methods include essays, in-class tests, research reports, research diaries, research or clinical proposals, practical case studies, and dissertations.

BPS Accreditation

The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC), the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.

Extracurricular Activities

New students can join groups within the school, including those that support LGBTQIA+, disability, BAME, mature students, commuters, and carers. Students can also join DigiPsych, our online magazine run for students by students in the School of Psychology.

Research

Our School aims to produce critical thinkers and independent researchers who are able to tackle psychological problems and issues using a systematic, critical, and analytical approach. As part of this process, first-year students undertake training in areas important to psychological research, such as using statistics software.

Research Laboratories and Facilities

The University has invested £19 million in the Sarah Swift Building, a dedicated facility for the School of Psychology. Our range of specialist research laboratories allows you to gain practical experience. You will also have access to IT suites and technical staff who can offer support in the design and execution of experiments and assistance with specialist software.

What Can I Do with a Psychology (Sport and Exercise Psychology) Degree?

This programme provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS). As a graduate, you can consider further professional training within various fields of psychology, such as clinical, health, sport and exercise, counselling, occupational, educational, forensic, neuropsychology, and academic research or teaching.

Entry Requirements

United Kingdom

• 104 to 120 UCAS Tariff points
• Minimum of three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths
• Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered
• The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and does accept a combination of qualifications

International

• Non-UK Qualifications: If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications
• EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step, and it's essential to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages. For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs.