Program Overview

Sport and Exercise Psychology Prof Doc

Key Information

Accreditation

This course is Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of eligibility for entry to the HCPC register as a practitioner psychologist.

Study Mode and Duration

• 3 years full-time
• Up to 6 years part-time

Start Date

• October 2025

Course Information

Overview

This course was the first Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology to be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). On completion of this course, you will hold a doctoral degree and be eligible to apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Practitioner Psychologist.

The course offers a unique blended learning opportunity for those who wish to achieve both the highest level of academic degree and vocational qualification to practice as a psychologist within the sport and exercise domain. Holding these dual qualifications is increasingly important for both career and professional development in the field of sport and exercise psychology.

Entry Requirements

• An upper second-class honours degree or conversion course in Psychology or Sport and Exercise Psychology which confers Graduate Basis for Chartered status (GBC), and a BPS accredited masters degree which confers Stage I of the BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
• All applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
• All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.

Course Costs and Funding

• UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students:
  • Full-time: £12,000 p/a
  • Part-time: £6,000 p/a
• EU students:
  • Full-time: £12,000 p/a (including Transition Scholarship)
  • Part-time: £6,000 p/a (including Transition Scholarship)
• International students:
  • Full-time: £17,200 p/a
  • Part-time: £8,600 p/a

Modules

• Professional Research and Development Project in Sport and Exercise Psychology (360 credits)
• Proposal for Professional Research and Development (30 credits)
• Publication and Dissemination (30 credits)

Teaching and Assessment

• You will be assigned a main supervisor who will be supported by a team of up to three additional supervisors.
• Your supervisors will be aligned with your practice and research development needs.
• You'll receive weekly individual supervision on your practice or research development and monthly group supervision.
• There are further opportunities to attend research seminars and workshops organised by the University's Doctoral College.

Teaching Staff

• Professor Chris Wagstaff
  • Professor of Applied Psychology
  • School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Science and Health
  • PhD Supervisor

Assessment

• The Professional Doctorate consists of coursework and research and is credit-based.
• The coursework component is designed to help build on professional expertise by exposing students to challenging and innovative ideas in their field.
• Assessment is by thesis submission, after which you'll deliver a presentation on your development and complete a viva voce examination.
• The thesis incorporates a log of hours, practice reflections, four case studies or professional practice articles, two empirical research articles, and a reflective epilogue.