BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth

On this module, you'll explore different research methods and discover how psychologists design studies to answer real questions. You'll learn how to collect, analyse, and interpret data using both qualitative and quantitative approaches whilst developing key skills in writing clear, well-structured research reports. By the end of the module, you'll understand how to choose the right methods for different research questions, gaining essential skills for later study and careers that value evidence-based thinking, while also meeting national standards for psychology education and developing the core research skills expected of psychology graduates.

On this module, you'll learn how psychology developed as a scientific discipline, exploring the key theories, methods and historical ideas that shaped modern psychological thinking. You'll examine major perspectives in psychology and apply them to contemporary debates, learning how different approaches explain behaviour and mental processes in unique ways. Alongside this, you'll also be introduced to core concepts in clinical psychology, gaining an understanding of diagnostic criteria, treatments and how psychologists address mental health challenges.

You'll develop essential skills for studying psychology and for pursuing psychology-related careers, including effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. You'll also have the opportunity to reflect on your personal development, such as managing workloads, adapting to new learning and social environments, and making the most of university life. Through interactive workshops, lectures, and a careers conference, you'll explore a wide range of psychology career pathways and develop strategies for academic and professional success.

You'll learn about the role of sport psychology practitioners, the different models of practice, and the fundamental ethical considerations when working in sport settings. this module introduces you to the key theoretical concepts in sport psychology and explores how psychological factors influence performance in athletes, teams, and coaches. You'll develop the foundational knowledge of psychological strategies used in sport, including the theories and research that support these approaches, preparing you for more advanced study of sport psychology applications and interventions.

In this module you'll explore contemporary sport and performance psychology, examining how people think, behave and perform across different ages, abilities and environments. You'll learn how to evaluate new psychological theories and research, strengthening your ability to analyse evidence and apply scientific conventions with confidence. These experiences will help you develop key academic and professional skills that prepare you for advanced study in psychology while deepening your understanding of what helps individuals achieve their best.

On this module, you'll learn how biological mechanisms and cognitive processes work together to shape perception, memory, language, learning and emotion. You'll explore key theories and research in biological and cognitive psychology, developing a deeper understanding of how scientists study the mind and brain. Along the way, you'll design and conduct your own quantitative research, using statistical software to analyse data and gain practical experience in ethical, evidence-based psychological investigation.

You'll explore key theories of personality, intelligence and individual differences, learning how psychologists explain why people think and behave in distinct ways. Through psychometric testing and the use of statistical software you'll gain practical experience and develop the skills to assess reliability, validity and bias and to analyse real psychological data. You'll also examine the ethical and cultural issues involved in measuring human traits, helping you understand how research on individual differences informs practice across education, health and the workplace.

You'll explore and prepare for future academic and professional pathways in psychology by applying your learning in practical, real-world contexts. Through a choice of experiential options, you'll develop transferable skills, reflect on your career goals, and strengthen your ability to apply psychological knowledge in research, workplace, or community settings. This module will build your confidence, self-awareness, and employability, supporting progression into further study, professional training, or psychology-related careers.

You'll examine key theories and research in developmental and social psychology, learning how human behaviour changes over time and in social contexts. You'll take part in practical research activities, collecting and analysing qualitative data while developing skills in empirical reporting and data interpretation. You'll also design and manage your own qualitative research project, considering ethical issues and real-world applications, preparing you for advanced study or careers requiring strong research, analytical, and communication skills in psychology-related fields.

On this module, you'll learn how skill acquisition theory explains expert performance, and how to use performance analysis to capture, evaluate and interpret the skills that underpin elite performance in sport. You'll take part in applied tasks where you conduct a needs analysis for an athlete, appraise current research and methods, and select measures that reveal strengths, gaps and development priorities. Through this part of the course, you'll be able to design and justify evidence-based training practices, communicate recommendations to coaches and athletes, and see their impact in real performance environments.

On this module, you'll learn how sport and exercise psychologists work, comparing models of practice and the philosophical, ethical and practical considerations that underpin effective, person-centred support in diverse sporting environments. You'll take part in applied tasks where you interpret the nuances of human performance with athletes, teams and coaches, and examine how context, relationships and communication shape psychological work Upon completing this module, you'll be able to critically evaluate and justify evidence-based psychological strategies, translate theory and research into practice, and communicate clear, ethical interventions that enhance wellbeing, confidence, and perf

You'll investigate how psychologists explain, assess and support mental and physical health, exploring real-world issues faced by clinical and health practitioners. You'll compare different theories and evaluate current research, to see how evidence ishapes treatment, prevention and behaviour change. Through practical case examples you'll apply your knowledge and develop the critical skills needed to takle contemporary challenges in both clinical and health psychology.

You'll explore how motor learning and development theories translate into youth practice, examining factors that enhance or compromise typical development and using evidence to guide decisions. Through hands-on tasks you'll design and justify innovative training programmes, applying ethical and safe procedures to collect, interpret and share your findings. By the end, you'll contribute towards bps gbc core areas in research methods, cognitive psychology and conceptual and historical issues, demonstrating your learning through an intervention plan and a concise presentation.

You'll design, carry out and present an independent research project based on a clear psychological question or hypothesis. alongside this, you'll complete a supervised work placement, gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting and applying psychology in real-world contexts. Through workshops, tutorials and supervisor support, you'll build confidence in research, analysis, communication and professional reflection, preparing you for further study, professional practice or a wide range of psychology-related careers.

On this module you'll design your own research project, developing your skills in gathering, analysing and interpreting data. You'll be paired with a supervisor who will support you in your research process of developing methodologies, obtaining ethical approval, and collecting and/or analysing data. This module will set you up with the research, analytical and communcation skills needed to navigate the rest of your degree.

You'll investigate how culture influences human psychology, from perception and emotion to social behaviour and language. By analysing research from societies around the world, you'll examine how psychologists study cultural differences and the methods used to understand diverse societies and their psychology. You'll reflect on the two-way relationship between culture and psychology, while developing the critical skills to evaluate theory and explain how cultural context shapes human experience.

On this module, you'll explore major theories of language and the multimodal ways people communicate, from speech and gesture to cultural practices and various professional contexts. You'll examine contemporary research and learn how psychologists study communication, gaining insight into how language evolved, how it develops, varies and supports everyday social life. During this part of the course, you'll be able to practise applying different research methods to analyse communicative behaviour, developing the skills to describe, interpret, and evaluate communication across diverse contexts and communities.

In this module you'll examine the structure and function of the human nervous system, gaining a deeper understanding of how neural processes support thought, behaviour and health. You'll explore the tools neuroscientists use to study the brain, critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of modern techniques and what they reveal about neural activity. You'll also consider how neuroscience informs both clinical and everyday applications, helping you analyse current research and debates that shape this rapidly evolving field.

On this module, you'll examine how people learn and how teachers, classrooms and wider educational systems influence development, motivation and achievement. You'll explore key debates, current research and real-world challenges in education, learning how psychologists evaluate teaching methods and contribute to policy and practice. Alongside this, you'll also reflect on the role of educational psychologists across different contexts, developing the critical skills to understand and assess how psychology can support learners and improve educational outcomes.

You'll examine psychological theories and research across a wide range of topics relevant to modern workplaces: from selecting the right people for a job or improving employee wellbeing and reducing stress at work to what makes an inspirational leader. You'll gain insight into the advantages and disadvantages of different workplace practices, and explore how occupational psychologists can enhance the culture and effectiveness of organisations.

You'll explore how social, cultural and theoretical contexts shape our understanding of disability, learning key theories from critical disability studies and social constructionism. You'll take part in practical research, engaging with lived experiences and media representations while developing ethical, inclusive interviewing and analysis skills. You'll also apply theory to critically evaluate real-world experiences, reflecting on how power and knowledge influence perceptions of disability, preparing you for research, advocacy, or professional roles in psychology and related fields.