BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology · StaffordshireBachelor's degree · Duration varies
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University of Staffordshire · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology Bachelor's degree at Staffordshire

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology at Staffordshire. You'll study how mental processes, motivation and emotion influence athletes and exercise participants, drawing on evidence-based theory and real-world application.

BSc (Hons)
Award
Years
Part-time
Study mode
100%
continuation

About this course

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Staffordshire. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

10.0
/ 10
1 of 3 official measures
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional100

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 4 modules
  • Becoming A Sport And Exercise PsychologistCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Becoming a sport and exercise psychologist introduces psychology as both a scientific discipline and a professional career. You will explore ethical, professional, and research standards that underpin psychological practice, alongside routes to training and accreditation. Through guided reflection, you will evaluate your developing professional identity, employability skills, and future career pathways. This module provides a strong foundation for progression within psychology and related sport

  • Cognition In Sport And ExerciseCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Cognition in Sport and Exercise explores how people think, focus, decide, and perform in sport and exercise settings. You will examine key cognitive processes such as attention, perception, memory, and decision-making, and how these influence performance and behaviour. This foundation supports progression to higher-level psychology modules and strengthens key academic and employability skills.

  • Individual Differences In Sport And ExerciseCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Individual Differences in Sport and Exercise explores why athletes and exercisers think, feel, and behave differently in performance contexts. You will examine key psychological constructs such as personality, motivation, intelligence, and core beliefs, and how these influence wellbeing and performance. Through applied case studies, you will learn to evaluate individual differences and consider how psychological support can be tailored to the needs of athletes and coaches. This module develops c

  • Psychology Of Sport And ExerciseCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Discover what drives performance, participation, and wellbeing in sport and exercise. This module introduces you to the key psychological theories that shape how athletes, coaches, and exercisers think, feel, and perform, from motivation and confidence to stress, anxiety, leadership, and team dynamics. Youll explore how behaviour change and mindset can influence sporting success and healthy lifestyles, while gaining hands-on experience in research design. By the end of the module, youll have pla

Year 2 4 modules
  • Brain, Body And Behaviour In Sport And ExerciseCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Brain, Body and Behaviour in Sport and Exercise examines how biological systems shape human behaviour, emotion, and performance. You will explore the structure and function of the brain, nervous system, and endocrine processes, and how these influence cognition, stress, motivation, and learning. The module develops your ability to apply biopsychological theory and research to real-world sport and exercise contexts. As a Level 5 module, it builds critical thinking and applied skills that support

  • Contemporary Issues In Sport And Exercise PsychologyCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Contemporary Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology prepares you to design and justify psychological research in sport and exercise contexts. You will critically engage with contemporary debates and emerging research to identify meaningful gaps in knowledge and develop researchable questions. The module develops core research skills, including literature review, methodological planning, ethical decision-making, and proposal writing. By the end of the module, you will have produced an ethically

  • Lifespan Development In Sport And ExerciseCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Lifespan Development in Sport and Exercise explores how physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development shape participation, motivation, and wellbeing across the lifespan. You will examine key developmental theories from childhood through to older adulthood and consider how developmental changes influence experiences in sport and exercise contexts. A distinctive feature of the module is its focus on qualitative research methods, enabling you to explore lived developmental experiences. Thi

  • Teamwork And Leadership In SportCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Discover what really makes teams tick. This dynamic module dives into the psychology of groups and leadership in sport and exercise, exploring why some teams thrive while others fall apart. Youll get hands-on with real coaching scenarios, using video and transcript analysis to uncover the subtle interactions that shape motivation, cohesion and performance. From social identity to transformational leadership, youll learn how the most effective coaches inspire and influence their groups and how ev

Year 3 4 modules
  • Applied Sport And Exercise PsychologyCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    How to maximise your chances to perform at your optimum! In this module, you will consider issues pertinent to the competitive world of performance psychology. You will explore how individuals respond to and function across various competitive situations, such as sport, business, military, and exercise. Key issues regarding the application of psychology will include ethics, adherence issues, methods of evaluation, and measuring effectiveness. During the module, you will also explore and practice

  • Independent Investigational ProjectCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Ready to take the lead on your own research project? In this module, youll design and carry out an independent research study in an area of sports therapy and rehabilitation that interests you. Youll plan, conduct, and report your findings, from reviewing literature and designing the trial methods to collecting and analysing data. Youll also reflect on your learning and present your findings in a viva, showcasing your research skills, professional judgement, and readiness for your next steps, wh

  • Psychology Of PressureCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Psychology of Pressure examines how stress and emotion influence the acquisition and performance of skills in high-pressure sport and performance environments. You will explore historical and contemporary theories of stress, emotion, and performance, alongside evidence explaining why skills can break down under pressure. A key focus is on understanding how coping and emotion-regulation strategies can be applied to enhance performance and resilience. Through reflective and applied learning, this

  • Understanding Mental Health In Sport And ExerciseCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    Understanding Mental Health in Sport and Exercise explores the complex relationship between sport, physical activity, performance, and mental health. You will critically examine psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence wellbeing and mental ill health in sport and exercise contexts. Through applied case study analysis, you will apply theory and research to ethically interpret mental health experiences and support needs. This module develops advanced critical and applied skills r

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

A Sport and Exercise Psychology degree focuses on how the mind and body interact during physical performance and training. You'll usually begin with foundations in anatomy, exercise physiology, and introductory psychology, covering how the body adapts to exercise and what motivates athletes under pressure. In your second year, you'll progress to biomechanics, training physiology, and research methods in sport science. From year two onwards, a course like this typically allows you to specialise in areas such as strength and conditioning, sport psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, coaching, or PE teaching routes. You'll combine applied practical work, often with sports teams, clients or schools, with an independent research dissertation that applies what you've learned to real-world questions.

Who it's for

You're suited to this course if you're curious about the psychology behind athletic performance and exercise behaviour, and you want to understand how mental factors shape physical activity and wellbeing. You'll thrive if you're comfortable with research methods and data analysis, and enjoy moving between theory and practical application. This programme works well if you're building a career in sport science, coaching, fitness, or health promotion, or if you're exploring psychology through a sport-focused lens. Part-time study means you can combine learning with work or other commitments, though you'll need discipline to balance both alongside coursework and projects.

Careers & job market

Across Sport and Exercise Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with 62% in highly skilled roles or continuing their education. Among those in employment, graduates work across sport performance, fitness coaching, health promotion, occupational wellbeing and research roles. Starting salaries for this field range from £22,000 to £30,000 at 15 months post-graduation, according to national Graduate Outcomes data. Earnings vary significantly by role and sector; some pursue postgraduate study or professional qualifications to specialise further.

University & format

This BSc (Hons) is delivered part-time at the University of Staffordshire, a university founded in 1971. Teaching quality is recognised with a Silver rating in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Instruction is in English. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your degree is nationally recognised.

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider

Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates

AccreditationBPS

Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysBook Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

2026 entryLive availability check

Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent45% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Staffordshire's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent45%
a previous degree25%
another higher-education qualification20%
No / unknown prior qualifications10%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
UCAS codeC810quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C810). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by Apply directly to the provider

    Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Staffordshire whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£9,790 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at Staffordshire →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
Check providertuition used per year, no published course home fee, total not estimated
total borrowing, course length not published

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Staffordshire funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Sport & Exercise Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

100%
continue past their first year
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£22,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£19,125 – £27,000
After 5 years LEO
£23,375 – £33,000
national rangeaxis £18,000 – £34,000

National figures for Sport & Exercise Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

100 of 100

continued or completed

continued into the next year or completed their qualification

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Job market & outlook

How Sport & Exercise Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Sport & Exercise Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
62%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
80%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Sport & Exercise Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Sports clubs & NGBs
  • Leisure providers
  • Schools
  • The NHS

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 10.0 out of 10: continued 100%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

University of Staffordshire

All students17,085
International4.1%
Aged 25+52.9%

Biological and sport sciences across the UK

Students111,380
Aged 25+16.5%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Is Sport & Exercise Science right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to Staffordshire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £9,790 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Staffordshire’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Staffordshire and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by Staffordshire. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
See the career and earnings data for Sport & Exercise Science below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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