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.
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.
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.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
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
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 45% |
| a previous degree | 25% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C810). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Staffordshire →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
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.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
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
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sport & exercise science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sport & Exercise Science nationally
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.
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.
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.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
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
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
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.
Related courses
More at Staffordshire
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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