Sport & Health
New for 2023, Writtle University College are pleased to launch the BSc (Hons) Health and Exercise Psychology.
Health and Exercise Psychology is a division of Sport and Exercise Science that has seen huge growth in the last decade. The BSc (Hons) Health and Exercise Psychology degree provides students with an understanding of the contemporary and emerging ideas, theories and concepts related to societal attitudes towards health, exercise, and wellbeing. Many of the theories, concepts and practical applications that are commonly applied in sports psychology are equally valid and reliable within health and exercise settings. You’ll gain an understanding of the role psychology can play in supporting the health and wellbeing of the greater part of the population. Successful graduates will be well placed to act as agents of change in this crucial sector.
The declining levels of physical activity and concomitant increase in obesity and other health conditions relating to poor lifestyle behaviours highlights the need for the development of a broader comprehension and relevant skillset to impact the health and well-being of individuals in modern society. This includes the mental health of young people, where research continues to illustrate that there is a correlation between physical competence, levels of engagement with physical activity, and mental health.
Health and Exercise Psychology
An introduction from Lecturer Phil Hillson
Course Modules
| STAGE ONE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Introduction to Human Physiological Systems (15 credits) |
Nutrition for Health (15 credits) |
| Professional Skills in Sport, Health and Wellbeing (15 credits) |
Exercise, Health and Outdoor Activity (15 credits) |
| The Practice of Coaching (15 credits) |
Fundamentals of Neuroscience and Neuropsychology (15 credits) |
| Introduction to Psychology (15 credits) |
Individual Differences in Health, Sport and Exercise (15 credits) |
| STAGE TWO | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Research Skills in Sport, Health and Wellbeing (15 credits) |
Enhancing Physical Capabilities through Physical Literacy (15 credits) |
| Physical Activity and mental health (15 credits) |
Behavioural Change for Health and Wellbeing (15 credits) |
| Developing Innovative and Inclusive Practice (15 credits) |
The New Psychology of Health (15 credits) |
| The Coach-Athlete Relationship in Sport and Exercise (15 credits) |
The New Psychology of Sport and Exercise: A Social Identity Approach (15 credits) |
| STAGE THREE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Capstone Project (30 credits) |
|
| Applied Coaching Science (30 credits) |
|
| Group Dynamics in Sport and Exercise (15 credits) |
Skilled Performance Under Pressure (15 credits) |
| The Practice of Sport and Exercise Psychology (15 credits) |
Research Developments in Health and Exercise Psychology (15 credits) |
Note
These are the modules that are offered in this academic year; however, the optional modules available may be subject to change for the following reasons:
- Staff availability - for example the availability of staff to deliver specialist modules, which cannot be delivered by staff who do not have the relevant specialist expertise.
- In response to feedback and annual review processes to ensure we continually enhance our programmes. Changes in these circumstances will usually be made for the benefit of students.
- Student demand - to ensure there are adequate numbers on a module to support the provision of an excellent Learning & Teaching experience.
- The currency of the relevant module. Some modules are specified at a time when they reflect the issues that are currently topical in the subject area. They may have lost that currency by the time that the student is required to exercise the option. In the circumstances, in order to ensure that students are provided with an appropriate learning experience, those modules will be replaced by those which are relevant to the changing nature of the subject area.
The Writtle University College will endeavour to ensure that any impact on students is limited if such changes occur.
Entry Requirements
The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.
UCAS Tariff Points
GCE A Levels
Irish Certificate
Scottish Highers
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
C & G Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720)
C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma
Please note:
An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.
GCSEs
All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.
Access course
Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.
Who is the Course for?
The programme is an ideal direction for students wishing to develop their knowledge and understanding in the broad contextual areas of Health and Exercise, and specifically the impact of psychology on multiple associated behavioural factors.
It is also ideal for students looking to work in elite sport, support athlete development and inform the decision-making process, as well as in the identification and recruitment of athletes for high profile sports teams, national sports organisations, and international governing bodies.
Learning & Teaching Methods
The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placement
- Practical laboratory sessions
- Coaching sessions in the field
- Seminars and debates
- Case-studies
- Visits
- Online quizzes, wikis and activities
Assessment Methods
This course provides a mix of assessment methods including.
- Practical assessments - both in small groups and individually
- Practical portfolios
- Presentations - both individually and in small groups
- Reflective logbooks
- Case studies
- Critiques of literature
- Written assessments
- Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions
- Reports
- Peer and tutor observations
- Capstone Project
After Completion of Your Course...
Graduates will normally go onto postgraduate studies
.
The academic route would follow an MSc pathway before the graduate selected either a continued academic route or a more applied route. Individuals may then select to continue to Doctoral level or may select to become accredited via the BPS or BASES mentorship route. This leads to the protected title of 'Sports Psychologist'.