Psychology with Sport and Exercise BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Develop the knowledge and tools to understand and apply psychological strategies that improve athletic performance, promote well-being and enhance exercise behaviours.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

C841

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

Explore the psychology behind sport, exercise and performance, gaining insights into motivation, resilience and well-being. Prepare yourself for a career in elite sport, exercise and physical activity, mental health, business, education, research and more, developing expertise for diverse settings, from leisure facilities to healthcare.

Core themes: course content is designed to develop your innovative thinking to prepare you to help shape the emerging needs of athletes and the wider sports and exercise industry.
Research and analytical skills: equip yourself with the skills and knowledge for independent, ethical research practice, applying them to design, collect and analyse data in projects aligned with your interests.
Employability: prepare for the world of work in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings including sport, physical activity, fitness and leisure, mental health, business, education, research, human resources, marketing, healthcare, criminal justice system and social services.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course¹: BPS accreditation makes you eligible for graduate membership – the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist, and necessary for further postgraduate study in psychology (including professional doctorates). See accreditation section for more information.
Broad career options: this course is ideal for applicants interested in a career in sport and exercise psychology. Whether you aim to work with athletes across all levels—from youth and amateur to semi-professional and elite—or want to support individuals in improving their physical activity and exercise habits, this course provides the foundation for a rewarding professional path in the field.
Career-focused assessment: this course provides a range of assessment methods. These include case studies and real-world applications.
Psychology in action: through problem-based learning, engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration and communication. This should showcase your expertise and readiness to make an impact in the real world.
Dedicated technicians: our skilled psychology technicians are available to assist with experiment design, data analysis and the use of lab equipment to support your studies. They can also help you with accessing and using psychology-specific programs, including statistical and research methods software.²

Accreditation and professional recognition

The British Psychological Society

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) on an open-ended basis, subject to regular and ongoing review by the BPS. Accreditation by the British Psychological Society means that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.

If the accreditation of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Lou Barlow, Senior Organisational Development Manager at Everyone Health and Dr Nikita Rowley, Course Director for Sport and Exercise Psychology at Coventry University

Coventry University students support weight‑loss injection users

Dr Nikita Rowley, Course Director for Sport and Exercise Psychology at Coventry University, and her students are collaborating with Everyone Health and Collabor8well on the project to empower people to make lasting changes to their lifestyle.

Find out more about the project

My experience studying Sport and Exercise Psychology at Coventry University has been incredibly positive. The course has deepened my understanding of the psychological factors that influence performance, while giving me valuable opportunities to apply theory in practical settings. With the support of lecturers, I’ve developed greater confidence, communication skills and research experience, all of which have prepared me well for my future career and postgraduate study.
Aiden Ryley, quoted 2026

Aiden Ryley - Sport and Exercise Psychology student

What you'll study

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Forensic and Criminal Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Education BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Sport and Exercise BSc (Hons)

Modules

Biological Basis of Behaviour – 30 credits

This module explores the relationship between behaviour and biology, examining how the nervous and other biological systems may help explain topics such as sleep, addiction and behavioural genetics. You will have the opportunity to develop your analytical skills and apply them through problem-based learning approaches within the context of biological psychology, with a focus on strengthening your understanding of quantitative research methods.

Compulsory

The Psychology of Human Interaction – 30 credits

This module focuses on human interaction within both individual and group contexts. You will examine traditional and contemporary social psychology theories that aid in underpinning real-world issues such as aggression and gender identity. Through problem-based learning, this module aims to help you improve your understanding of the complexities of human interaction while developing your qualitative research method skills.

Compulsory

Mental Processes: From Thought to Action – 30 credits

This module offers insight into the complexities of cognitive processes and how our minds function. Explore the core principles of cognitive psychology, including attention, memory and decision-making. Learn how cognitive psychology underpins everyday actions and decisions through quantitative research methods and solution-focused learning.

Compulsory

Development Across the Lifespan – 30 credits

This module gives you the opportunity to explore psychological development across the lifespan, from infancy to older adulthood. You will examine cognitive, emotional and social milestones, considering how developmental psychology can be applied to real-world issues such as education and cognitive decline in later life. You should learn to explore and analyse the dynamic processes that shape human growth and change.

Compulsory

Modules

Developing Self and Identity in the Social World – 30 credits

This module aims to deepen your understanding of social and developmental psychology, exploring how thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships and identity are shaped by social influences and developmental stages. You will examine group dynamics, interpersonal relationships and cultural differences, using qualitative research methods and a problem-based learning approach to help develop your research skills.

Compulsory

Science of the Mind – 30 credits

Enhance your knowledge of biological and cognitive psychology, exploring brain function and mental processes and their impact on behaviour. You will study neuroanatomy, experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience and see how they apply to global topics like behavioural disorders. This module aims to use more advanced quantitative research methodologies and analysis to examine these concepts.

Compulsory

Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology – 30 credits

This module introduces psychological theory and research in sport and exercise to enhance health and performance. Content includes covering needs analyses, mental skills training, and intervention implementation and evaluation. Examining contemporary case studies, you should develop a critical analysis of psychological skills training for athletes and design interventions promoting exercise for various populations.

Compulsory

Psychology in Motion: Tracing the Path of Sport and Exercise – 30 credits

This module explores the development of Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP) from historical research to modern applications. It examines limitations of mainstream psychology perspectives in SEP, contemporary applications, and theory. Critically analyse strengths, limitations and ethical considerations, and learn how mainstream psychology informs SEP's future growth, and contemporary and historical ethical issues.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real -world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Project Planning and Ethics in Psychology – 30 credits

You will start your independent research project process, with support from your project supervisor, in this module. You will apply knowledge of research methods and theory to design an independent research project to address an appropriate psychological research question. Learn about ethics across Coventry University (CU Ethics) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) before completing an online Coventry University research ethics application.

Compulsory

Independent Research Project – 30 credits

This module helps you develop skills and behaviours expected in professional settings. You’ll learn to carry out empirical research and write an independent piece on it with support from your project supervisor. You should develop a critical and further enhanced understanding of psychological research methodology.

Compulsory

Multi-disciplinary Sport and Exercise Psychology – 30 credits

This module focuses on enhancing performance, promoting physical activity adherence, and facilitating health in sport and exercise. It explores the impact of psychological state and well-being on athletic performance, achievement and general health. Engage with advanced theories and practical interventions. Learn the skills needed to assess requirements, develop strategies and support diverse clients.

Compulsory

Optional modules

Choose one from the following two:

Change in Sport and Exercise Psychology – 30 credits
This module covers psychological principles and theories of behavioural change in sport and exercise. It includes key theories (for example, Behaviour Change Wheel, Transtheoretical Model) and techniques (for example, imagery, self-talk). Learn to design interventions, set goals, maintain motivation and evaluate physical activity interventions. Practical applications and case studies are explored to enhance performance and exercise adherence.
Neuropsychology in Sport and Exercise – 30 credits
This module explores neural mechanisms of cognitive and affective processes in sports and exercise psychology. Critically evaluate scientific reports on neuropsychology research to understand neurological mechanisms of thinking, feeling and behaviour. Gain in-depth knowledge of neuroimaging techniques and their application in sport and exercise contexts.

Availability of optional modules may vary depending on student demand.

Optional

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

Studying Psychology with Sport and Exercise at Coventry University has been a highly enjoyable and valuable experience. The course combined theory with practical application, helping me critically explore psychological tools in real-world sport and exercise settings.

I particularly valued opportunities linked to behavioural support for GLP-1 users, including creating blogs and presentations. These experiences strengthened my critical thinking, reflective practice and communication skills, which I have applied in both academic and sporting contexts.

I now plan to build on this foundation through further study or applied experience in sport and exercise psychology.
Fynn Jennings, Final-year Psychology with Sport and Exercise BSc (Hons) student, 2026

How you'll learn

Learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s about creating experiences that allow you to apply knowledge, gain confidence, and feel prepared for your future career.

Teaching methods may include:

interactive, engaging lectures that help to make learning psychology relatable and relevant
workshops and seminars to collaborate, debate and problem solve, exploring content in more depth
regular ‘course hours’ that allow you to meet your lecturers and course director and build a sense of community within your subject area while engaging in immersive subject-specific content
case studies and simulated scenarios that allow you to apply your learning.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

written work such as essays and practical reports
phase tests
reflective journals
individual and group presentations
problem-solving scenarios such as case studies
posters and public information leaflets
podcasts, vlogs and other media projects.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Applying Sport and Exercise Psychology in Practice: Insights from the Alpine Run

Sport and Exercise Psychology student Aiden Ryley shares his insight into the Alpine run project.

Read article

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC Excludes General Studies
GCSE	GCSE maths at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DDM
T level	Overall grade of Merit in the T level qualification in any subject.
IB Diploma	28 points to include 15 points at Higher level.
Access to HE Diploma	The Access to HE Diploma in a Science, Social Science or Health subject to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Plus GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £19,200 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Consultation rooms
These smaller rooms replicate healthcare consultation rooms, giving you a real-world feel for interacting with patients and clients in a private setting.
Physiology lab
Gain experience in measuring physiological parameters such as heart rate and lung function. The lab features equipment including Wattbike Pros, Wattbike AtomX’s and Cortex Metalyzers for measuring expired gas.
Community houses
Our two full-size simulation houses let you experience real-life scenarios. Practice home visits, treat patients or assess living environments. One house is equipped with adaptive technology for hands-on learning and virtual experiences.

Take a virtual tour

Facilities are subject to availability⁴. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

This course should help you develop valuable skills that employers highly seek, such as strong communication, critical thinking, analytical abilities, and confident presentation and listening skills. These should prepare you for careers in applied psychology, research and beyond.

The course also lays the foundation for further training to become a qualified psychologist in various specialisms—such as occupational, forensic, or social psychology; clinical or counselling psychology focusing on mental wellbeing; health, sport, or neuropsychology for physical wellbeing; or developmental and educational psychology working with children. Please note that qualifying as a specialist psychologist may involve additional requirements. For more information, take a look at the BPS Psychology Careers Guide.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles:

Sport psychologist
Exercise psychologist
Performance coach
Behaviour change specialist (e.g., in public health, NHS, behavioural science)
Physical activity programme officer
Athlete development officer
Sports development officer
Corporate wellness consultant
Health or wellbeing coach (e.g. general populations or for athletes)
Health promotion specialist (or more specifically, in exercise referral, cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, obesity and weight management)

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

You can now register and start your application in your UCAS Hub. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CASU020

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year.

For UK (home) students, if the Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.