BSc Psychology (Sport and Exercise)

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a BSc Psychology (Sport and Exercise) program that provides a fascinating and scientifically rigorous exploration of human thought, emotions, and behaviour within the specific contexts of sport and exercise. This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), meaning that upon successful completion, students can gain the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This is the essential first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist, including a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. The program distinguishes itself by offering numerous avenues for future development and employment, preparing students for a career where they can apply psychological principles to enhance performance, well-being, and participation in sport and exercise settings.

Curriculum: The BSc Psychology (Sport and Exercise) curriculum at CCCU is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of core psychological areas alongside specialized knowledge in sport and exercise. Students will cover all core areas of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences, social, conceptual and historical issues, and research 1 methods. This foundational knowledge is then applied within the specific contexts of sport and exercise. The program also integrates a "consultancy" and "research" informed experience, allowing students to participate in activities linked to the university's consultancy unit, "SportsLab," which provides scientific services to national and international athletes. Students have the option to undertake an additional professional placement year between their second and third years, providing valuable real-world experience and enhancing employability. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, often utilizing the university's specialist sports and psychology laboratories.  

Research Focus: The BSc Psychology (Sport and Exercise) program at Canterbury Christ Church University is driven by a dynamic team of academics who are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in the field. Their active research informs the teaching, ensuring students receive up-to-date knowledge and insights into contemporary issues in sport and exercise psychology. Students are encouraged to engage in a "research-informed experience" as part of the curriculum, particularly through their involvement with the SportsLab consultancy unit, where they contribute to research projects aimed at improving athlete performance. The program fosters strong research skills, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, enabling students to critically evaluate existing evidence and potentially contribute to new knowledge through their own research projects. Research areas often align with broader Sport and Exercise Science themes such as clinical exercise science, sports performance, policy and social research, and applied health and fitness.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core strength of the BSc Psychology (Sport and Exercise) program at CCCU, designed to provide students with practical experience and enhance their employability. A key feature is the university's dedicated consultancy unit, "SportsLab," where students have the opportunity to gain paid employment working with professional athletes, applying their expertise to improve performance. This direct involvement with a real-world consultancy unit provides invaluable practical experience and professional contacts. Furthermore, students have the option to undertake a professional placement year between their second and third years, allowing them to apply their learning in a specialist area aligned with their chosen subject, broaden their experience, and develop valuable industry contacts. The program's focus on developing transferable skills such as teamwork, effective communication, presentation, and organizational abilities further prepares graduates for a range of professional environments.

Global Perspective: The BSc Psychology (Sport and Exercise) program at Canterbury Christ Church University implicitly incorporates a global perspective through its study of psychology and its application to sport and exercise. Sport and exercise are inherently global phenomena, with international competitions, cross-cultural participation, and diverse influences on performance and well-being. While the curriculum may focus on UK-based psychological principles, the understanding of human behaviour is universally applicable. The involvement with the SportsLab, which provides services to national and international athletes, exposes students to diverse athletic backgrounds and performance contexts. Furthermore, the broader academic environment of CCCU, with its diverse student body and international staff, encourages a broader understanding of global trends in sport psychology, cross-cultural aspects of exercise, and the mental health implications within various sporting contexts around the world.