MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, is a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited three-year undergraduate degree designed to provide a strong scientific understanding of the psychological principles influencing athletic performance and well-being. This program uniquely combines core areas of general psychology with a specialized focus on the psychological aspects of sport and exercise. Students delve into key factors affecting sports performance, such as anxiety, self-confidence, motivation, stress, coping mechanisms, concentration, and the psychological impact of sport injuries. St. Mary's offers excellent sports facilities and laboratories, providing a practical learning environment that complements theoretical studies. Taught by research-informed lecturers who draw on their own expertise, the program aims to develop critical thinking and research skills, preparing graduates for various professional paths in psychology and sport.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology program at St. Mary's is structured to provide a comprehensive and BPS-aligned education, integrating core psychology with specialist sport psychology modules. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge through modules like "Research Methods and Statistics," "Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology," and "Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology," alongside specialist modules such as "Introduction to Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition." The second year deepens this understanding with core modules like "Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods and Statistics," "The Social Brain," and "The Developing Mind," complemented by "Social Psychology of Sport." Optional modules in the second year can include "Physiology of Training," "Sports Biomechanics," or "Experience and Employment in Sport." The final year culminates in a significant "Independent Project" (an empirical research project) and includes core modules such as "Applied Sport Psychology," with advanced optional modules covering areas like "Psychology of Attention," "Health Psychology," or "Skill Acquisition II," allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations.
Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology program at St. Mary's University is strongly underpinned by the active research interests of its academic staff within the School of Sport, Health and Applied Science. The faculty are engaged in diverse and impactful research, particularly within the "Professional Practice in Sports Psychology" research group. Their work focuses on understanding and influencing the professional delivery of applied sport psychology. Specific areas of current interest include the impact of cognitions and mental strategies on performance, observation as a psychological assessment mode, the use of humour 1 in sport psychology consulting, interpersonal relationships within sport, and psychosocial interventions in elite soccer. Students are encouraged to engage in critical inquiry and undertake their own "Independent Project" in their final year, fostering a research-informed approach to understanding and addressing psychological issues in sport, often utilising the university's specialist laboratories and facilities.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant aspect of the BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology program at St. Mary's University, designed to provide practical experience and enhance graduate employability. The university has established strong links with various sports organisations, mental health charities, and schools in the local and wider London area. Students have the opportunity to undertake work placements during their degree, allowing them to apply their psychological knowledge and research skills in real-world professional environments. These placements provide invaluable practical experience, facilitate the development of crucial transferable skills such such as communication and problem-solving, and enable students to build professional networks within the sport and psychology sectors. The program also benefits from input by lecturers who are practicing sport psychology professionals, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry demands and prepares students for the realities of working in the field.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology program at St. Mary's University incorporates a global perspective by exploring the universal psychological principles that underpin human behaviour and performance in sport, applicable across diverse cultures and contexts worldwide. The curriculum examines how factors such as motivation, anxiety, and self-confidence manifest and are managed in athletes from different backgrounds and sporting traditions. While rooted in BPS accreditation (which aligns with international standards), the program encourages a critical understanding of global research and practices in sport psychology. Discussions may include cross-cultural differences in coaching styles, athlete development pathways, and mental health support systems. This broad outlook prepares graduates to work effectively with a diverse range of athletes, coaches, and organisations, whether within the UK or internationally, contributing to the advancement of sport psychology on a global scale.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a robust and British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate degree that provides a scientific understanding of how psychological factors influence performance and well-being in sport and exercise. This program uniquely integrates core psychological principles with specialized knowledge of sport and exercise contexts, covering topics such as motivation, anxiety, confidence, mental skills training, and the psychological impact of injury. Graduates are equipped with strong research methods and analytical skills, alongside an understanding of human behaviour in demanding environments. The curriculum is delivered by research-active lecturers, many of whom are also practicing sport psychology professionals, ensuring that the learning is both academically rigorous and practically relevant.
Assistant Sport and Exercise Psychologist: This is a common pathway for graduates with a BPS-accredited degree who aspire to become a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. They work under supervision, assisting qualified psychologists with interventions, assessments, and research in sporting or exercise settings. Further postgraduate study (MSc and Stage 2 supervised practice) is required for full chartership.
Performance Consultant / Coach: Graduates can apply their understanding of psychological principles to help individuals or teams in various high-pressure environments (e.g., business, performing arts, emergency services) to enhance performance, build resilience, and manage stress. This can involve setting goals, developing mental skills, and improving communication.
Sports Coach / Development Officer: With their insights into motivation, team dynamics, and skill acquisition, graduates can excel in coaching roles or in sports development, working to increase participation, improve performance, and foster positive sporting environments for athletes of all ages and abilities.
Health and Wellbeing Coach: Leveraging their knowledge of exercise psychology and behaviour change, graduates can work in public health initiatives, corporate wellness programs, or private practice, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices for mental and physical well-being.
Research Assistant in Sport and Exercise Science: Graduates with strong research methods and statistical analysis skills are well-suited to roles in academic institutions, sports organisations, or research centres, contributing to studies on the psychological aspects of sport, exercise, and health.
Youth Sports Counselor / Mentor: Graduates can work with young athletes in schools, youth clubs, or sports academies, helping them navigate challenges like performance anxiety, competitive pressure, coping with setbacks, and developing resilience, ensuring a positive experience in sport.
Human Resources (HR) / Training and Development Specialist: The understanding of motivation, leadership, team dynamics, and communication gained from a sport psychology degree is highly valuable in HR roles, where graduates can contribute to employee recruitment, training programs, performance management, and organisational development.
Data Analyst / Insight Specialist (Sports Industry): With their analytical and statistical skills, graduates can work for sports organisations, media companies, or marketing agencies, analysing performance data, fan engagement, or market trends to inform strategic decisions.
Sports Event Management / Administration: Graduates can apply their understanding of organisational psychology and team dynamics to roles in sports event planning, logistics, and administration, ensuring smooth operations and considering the psychological well-being of participants and staff.
Sportswear/Equipment Product Development & Marketing: Knowledge of how psychological factors influence athlete perception, comfort, and performance can be valuable in roles within the sportswear or equipment industry, contributing to product design, testing, and marketing strategies aimed at enhancing user experience and performance.
