Sport and Exercise Psychology

Sport and exercise psychology applies psychological theory and methods to understanding and enhancing human performance and wellbeing in sporting and physical activity contexts. It asks how athletes can prepare mentally for competition, how motivation is built and sustained, how anxiety and confidence affect performance, and how psychological support can help people of all abilities increase their physical activity and improve their quality of life. The discipline bridges the performance demands of elite sport and the public health challenge of encouraging active lifestyles across the population.

At the University of Keele, this three-year full-time BSc examines the role of psychology in sport coaching and performance as well as in exercise, health, and wellbeing. You will develop both applied psychological knowledge and rigorous research skills, engaging with the evidence base that underpins effective psychological support in sporting and exercise contexts. A sandwich year, year abroad, and work placement opportunities are built into the degree, giving you professional and international experience alongside your academic studies.

The typical entry tariff is 104 points.

Graduates from sport and exercise psychology programmes work in sports coaching, performance analysis, elite athlete support, physical activity promotion, health and wellbeing services, and research. Many go on to postgraduate training in sport and exercise psychology, which is the route toward full practitioner status with the British Psychological Society. Others find roles in coaching science, physical education, community sport development, and allied health professions.

The research skills the degree develops are also valued in health behaviour research and public health contexts.