Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: CC68 BSc/SpPsy
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Why choose this course?
Sport and Psychology examines the sciences underpinning the study of sport: how the mind and body work together for sport performance. In this course you also examine how psychology is applied in practice in sport and exercise settings, as well as having the opportunity to consider how diet and physical activity influence health, the theories which underpin coaching as well as considering how to assess fitness and prescribe exercise/training programmes. In the final year you complete a research project based on your independently-chosen topic area and working closely with a member of staff designated as your project supervisor.
A number of modules focus wholly on sport psychology issues such as motivation, personality, attribution, goal–setting, visualisation, concentration, confidence, self-talk, arousal, stress and anxiety regulation, athletic injuries and rehabilitation, addictive and unhealthy behaviours, and overtraining.
The skills required in Sport and Psychology are diverse and you will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods designed to develop these skills. You will be taught in lectures, laboratory classes, and small-group seminars with an emphasis on active enquiry. As you progress through the course more of your time will be devoted to independently accessing relevant information for your coursework, private and collaborative study, teamwork, activity-based practicals, scholarship and reflection.
You will also be expected to undertake work placements, which will form a significant part of your learning and help reinforce the important link between theory and practice.
How you learn
Typically, you should expect to have 16-18 hours contact time with tutors per week. Teaching includes the use of video and practical demonstrations, and will provide direction for your active enquiry. In the first three years of the course you will participate in laboratory classes to develop your practical skills, and you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate these skills in the fourth year when you undertake your own research project. During seminars and tutorials you are encouraged to develop your skills so that you develop a confident understanding of the foundations of psychology, sport and exercise.
How you are assessed
In first year the course is assessed solely by coursework. In years 2, 3 & 4 assessment varies from 100% coursework to a combination of examination and coursework in the ratio 50:50. Some modules will involve both practical assessment and work-based assessment. The range of skills you acquire during the course help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the component disciplines of your degree.
Higher BBB; A Level CC; ILC (H) BBB; BTEC Diploma MMM (Applied Science/Sport & Exercise Science); HNC Relevant subject;
UCAS Tariff 195+ points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: science subject
Advanced entry (year 3)
Entry is possible for suitably qualified and experienced applicants. All candidates for Year 3 entry will be interviewed to assess their suitability for entrance at this level.
Additional costs: small charge for some external awards, e.g. NGB Awards, First Aid Certificates etc.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Your future
With further study you can become an accredited Sport and Exercise Psychologist. Other potential career pathways include: sports development officer, coach, outdoor pursuits instructor, fitness consultant, lifestyle manager, sports administrator, lecturer, physical activity leader, researcher etc. By having a BPS-accredited degree, you can pursue a career in any other psychology discipline, after appropriate study and training.
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (provided Second class Honours is obtained). This is the first step towards becoming a Sport and Exercise Psychologist or pursuing a career in any other specialist area.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
The 2012 fee will be announced Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
