Next start date: Contact the Student Recruitment Office (01382 308080) for advice
Please note that this course is not available for entry in September 2013. If you are interested in this course, please contact us for advice.
Why choose this course?
The BSc (Hons) Sport and Psychology degree is a unique degree, being the only one available in Scotland. It 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 a 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
The course is assessed by a combination of examination and coursework. 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.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
Please note that this course is not available for entry in September 2013. If you are interested in this course, please contact us for advice.
Higher BBB; A Level CC; ILC (H) BBB; BTEC Diploma MMM (Applied Science/Sport & Exercise Science); HNC Relevant subject;
Essential subjects: science subject
Additional costs: small charge for some external awards, e.g. NGB Awards, First Aid Certificates etc.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Alternative Qualifications
Applications are generally assessed on the basis of standard school leaving qualifications such as SQA Highers or GCE A Levels. For those with alternative qualifications, consideration is given to professional qualifications or other forms of formal academic learning as well as experience gained that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses such as the University's AHEAD programme, or those offered by further education colleges (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.
Career prospects
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 2013 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students | N/A | Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
N/A | Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students | N/A | Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.