Psychology of Sport and Performance BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Psychology of Sport and Performance at the University of Portsmouth is designed for students who want to understand how psychological factors influence sporting performance, motivation, and mental wellbeing. It is a strong fit for those interested in sport psychology, coaching, performance science, or health-related careers, combining psychology with real-world sport and performance applications.

Students explore how thoughts, emotions, and behaviour affect athletes and performers, while also developing strong research and analytical skills that are essential for psychology-based careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you build a solid foundation in psychology and research methods. Modules such as Applying Psychological Research Skills and Perspectives in Psychology introduce how psychologists study behaviour, design research, and interpret data in a scientific way.

You also study Biological and Cognitive Psychology, which helps you understand how the brain and thinking processes influence behaviour, along with Social and Developmental Psychology, which explores how people develop, interact, and behave in different social settings. This year focuses on building essential academic and scientific skills needed for advanced study.

Year 2

In the second year, learning becomes more focused on sport and performance psychology. Modules like Advanced Psychology of Sport and Performance and Applications of Sport and Exercise Psychology examine how psychological principles are used to improve athlete performance, motivation, and mental resilience.

You also study Motor Learning and Development, which looks at how physical skills are learned and refined, and Individual Differences and Psychometrics, where you explore personality, intelligence, and psychological measurement. Issues in Clinical and Health Psychology helps you understand mental health challenges in performance settings.

Year 3

In the final year, you focus on advanced applied learning and independent research. You complete a major dissertation through Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences Research Project, where you investigate a topic in sport or performance psychology in depth.

You also take modules such as Applications of Performance Analysis in Skill Acquisition and Psychology Research Project and Work Placement, giving you practical experience in real sporting or professional environments. Optional modules allow you to specialise further based on your career interests.

Focus Areas

Sport psychology, performance enhancement, cognitive and biological psychology, research methods and statistics, motor learning and skill development, mental health and wellbeing in sport, individual differences and personality, psychological assessment, applied coaching and performance support, independent research and professional practice

Learning Outcomes

You will develop a strong understanding of how psychological theories apply to sport and performance, learn how to design and analyse psychological research, and gain the ability to evaluate athlete behaviour and performance scientifically. The course also builds skills in data analysis, intervention design, and applied psychology practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, giving you eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. This is an important step if you want to pursue professional training in psychology, including sport and exercise psychology routes.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Portsmouth is well regarded for sport science and psychology, with strong research performance and industry-focused teaching. The course is designed with employability in mind, including placement opportunities and long-term career support after graduation.

Graduates often move into sport psychology training pathways, coaching and performance roles, education, health and wellbeing careers, or research positions in sport and exercise science.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BSc (Hons) Psychology of Sport and Performance at the University of Portsmouth develop practical skills from day one by working in specialist sport and psychology environments that reflect real performance settings. Rather than only studying theory, you’ll actively take part in experiments, performance testing, and applied research using professional equipment designed to understand how athletes think, feel, and perform under pressure.

You also learn through workshops, group projects, and supervised research, where you apply psychological principles to real sporting and performance challenges. In the final year, you complete an independent research project and can also take part in work placements, helping you build confidence in real professional environments such as sport clubs, performance centres, and health-related organisations.

This combination of lab-based learning, field experience, and research training helps you develop strong practical and analytical skills that are directly relevant to careers in sport psychology and performance science:

Psychology laboratories designed for studying behaviour, communication, and performance in controlled research settings
Psychophysiology facilities to measure real-time physical responses such as heart rate, stress levels, and brain activity during performance tasks
Eye-tracking technology used to study attention, decision-making, and focus in sporting environments
Biomechanics lab with motion analysis tools, force plates, and muscle activity sensors to study movement efficiency and athletic technique
Physiology equipment including treadmills, cycling ergometers, and monitoring systems for fitness and endurance testing
Environmental simulation facilities to examine performance under challenging conditions such as heat, altitude, or fatigue
Group-based practical sessions and applied performance analysis tasks focused on real athlete behaviour and skill development
Independent final-year dissertation where you design and conduct your own research project in sport or performance psychology
Work placement opportunities in sport organisations, coaching environments, schools, and health or wellbeing services
Use of digital learning platforms for research, data analysis, collaboration, and academic development

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Psychology of Sport and Performance at the University of Portsmouth are well prepared for careers that focus on improving performance, wellbeing, and mental resilience in sport and exercise settings. Many move into roles where they work directly with athletes, teams, or organisations, applying psychological knowledge to real performance environments. Typical career paths include sport and exercise psychologist (with further training), performance analyst, coaching and athlete development roles, and positions in health, wellbeing, and education sectors.

Progression is strongly supported through the university’s career-focused approach and industry connections, helping students move confidently into employment or further specialist training:

Dedicated Careers and Employability Service offering personal support for up to five years after graduation, including CV development, interview practice, and job search guidance
Opportunities for placements and work experience with sports clubs, schools, health services, and performance organisations to build real-world experience
Strong links with sport and performance organisations that help students gain practical exposure during their studies
Eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society, which is a key requirement for becoming a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist or HCPC-registered practitioner
Support in developing transferable skills such as research, data analysis, communication, and applied psychology, which are valued across sport, health, and education careers
Opportunities to enhance employability through study abroad experiences and extended placement options

Graduates typically progress into sport performance environments, coaching and development roles, wellbeing services, education, or further professional training in psychology and sport science.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology or related psychology conversion courses if needed. Many then progress into professional training routes leading to chartered status, allowing them to work as qualified sport and exercise psychologists in high-performance, clinical, or applied sport settings.