You will be introduced to the world of sport psychology, examining social and developmental aspects and explore the areas of cognitive and biological psychology in order to gain a better understanding of the psychological impacts on the brain and body. You will examine the psychology of optimum performance covering theories that explain behaviour in sport and the skills involved to improve performance. Individuals’ attitudes and personalities and their impact on behaviour on and off the pitch are explored and you will research contemporary issues in sport psychology. There will be further opportunities to evaluate the similarities between the performance enhancing techniques of athletes and that of businesses to motivate employees’ performance, along with other topics such as strategic decision-making and how the psychological skills you have learnt can be applied to the management of a business team.

Degree content

Sports people have long known the benefits of what an understanding of psychology  can bring to their performance. Athletes learn to motivate themselves in ways that they believe will improve performance, replacing self-doubt with positive thoughts about what they need to do in order to succeed.

The ability to understand cognitive behaviour is also a key component of being a successful leader and manager. Others use visualisation, bringing to mind the sights, sounds and feelings of a successful performance in order to be better prepared for the real situation and plan their reactions to the many different things that might happen during a competition.

This degree combines contemporary and traditional areas of research and theory in sport psychology. The traditional psychology component of the award consists of all the core areas of psychology (e.g. developmental, cognitive, psychophysiology, individual differences, research methods, social, historical and conceptual issues), along with the principles and skills of management within the football and sport industries, where you will have the opportunity to develop your psychological analysis skills on and off the pitch. This will be enhanced by our Complementary Curriculum where you will meet the best-in-class practitioners in the sport industries via our professional partner network, providing you with the opportunities to practice your knowledge and skills throughout your degree.

UCFB degrees fall under three subject benchmark statements – General business and management (2007); Hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism (2008); and Psychology (2010). Visit the QAA website to access each of these benchmark statements.

First Year

  • Introduction to Developmental & Social Psychology
  • Psychological Research Methods
  • Bioenergetics of Human Movement
  • Foundations of Sport & Exercise Psychology
  • Introduction to Biological & Cognitive Psychology
  • Introduction to Personality & Applying Psychology
  • Foundations of Exercise Physiology

Second Year

  • Biopsychology
  • Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology
  • Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Cognitive Processes in Psychology
  • Cognition & Emotion in Sport & Exercise Psychology
  • Applied Sport & Performance Psychology

Third Year

  • Social Psychology
  • Issues in Personality & Individual Differences
  • Empirical Dissertation
  • Historical & Conceptual Issues in Psychology
  • Professional Development & Employability
  • Working with a Client

* Modules listed above may vary depending on changes to the syllabus.

Applications are welcomed from students with a genuine passion and ambition to work in the football and sports industries.

The minimum academic requirement for this degree course is a 280-320 UCAS Tariff point score.

Other minimum requirements

Applicants will normally have achieved one of the following:

  • A minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent
  • International Baccalaureate (minimum of 24 points)
  • A National Diploma or Certificate in an appropriate subject at Distinction level
  • An Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate subject at Distinction level
  • An Access Course: minimum of 60 credits, including at least 45 at Level 3
  • An equivalent level 3 qualification

Applicants should have a strong GCSE profile, including English at Grade C, or equivalent and Maths at Grade C (specifically for Football Business & Finance, Sports Business & Sports Law and Sport Psychology).

Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered. Applicants for whom English is a second language should have achieved IELTS 6 or equivalent for entry into Level 4.

We also welcome applications from mature students who may not possess the above qualifications but may have relevant experience.

All applicants will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in their preferred area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject through the academic programme and our complementary curriculum involving high profile guest speakers, master classes and short course opportunities.

Entry with advanced standing

Students are normally expected to start at Level 4, but can be admitted to any level of the course which is considered suitable, after portfolio review and interview, using the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). Under this arrangement, a student may apply to have previous academic credits or other learning or experience taken into consideration. Such applications are considered by the Faculty CATS committee and must be supported by the Academic Department.

Scholarships & Bursaries

A limited number of scholarships and bursaries are available for 2015. Visit the undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page for more information.

If you have any further questions regarding entry requirements, please contact us at admissions@ucfb.com.