University of Essex

SE742-7-SP-CO:
Applied techniques in sport and exercise psychology

The details

Year: 2023/24

Department: Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)

Campus: Colchester Campus

Term: Spring

Level: Postgraduate: Level 7

Status: Current

Start date: Monday 15 January 2024

End date: Friday 22 March 2024

Credits: 15

Last updated: 19 October 2023

Requisites for this module

Pre-requisites: (none)

Co-requisites: (none)

Pre and / or co-requisites: (none)

Prohibited modules: (none)

Key module (requisite for): (none)

Key module for

MSC C60212 Sport and Exercise Science,
MSC C60512 Sport and Exercise Psychology

Module description

This module will explore a range of techniques used in applied sport and exercise psychology. The module will provide you with an understanding of the initial steps in applied consultancy including gaining entry and employing different needs assessment techniques to understand clients and their behaviours. You will also develop your knowledge of key behaviour change techniques and psychological strategies including goal-setting, self-talk, imagery, stress management, and concentration training.

Module aims

The aim of this module is to provide a detailed understanding of the effective application of psychological principles to the assessment and development of human performance and well-being, and to develop the skills needed to work with athletes, coaches, and exercise professionals.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1. Select and apply psychological needs assessment techniques.
2. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of behaviour change techniques and psychological skills and their application in sport and exercise
3. Apply theoretical knowledge to real world settings.
4. Design effective psychological interventions for individuals and groups in sport and exercise.
5. Critically evaluate ethical issues in research and applied sport and exercise psychology.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

The module will employ a range of teaching and learning methods including seminars, reading and discussion tasks, questions and online resources. Seminars: 10 x 2 hours Seminars will be used to introduce and discuss theoretical underpinnings of sport and exercise, and develop practitioner skills in sport and exercise psychology. Seminar activities will involve discussions and role playing scenarios based on potential situations sport and exercise psychologists may encounter in their profession. These activities will provide important formative feedback in preparation for the module assessments. Independent: Students are expected to undertake directed and independent reading of key textbooks and journal articles to support their learning and help prepare assignments. Case studies will also be provided on the virtual learning environment to facilitate discussions on the application of psychological skills and strategies. Psychologist-client role-play scenarios and related activities should also be undertaken amongst the cohort outside of contact hours to develop the students' ability to conduct a needs assessment and interpret data. Online: Seminar materials and resources for the independent study tasks will appear on the SE742 Moodle pages.

Bibliography

Buckworth, J. (2013) Exercise psychology. 2nd ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/334300.
Hemmings, B. and Holder, T. (2009) Applied sport psychology: a case-based approach. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. Available at: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=639317.
Lane, A.M. (ed.) (2016) Sport and exercise psychology: topics in applied psychology. Second edition. New York: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315713809.
Taylor, J. (ed.) (2018) Assessment in applied sport psychology. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/350130.

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam	Description	Coursework weighting
Practical	Practical needs assessment and viva	100%
Exam	Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 180 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
Exam	Reassessment Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 180 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)

Exam format definitions

Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework	Exam
50%	50%

Reassessment

Coursework	Exam
50%	50%

Module supervisor and teaching staff

Supervisor: Dr Paul Freeman, email: pfreeman@essex.ac.uk.

Teaching staff: Dr Paul Freeman, Dr Ruth Lowry, Dr Luke Olsson.

Contact details: SRES School Office (sres@essex.ac.uk)

Availability

Available to incoming Essex Abroad / Exchange students: Yes

Available to Outside Option: Yes

Available to Audit: Yes

External examiner

Name: Dr Andrew John Manley

Institution: Leeds Beckett University

Academic role: Head of Subject (Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences)

Name: Dr Philip Daniel Brian Price

Institution: St Mary's University

Academic role: Senior Lecturer

Resources

Teaching materials: Available via Moodle

Lecture recording: Of 45 hours, 22 (48.9%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
23 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

Further information

Department website: Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)

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Module Directory

SE742-7-SP-CO:Applied techniques in sport and exercise psychology