Course code: OLUAR Level: 4
Currently the only UK Certificate of Credit in Sports Psychology that offers university credits, this 20 credit module provides an introduction into Sports Psychology and covers key topics including confidence, self-doubt, anxiety, attention and mental skills training. It will also address group processes associated with team performance such as leadership, communication, group dynamics and cohesion. Throughout this module you’ll learn from real life sporting examples of elite athletes on each of these key areas.
It’s ideally suited to anyone wishing to explore this area of study, or professionals working within a sports environment looking to further their knowledge or count towards their Continual Professional Development (CPD).
For many people interested in playing, watching or contributing to today’s increasingly competitive sports society, sports are a way to keep fit, compete or even earn a pretty decent salary if you play professionally. Sport professionals and athletes strive for greatness, success and the satisfaction of winning, pushing through boundaries and limits to become the best. At times, sporting individuals may encounter psychological issues that prevent them from performing or playing to their full potential whether this is in the form of pressure, anxiety or even a sporting injury.
By completing this course, you’ll have a greater understanding of the key factors associated with sporting performance looking at the role these play on individual performance. Furthermore, the module will look at the performance of groups and teams and how effective teams are formed and perform. All of this will be supported with lots of applied sporting examples.
Finally it will introduce some of the key mental skills that are used by sport psychology practitioners. By completing this course you will get a greater understanding of the role that sport psychology has in overall sporting performance that may influence the way you currently play or coach.
How you’ll learn
Over 10 weeks you’ll complete end of unit activities that are innovatively designed to ensure you are getting the best learning experience possible. You will also have the chance to participate in discussion groups and live collaborate sessions where you can interact with staff and other students who are studying this course.
Exclusive videos from sporting professionals
Through exclusive videos from sporting professionals including Stuart Bingham (2015 Snooker World Champion), Alison Nicholas (1997 US Open winner), Steve Staunton (102 caps for the Republic of Ireland and ex Liverpool and Aston Villa player) and more, you’ll gain an insight into their own personal experience in sport, providing real life examples of how psychology is used within different sporting industries.
Delivery from experienced academics
We’ve over 10 years’ experience in the delivery of psychology courses online which means you can expect the highest standards of teaching and education. Our specialist psychology academic team will guide you through the module, providing regular contact and feedback to ensure you stay on track. You can be assured of a supportive and structured learning experience and our online learning advisors are on hand to provide non-academic support throughout the duration of your studies.
You will complete one 20 credit module which covers 8 core units, looking at the individual aspects of psychology, the team aspects of psychology and key mental skills within sports psychology.
Modules:
Core
-Sports Psychology
Code:4PS524
Info:
The role of psychology within sport is becoming more important and popular, with athletes working closely with Sport and Exercise Psychologists. This module introduces you to sport psychology. The aim is to provide you with a sound understanding of theory and research into individual sport psychology including areas of attention and anxiety. We will also address group processes associated with team performance such as leadership and group dynamics. Throughout this module you will be shown exclusive interviews with elite level athletes who have been successful within their sports.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
Evaluate the appropriateness of the key principles which underpin the area of sport psychology.
Apply the theoretical concepts to a sport case study.
This module will discuss what makes sport psychology a science and will explore theories, research methods and concepts relating to core topics of sporting performance. The following are examples of indicative content:
-Anxiety
-Confidence
-Attention
-Motivation
-Leadership
-CommunicationGroup
-Dynamics and Cohesion
-Key Mental Skills
Credits:20Stage:CoreCore:Core module
You will require:
-A levels (240 UCAS points – excluding General Studies) or equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC National Diploma, Scottish Highers etc.
-GCSE Maths (minimum grade C)
-GCSE English Language (minimum grade C)
-We also accept Access qualifications (with a grade of 22 merits or a distinction).
-Additionally, we can consider all the information that you’ve included in your application. We want to see that you’re enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from studying your degree through online learning.
-If you have a significant amount of experience within a sports and exercise role or career your application will also be considered.
English language qualification
If English is not your first language you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
-IELTS 6.0
-TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
-Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
-Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
-London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses
-International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C
-International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C
Specialist online university
University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) specialises in delivering higher education and its objective is to empower students to achieve their full potential through a first class educational experience supported by information, advice and guidance.
University experience enriched with support
UDOL recognises that studying online and at a distance comes with its own challenges and that it’s a very different experience to traditional campus based study. The university´s support services have been designed to ensure that you can make the most of your time at the UDOL; with a wide range of support and information readily accessible.
Student support services include:
– Academic Team and Online Tutor
– Online Learner Advisor
– Student Wellbeing
– IT Service Centre
– eLibrary and Resource Centre
– Study Skills Advisory Scheme
– Skills Diagnostic Self-Assessment Tool
– Careers and Employment Service
Read more below:
Academic Team and Online Tutor
UDOL has a large team of highly qualified academics from around the world, who are experts in their field. They are research active and many of them have a wealth of experience in industry as well as in academia, bringing great value to the programmes. The team also has a high level of expertise in online learning, using best practice techniques combined with online teaching methods to ensure your studies are rich and stimulating.
Online Learner Advisors
Once enrolled onto your course, you will be assigned a dedicated Online Learner Advisor with extensive knowledge of your programme, who will be your main point of contact throughout your course.
To help you succeed in reaching your academic goals, your Online Learner Advisor will maintain regular communication with you, offering advice and guidance for any non-academic issues such as pace of study, fees and funding, authorised breaks from study, dealing with exceptional circumstances, and much more.
Student Wellbeing
Achieving success in your studies is affected as much by your wellbeing as it is by your academic ability. If you are happy and confident within yourself and your environment, then you will be far more able to achieve the success that you deserve.
The Student Wellbeing services offer support for anything that may impact on you, your academic performance or your experience as a student, from budgeting and anxiety to managing serious problems. The counsellors are especially trained in supporting students online, no matter the issue.
For students with disabilities, learning difficulties or long-term or mental health conditions, specialist support is also available. The student wellbeing team will assess your requirements and put Support Plans in place containing reasonable adjustments to the way you are taught or assessed.
IT Service Centre
The IT Service Centre is able to provide assistance if you are experiencing technical difficulties. They are available 24 hours a day so no matter your time zone, IT support is just a call away.
eLibrary and Resource Centre
The University’s library is accessible to online and distance learners. Investment has been made to make sure that your reading lists are in electronic format and that there is a wide range of online databases, digital texts and ejournals available to you.
As a UK based University of Derby student, you can also access other libraries via the SCONUL Access Scheme, which enables materials to be borrowed from higher-education libraries across the country. Many universities, HE colleges and national libraries throughout the UK and Ireland participate in the scheme making their resources widely available.
The library runs a comprehensive schedule of Support Sessions covering a wide range of topics. These live, one hourly webinars cover topics such as study skills, using the virtual library enquiry desk and dealing with assessment anxiety.
Study Skills Advisory Scheme
Developing your study skills is an integral part of studying. It is particularly important if you are returning to study after a long break and lack confidence in this area.
There is a wide range of resources including guides, audio-visual tutorials and live webinars covering:
– Writing essays and reports
– Writing a dissertation or Independent Studies
– Citing and referencing
– Reading and note taking
– Research skills
– Time management and coping with pressure
– Reflection and personal development planning
– And much more…
Skills Diagnostic Self-Assessment tool
To ensure you have the skills needed for online and academic study, our unique study skills diagnostic tool gives you the opportunity, at any point of your studies, to identify the skills that you are strong at and those which you may need additional help with. The tool will direct you to information and assisted support according to your needs.
Careers and Employment Service
Whether you’re just starting your career or are on a well-established pathway, the Careers and Employment Service has lots to offers. Live webinars, career coaching, CV tailoring and online resources are just some of the services that are freely available to help you develop your employability skills and to plan your next career move. The Careers and Employment service is equipped to help you explore what you will need to do to enhance your career and support you in applying for roles.
As an Alumnus of the University, you will have access to the Careers and Employment Centre for up to 3 years after graduation. You can access the service online, over Skype/ Hangout, on the phone, through e-mail or in person at our Derby campus.
– Step 1- Start your online application.
It’s free to apply and you have 28 days to complete your application so don’t worry if you don’t have everything to hand right now.
– Step 2 – Submit your online application.
Provide as much detail as you can and we will send you an email acknowledging receipt of your application.
Please, attach the following documents to your online application:
– Photo ID – this could be your passport or driving licence
– Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
– Copies of certificates or letter of testimony for previous qualifications
Don’t worry if you can’t attach your documents right away. Simply write your name and unique application id onto them, email, fax or post them to us after you’ve submitted your completed application.
– Step 3 – Wait for a response.
Our Online Learning Advisors will review your application and contact you within 1 working week. If your application is successful, we will make you an ‘unconditional’ offer. If we still need some additional information from you (eg evidence of your qualifications and experience including certificates and references) we may make you a conditional offer. If your application is unsuccessful on this occasion, we will email you to let you know.
– Step 4 – Time to enrol
We’ll ask you to enrol onto your course about 4 – 6 weeks before the start of term. For example, if you apply to start your course in September enrolment will open approximately mid-August.
– Step 5 – … and pay
Contact us for more details about payments and notes for sponsors.
– Need Help?
If you have any questions during your application, don’t hesitate to contact your friendly Online Learning Advisors for assistance.
