the sporting factor Sport and Exercise Psychology (MSc, PgD, PgC) Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (MSc, PgD, PgC)
welcome Thank you for the interest you have shown in the postgraduate awards we have in sport and exercise psychology. This booklet is designed to give potential students the information needed to make a decision about whether to pursue one of our exciting postgraduate awards in sport and exercise psychology. These awards have been well established since 2006 and are currently the only postgraduate distance learning awards in sport and exercise psychology delivered by a university in the United Kingdom. The awards are delivered by staff with a wealth of teaching, research and consultancy experience. The staff are drawn from two departments at Staffordshire University the Department of Sport and Exercise and the Department of Psychology and Mental Health. The Department of Sport and Exercise has a long and successful history of involvement in Sport and Exercise Science and has offered undergraduate awards in sport related subjects since the 1970s. In 2004 it became the first institution in the world to offer online postgraduate education in the sport and exercise sciences. The Department of Psychology and Mental Health has a strong track record of offering courses accredited by the British Psychological Society. In the most recent subject review the teaching quality of both departments was rated Excellent. Staff from both departments contributed to the recent sports-related subjects RAE submission where 60% of the research was considered of international level or internationally excellent. If you are successful in gaining a place, we look forward to delivering a learning experience that will allow you to develop, both personally and academically, in the field of sport and exercise psychology. 3
about the awards Our aim is to equip students with a critical understanding of current issues relating to the theory and practice of sport and exercise psychology. The awards provide a sufficient grounding for those individuals seeking to develop a career as a sport and exercise psychology professional. The MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology is aimed at those individuals who have graduated from psychology related degrees and possess Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). The course is accredited by the BPS to provide stage one training which is the first step in becoming a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. The MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology is aimed at individuals who come from a sport science background and wish to study Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology at Masters Level. The MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology can provide the basis for further professional qualifications (eg Accreditation by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences) which can also support a career in sport and exercise psychology. The online part-time delivery format for both these courses is attractive to individuals in full time employment, who do not have an accessible locally-based university offering this subject and who need to study in a more flexible format than that offered by traditional delivery methods. Throughout all modules, an advanced level of analysis of selected areas of sport and exercise psychology will occur, with students on the programmes being given the opportunity to challenge received wisdom, display creativity and innovation and produce material of a professional standard. 4
structure of awards The awards are comprised of a series of six inter-related (2 x 15 credit, 3 x 30 credit + 1 x 60 credit) modules to be delivered in a part-time distance learning format through a Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard). Completion of any 60 taught credits will lead to the PgC. in Sport and Exercise Psychology or Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (depending on the award chosen). Subsequent successful completion of the remaining 60 taught credits will lead to the PgD. in Sport and Exercise Psychology or Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (depending on the award chosen). Finally, successful completion of the 60-credit Dissertation module will lead to the MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology or MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (depending on the award chosen). BPS accreditation is only applicable to the MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Students can only undertake the 60-credit Dissertation module after 120 taught credits have been studied. For each module guidance is provided for both core and optional (e.g., further reading) activities, along with time set aside for assignment preparation. The 15-credit modules will follow an 8-week guided study programme. It is anticipated that core tasks will typically amount to approximately six hours of engagement per week, representing a total of 48 activity engagement hours for the module. The number of independent study hours is 102, representing a combination of further and additional reading and a series of optional tasks (48 hours) and specific preparation for the module assignments (54 hours). The 30-credit modules will follow a 12-week guided study programme. It is anticipated that core tasks will typically amount to an average of eight hours engagement per week, representing a total of 96 activity engagement hours for the module. The number 5
of independent study hours is 204, representing a combination of further and additional reading and a series of optional tasks (96 hours) and specific preparation for the module assignments (108 hours). Modules typically adopt an active learning approach, with the material provided also accompanied by some form of interaction (student-student, student-lecturer) at both theory and practical levels. Each module will contribute to the overall final grade for an award. A range of assessment formats will be offered including essays, reports, presentations and case studies. Students are able to access a wide range of electronic journals to support their learning. Examples of relevant online full text journals include the American Psychological Association s entire portfolio (> 50 titles) from 1987 onwards. Sport specific journals include the Journal of Sports Sciences, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Psychology of Sport and Exercise and The Sport Psychologist. In addition, the University has an e-book library, containing over 15,000 books covering all subject areas. Structure of MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology / MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology Year 1 8-week period 8-week period 12-week period 12-week period Physical Activity and Mental Health (15 credits) Research Methods and Data Analysis (15 credits) Social Processes and Body Image in Sport, Health and Exercise Settings (30 Credits) The Practice of Sport and Exercise Psychology (30 Credits) Year 2 12-week period 30-week period Skill Acquisition in Sport (30 Credits) Dissertation The two awards have an identical curriculum. The distinct awards reflect the different entry requirements (GBR with BPS, or sport science background) and the potential for different career opportunities depending on previous learning. In short, the use of different award titles distinguishes those eligible to pursue Stage 2 training with the BPS in order to gain Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist status. 6
module outlines In Physical Activity and Mental Health, the current state of evidence regards the relationship between physical activity and mental health is examined. Physical activity theories and models are critically evaluated using a range of sources of evidence including traditional review, meta-analysis and epidemiological research. A central focus of the module is behaviour change with respect to physical activity. The mental health benefits of activity with respect to selected mental illnesses are also evaluated and practical physical activity interventions examined. The module Research Methods and Data Analysis develops and enhances research methods, statistical and qualitative analysis skills. Key analytical techniques will be addressed via data sets in sport and exercise psychology. In Social Processes and Body Image in Sport and Exercise Settings there is an introduction to broad areas in sport and exercise settings where social psychology is of relevance and then social psychological theory is applied to selected areas in sport and exercise settings (e.g., group cohesion, audience effects). Current theories relating body image to sport, health, and exercise will be examined critically, with reference to relevant empirical evidence, including development of body image. The relevance of body image in sport and exercise settings is explored, including an investigation of the impact of low body esteem on exercise motivations. The utility of interventions to improve body image through engagement in sports and exercise will also be explored, as will the efficacy of psychological techniques to improve selected aspects of group functioning (e.g., cohesion, communication, climate) in sport or exercise settings. 7
In the first part of The Practice of Sport and Exercise Psychology a range of psychological techniques available to practitioners are outlined (e.g., self-talk, imagery). Theoretical and empirical evidence for the effectiveness of these techniques will be considered. Students will be required to consider what psychological techniques are most appropriate and how they should best be applied to a range of scenarios (e.g., enhancing confidence in a novice exerciser, helping an elite athlete cope with a career ending injury). In the second part of the module the skills required to practice effectively (e.g., counselling skills, communication skills and reflective practice) are considered along with issues surrounding the delivery of psychological interventions to different groups (e.g., disabled athletes) are considered. Ethical issues that may arise during the consultancy process in sport and exercise settings are considered and discussed throughout the module. The Skill Acquisition in Sport module will examine current theoretical approaches to the acquisition of perceptual motor skills as they apply to sport. The role of effective practice and instruction on the acquisition and control of sports actions will be examined adopting a research to practice model. A critical evaluation of contemporary (and contrasting) explanations of how sport related skills are acquired, retained and used to enhance performance across a range of contexts will be undertaken. The final module is the Dissertation. This module involves the planning and execution of an empirical research project. A formal presentation and oral defence of the research is a key feature of the module. Attendance Requirements Although the awards are delivered via distance learning, there are some attendance requirements. Attendance will be required at four separate stages during the award. These include: Induction Workshop (start of course); Consultancy Workshop (after 60 credits); Dissertation Preparation Workshop (after 120 credits); Dissertation Presentation and Viva. If a student is unable to attend a required workshop then it may be possible that alternative arrangements can be made that enable the student to continue on the course. For example, the work can be provided electronically and a meeting arranged with the award tutor at a convenient time. However, students must make every effort possible to attend the scheduled sessions and only under exceptional circumstances (e.g., travel from overseas is problematic) will alternative arrangements be made at the award leader s discretion. 8
Criteria for Admission to the Programme Applicants for the MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology must possess Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) with the BPS and will normally have completed a degree in psychology. To demonstrate GBR you can either provide a letter confirming that you have been elected to graduate membership of the society or a copy of degree certificate which is then cross-referenced by the award tutor with the list of accredited undergraduate degrees provided by the BPS. Applicants for the MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology will normally have a degree in sport science, or related subject. In addition, applicants with alternative backgrounds (but educated to degree level) will also be considered if they are able to demonstrate the potential to work at M level and have experiences relevant to a course covering the discipline of Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology. It is possible that applicants may be asked to attend an interview at the University in order to establish/confirm their eligibility. Staffing Students will be supported on the award by a team of 10 academic staff. The award leader, Dr Marc Jones, is a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist and accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) to provide psychological support for athletes. Other key individuals on the award include Dr Jamie Barker (Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, BASES Accredited) and Dr Pete Coffee (BASES Accredited), Dr David Clark-Carter and Dr David Sheffield who are both Chartered Health Psychologists and Professor Sarah Grogan, who is both a Chartered Health Psychologist and a Full Member of the Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology. The staff team comprises individuals who are actively involved in a range of research and applied work in the area of sport and exercise psychology. Examples, of current research areas explored by staff include: emotions and sport performance, hypnosis and self-efficacy, enjoyment and commitment to sport, attributions, social identity, body image in sport and exercise settings, pain and responses to injury, strategies to increase physical activity and exercise participation, psychological benefits of physical activity and exercise, responses of fans to game outcome, using psychological skills (eg imagery) to enhance sport performance, home advantage, aggression, decision-making in officials and many more. In addition, staff have a range of consultancy experiences including current work with professional football and cricket teams, as well as individual athletes across a range of sports, ages and abilities. Careers and Employability To prospective employers, this award offers a combination of analytical, practical and personal skills. There are also some opportunities to work full-time as sport and/or exercise psychologists. Both the BPS and BASES in their careers information to postgraduates outline that opportunities to sport and exercise scientists and sport and exercise psychologists respectively are growing. A growth in opportunities is also likely to be facilitated by high profile sporting events (eg Olympics 2012) while the importance of exercise participation is frequently highlighted in the media and augmented by national reports, such as that by the Chief Medical Officer s Report (2004) highlighting the health benefits of physical activity. 9
Graduates can enter a range of careers in sport and exercise psychology although further qualifications post-msc are often needed depending on the exact career path sought (e.g., Stage 2 training with the BPS, BASES accreditation, PHD). Careers in sport psychology include teaching in higher and further education or working as an applied sport psychologist with a national governing body, National Institute of Sport or with professional sports teams/individuals. In exercise psychology, similar opportunities exist for teaching in higher and further education with the growing recognition by the NHS of the importance of physical activity, there is a need to increase the capacity and capability of the public health workforce to facilitate community exercise and physical activity interventions. The work of an exercise psychologist might involve GP exercise referral, or setting up and evaluating exercise programmes in employment, prison and psychiatric contexts. See also the following links for more information on careers specific to sport and exercise psychology: http://www.bases.org.uk/careers http://www.bps.org.uk/careers/what-do-psychologists-do/areas/sport.cfm http://www.bps.org.uk/spex/about-s&e-psych/about-s&e-psych_home.cfm Importantly, the awards equip students with a range of transferable skills that enhance employability, regardless of whether the career is in sport or exercise psychology, or in a separate field entirely. Specifically, at the end of the award students will have developed and demonstrated: good communication skills (both written and oral), the ability to work independently, the ability to critically analyse literature, good problem solving skills, an understanding of how psychological techniques can be applied to change behaviour and psychological responses in real world settings and an understanding of human behaviour in achievement settings. These skills can be applied to a wide range of careers. Computer Requirements To access Blackboard students must have a PC running Windows NT4, 95, 98, 2000 or XP or a Macintosh and have either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or above. As far as hardware is concerned, we recommend that students use a computer (either a PC or a Mac) with the following specifications as a minimum: 1 GHz processor (or faster) 512 Mb of RAM At least 20 GB of hard disc space An internet service provider (ISP) with a broadband, cable or satellite internet connection (or >56K modem dial-up in an emergency). Please note that for Macintosh computer users the minimum specification is the PowerMac. Information Services and Faculty support for Macintosh users is limited and available on a best endeavours basis only. In addition two modules Research Methods and Data Analysis and the Dissertation module use SPSS statistical software and we cannot support MAC users of this software. We therefore recommend PC usage for these two modules. 10
Costs There are costs in addition to the normal course fees. For all modules, students will typically be required to purchase a core text (occasionally more than one text is needed per module). Details on how to purchase the core text will be provided before the start of each module. Certain modules may also require access to further specific learning resources. For example, for the Research Methods and Data Analysis module, students will need to have access to SPSS (a statistical analysis computer package). We organise the purchase and distribution of the package to students but if this is lost or misplaced students will be required to replace it. The Practice of Sport and Exercise Psychology module will require students produce a Video/DVD of an initial session with a client (individual or group) relating to an aspect of either sport or exercise psychology. It is each student s responsibility to produce the Video or DVD and as such will need to organise (and if necessary pay for) access to a video/digital camcorder. For the Dissertation module students are expected to fund the cost of data collection. Please note this list is not exhaustive and other learning resources may be required (eg use of CD-Rom and accompanying QuickTime viewer software). Furthermore, the quoted costs do not cover the cost of overnight accommodation whilst attending workshops and does not cover the cost of travel to and from any workshop, nor any food or incidental expenses. Specific information about the workshops: the location and joining instructions, the exact duration, the content/ itinerary, details of accommodation adjacent to the University is provided in advance of each event. 11
what the students say Even though this is a distance learning course I never feel alone whilst studying due to the discussions that take place every week regarding the weekly tasks on blackboard with my fellow students and lecturers. It is a well structured course and the lecturers are always accessible via phone or emails if any problems arise. Laura Ross (MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology) I have found the MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology distance learning course to be very enjoyable and challenging. The opportunity to study in my own time and with the online support of tutors and peers has enabled me to juggle a busy lifestyle with course work. The course content is stimulating and my learning has benefitted from the interactive tasks that form the course structure. Nicky Michelmore (MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology) Working full-time, I would never be able to do a Masters degree but distance learning has made this possible, giving me the flexibility to study in the evenings and at weekends. It is not an easy option by any means but has been stimulating and challenging. The opportunity of attending in person to meet other students and staff was welcomed and made me feel part of the learning community again. Phyllis Windsor (MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology) 12
Pre-Course Readings If you are successful in gaining a place on the course, you may wish to engage in some reading to help you to prepare. Indeed, we are often asked by students interested in enrolling on the course, if there are any readings that they could do before the course in order to refresh their knowledge of sport and exercise psychology or to acquaint themselves with the area if they are coming from a nontraditional background. Coming up with a definite list of resources is obviously difficult but we have some suggestions below. We have not cited any book that appears as a core text later on in the course. So the books below are in addition to those that you will be expected to purchase as part of the course. However, these books will of course be of some use to you as you progress through the course. Knowledge is never wasted! Please note we are not suggesting that you purchase all, or indeed any, of these books. Rather, it is a list that we, as staff have put together, in response to requests from some applicants, of books that you may find useful before you start the course. Lavallee, Williams, J., & Jones, M. V. (2008). Key studies in sport and exercise psychology. Maidenhead, England: McGraw Hill. ISBN: 0077111710. This book will be of use as it examines in depth some of the most important and influential studies in sport and exercise psychology. It comprises abridged versions of 23 studies in sport and exercise psychology. It is a good introduction to primary research in the field (and getting to grips with primary research is crucial at postgraduate level). Importantly each study is followed by a section in which the current research in the area is outlined giving an up-to-date overview of each topic. Andersen, M. B. (Ed.) (2000). Doing sport psychology. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. ISBN: 0-7360-0086-0. An absolute must for anyone who is after an insight into the practical work of applied sport psychologists. It contains transcripts of interviews with a range of clients and a critical discussion of the issues faced by sport psychologists from the start of a consultation to the end. Kremer, J., & Moran A. (2008). Pure sport: Practical sport psychology. Routledge: ISBN: 978-0-415-39557-1. This book is really written for the casual reader. The athlete or coach interested in understanding how psychology can be used to improve performance. That said, in addition to being very readable, it is underpinned by current research and there are many good examples of how psychological techniques can be used to enhance performance. 13
finally We hope you have found this booklet informative and that you have found an award that is of interest. If so, we look forward to receiving your application in the near future. In the meantime if you require further information on any of the awards please contact: Dr Marc Jones Reader in Sport and Exercise Psychology Sport and Exercise Staffordshire University Leek Road Stoke-on-Trent United Kingdom ST4 2DF t: +44 (0)1782 295985 (direct line) t: +44 (0)1782 294019 (Sport and Exercise Office) e: marc.jones@staffs.ac.uk 14
An electronic copy of this brochure or one of our others are available by clicking the brochure button on www.staffs.ac.uk/health M1964 RAL 0909