Psychology of Sport and Exercise

Study on the UK’s only sports and exercise psychology online learning degree and kick-start your future career.

Explore how athletes think, feel, and behave through our distinctive degree, designed for those aspiring to become sport or exercise psychologists, performance lifestyle practitioners, or professionals looking to support health, general wellbeing, and performance through psychologically informed practice. It is also ideal for those already working in related roles who want to deepen their knowledge and develop a more psychologically informed approach.

We offer the UK’s only BSc (Hons) Psychology of Sport and Exercise to be delivered through online learning. It’s the ultimate flexible approach for students with busy lifestyles.

You’ll learn how psychology plays a pivotal role in both human performance and wellbeing. This includes helping athletes cope better under pressure and developing people’s confidence, motivation and resilience.

We teach the fundamentals of sport and exercise psychology from day one, while also giving you a valuable multi-disciplinary perspective through topics such as social, cognition and developmental psychology. Alongside this, there is a strong focus on employability and industry-led teaching, helping you to build your professional identity and put yourself in the best possible position to achieve your career ambitions.

The course covers a wide range of engaging topics, from group dynamics and leadership to the interaction between the brain and body. You may also explore areas such as the psychology of exercise addiction, dark triad, as well as interventions for managing stress and irrational beliefs.

We place a strong emphasis on applying theory to real-life situations. Our team of academics are research-active and internationally recognised in contemporary research, with many also working directly in the field, ensuring your learning is both research-informed and rooted in professional practice.

The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which means we meet rigorous national standards. It’s an ideal springboard for careers in a range of specialist roles, including working with professional sports clubs, becoming a wellness coach or performance consultant, or setting up your own business.

We have extensive experience in delivering online distance learning degrees and attract a diverse student cohort. Our students include athletes competing at national and international level, sports coaches, military personnel, professional business coaches, and those progressing directly from school or college.

You can develop your professional skills while at home or in the workplace, with the option of using our facilities on campus too. The degree can be taken full-time or part-time.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Psychology of Sport and Exercise.

Please note this course was previously called BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology and has been renamed in line with BPS regulations

From your first day to your graduation day and beyond, University of Staffordshire will help you build your future career.

Recently named University of the Year (Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute), employability is embedded across the student experience.You’ll be involved in real-world projects and activities that develop your professional practice. You’ll also make connections that open doors through employer partnerships and industry mentoring opportunities.

Expect lots of hands-on learning too. You can travel from crime scene to courtroom in simulation spaces – and bring topics to life with AI and VR-powered technology.

You’ll also get personalised support, with your own academic mentor. Staffordshire prides itself on offering an inclusive, welcoming environment. With more than 70 clubs and societies, and a brand new Student Village, there’s a community waiting for you. Click Call University to secure your place at University of Staffordshire today.