Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the key social and interpersonal processes associated with sport and exercise participation. Students will demonstrate a critical awareness of theories and research pertaining to social psychology and the application of this theory and research to practice. Students will learn about key social and interpersonal processes such as leadership, group dynamics, social evaluation and motivational climate which will be applied across sport and exercise contexts. Student learning will occur via debates, practical activities and applied case studies to scaffold understanding, problem-solving and application.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics will be focused on examining the social and interpersonal processes associated with participating in sport and exercise settings, including but not limited to:

Leadership
Group Dynamics
Impression management
Coach-athlete relationships
Social evaluation and audience influence
Social relationships
Parental involvement
Motivational climate
Social support
Dyadic coping
Autonomy supportive coaching
Interpersonal emotional regulation
Team mental models
Psychological safety
Culture
Organisational stress

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical and contemporary understanding of social and interpersonal theories and research related to sport and exercise contexts.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the practical application of social and interpersonal processes in sport and exercise contexts.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Analyse and interpret social and interpersonal theory and research relevant to sport and exercise psychology.
2. Present social and interpersonal research appropriately to different professional audiences.
3. Identify social and interpersonal issues in sport and exercise settings.
4. Develop appropriate social and interpersonal interventions to improve sport and exercise related outcomes.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In the workshops, students will work in small groups to discuss and debate various aspects of social and interpersonal processes which will be informed by relevant theory, empirical research and real world case studies. Discussion in workshops will encourage students to critically reflect on content as well as develop the skills and confidence required to successfully complete the assessments. Practical sessions will offer the students the opportunity to trial their chosen team building intervention and receive formative feedback from the tutor on their efforts.

The module will also afford students the opportunity for formative practice and feedback. Discussions will take place in workshops, practical’s and during active learning exercises enabling students to gain verbal feedback from both the module leader, lecturers, as well as their peers, concerning their theoretical knowledge and understanding of core concepts and communication skills (Intended Knowledge Outcome 1, 2, & 3; Intended Skill Outcome 1, 2, 3, & 4).

The two assessment workshops will be used to discuss the assessments in detail and provide opportunity for students to ask questions and practice skills related to the assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Observation of Professional Practice: Students will deliver a 30 minute practical workshop (groups of 3) based on an evidence informed team building exercise to promote or reduce a social or interpersonal issue of their choice.

Professional Skills Assessment: An individual presentation (10 mins + 5 mins of questions) in the format of ‘a pint of science’ designed to give an overview of a social or interpersonal issue to a coach, parent or organisation.

The module assessments comprise two components. The first component (30%) is a practical workshop (30 mins) which will allow the students to design and implement a team building exercise (15 mins) to provide a solution to analyse contemporary social and interpersonal theory and research, present this information appropriately, and develop relevant interventions to improve sport and exercise related outcomes. The second component (70%) requires the student to complete an individual presentation which will take the format of 'a pint of science'. This should be aimed to engage and educate a coach, parent or organisation about an area related to facilitating positive social or interpersonal processes in a sport or exercise context.

Both assessments are to be completed present in person.

General Notes

N/A