PSY8073 : Professional Development for Sport and Exercise Psychologists
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Dan Martin
- Lecturer: Dr Tracy Donachie
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aim of this multidisciplinary module is to provide students with the necessary professional skills to work as an applied psychologist, scientist-practitioner or researcher in psychology, sport and health settings. Students will demonstrate a critical awareness of professional working, considering individuals, groups and special populations and they will have a strong understanding of the BPS and HCPC codes of professional conduct and ethical issues which can arise as a result of working with such groups. The module has an applied focus and has been developed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and understanding to enhance personal and professional development. Students will have the opportunity to be taught by professionals who work within a specialist area, who have specific expertise and applied experience of working with diverse clinical groups and clients from diverse backgrounds.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics will be focused on the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary aspects of working as a practitioner psychologist across sport, exercise and health settings. The syllabus will cover a breadth of contemporary issues and indicative content will be as follows:
Ethical, Professional and Reflective Practice
Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Working
Career Development
Teamwork
Ethical Dilemmas
Working with Special Populations
Safeguarding
Interviewing Vulnerable Adults
Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Organisational Considerations
Media
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Preparation and completion of coursework |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 10 | 3:00 | 30:00 | Workshop prep, quizzes, discussion boards, and other applied tasks |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Present in person interactive workshops |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Present in-person assessment workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 65:00 | 65:00 | Independent study and self-directed learning |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Completion of UK Anti-doping Advisors course (optional) |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module will be delivered as a series of interactive lectures, with a number of guest lectures to place emphasis on applied practice and multidisciplinary working. As part of the module, students will be exposed to an array of presenters who work in professional environments such as Professional Football Clubs, NHS and Newcastle United Foundation who will provide key insights into professional working. Students will have the opportunity to engage in critical thinking, active listening and critical appraisal. The topics covered within the module provide a breadth of learning experiences via interactive lectures, practical tasks and debates.
The module will also afford students the opportunity for formative practice and feedback. Discussions will take place in workshops 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, & 4 ; Intended Skill Outcome 1, 2, & 3).
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 60 | Present in Person: Students will produce a 10-minute individual video pitch outlining their approach to practice to a coach (e.g., values, philosophy, model of practice). |
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | 40 | Group podcast (20 Mins) on an area of sport and exercise psychology development (e.g., ethics, practice guidelines, boundaries of practice). |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Present in person: Optional Free Anti-doping Accredited Advisor Course (approx. 1.5 hours) |
| Reflective log | 1 | M | Peer assessment of reflective logs every 3 weeks (approx. 30 mins). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Professional Skills Assessment:
Present in Person: Students will produce a 10-minute individual video pitch outlining their approach to practice to a coach (e.g., values, philosophy, model of practice).
Oral Presentation: Group podcast (20 Mins) on an area of sport and exercise psychology development (e.g., ethics, practice guidelines, boundaries of practice).
Computer Assessment:
The students will be given the opportunity to complete the free UK Anti-doping Accredited Advisor course in class. The course takes approximately 1.5 hours and culminates in a series of short assessments to test knowledge on the key areas of anti-doping. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion.
The module assessment is designed to equip students with the professional skills and understanding that is required to develop as a psychologist, researcher or scientist-practitioner. The 10-minute individual video pitch provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their values, professional philosophy, model of practice, strengths, experiences and future aspirations and to pitch their services as a psychologist.
The second assessment provides students with the real-world opportunity to communicate and evaluate areas development in sport and exercise psychology to an academic and applied audience in the form of a podcast. Students will work together in groups of 3 or 4 to develop and produce the podcast. Additionally, students will be provided in advance with two pertinent questions that relate to the development of applied practitioners as part of the Q&A section which needs to be answered in the podcast. The podcast has become a key form of communication for applied practitioners because they pull together key theoretical concepts and contemporary discourses in the field. It is, therefore, important that students are able to communicate and disseminate information in this accessible format with innovative methods and concepts to engage the listener.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY8073's Timetable