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Module

PSY8073 : Professional Development for Sport and Exercise Psychologists

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Tracy Donachie
  • Lecturer: Dr Max Stone
  • Owning School: Psychology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0

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
Safeguarding
Teamwork
Ethical Dilemmas
Working with Special Populations
Safeguarding
Interviewing Vulnerable Adults
Psychopharmacology
Dealing with trauma and injuries
Neuropsychology and Head Injury
Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Organisational Considerations
Community Based Health Initiatives
Media

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion155:0055:00Preparation and completion of coursework
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading187:0087:00Preparation for workshops, self-directed learning and further reading
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops101:3015:00Present in person interactive workshops
Guided Independent StudyProject work140:0040:00Develop and organise the showcase
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time13:003:00Completion of UK Anti-doping Advisors course (optional)
Total200:00
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 assessmnt2M60Present in Person: Students will produce a 10-minute individual video pitch to outline their services & experiences as a psychologist in training.
Prof skill assessmnt2A40Present in person: Students will work in small groups to develop a 30 minute CPD workshop which will be delivered at the showcase
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment2MPresent in person: Optional Free Anti-doping Accredited Advisor Course (approx. 1.5 hours)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Professional Skills Assessment 1 : Students will produce a 10 minute individual video pitch to outline their services and experiences as a psychologist in training.

Professional Skills Assessment 2: Students will work in small groups to develop a 30 minute CPD workshop which will be delivered at the School of Psychology Psychological Insight into Coaching Practice Showcase.

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 strengths, experiences and future aspirations and to pitch their services as a psychologist. The continuing professional development (CPD) workshop will provide students with the opportunity to develop sport and exercise psychology specific educational material on a topic of their choice that they have studied as part of their MSc programme (e.g. mental health, perfectionism, autism, sport performance issues). This assessment will allow students to develop key skills of conveying complex information to a range of specialist groups, some without any formal psychology background.

Reading Lists

Timetable