Sport and exercise psychologist

Sport and exercise psychologists work with athletes, teams and coaches to improve their motivation and performance.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£48,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become a sport and exercise psychologist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course

University

You'll need to complete:

• a degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS)
• a BPS accredited master's degree in sport and exercise psychology
• 2 years' structured supervised practice on Stage 2 of the BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP)

You may be able to study for an approved postgraduate conversion course, if you're a graduate in a subject other than psychology, or your psychology degree is not accredited by the BPS.

Competition for postgraduate training is strong. You'll need an upper second class or first class degree, and evidence of excellent research skills to apply. You'll also need relevant work experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 3 A levels or equivalent
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

More information

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The British Psychological Society for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more details about working in psychology from The British Psychological Society.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to enjoy working with other people
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a sport and exercise psychologist, you'll:

• help athletes develop strategies to deal with nerves, anxiety, self-confidence, concentration and motivation
• set up activities to improve team and individual performance
• support athletes in coping with injuries
• give advice to coaches on team communication
• assess clients' needs and develop fitness plans and recommendations
• work with health promotion staff to show the therapeutic and health benefits of exercise
• create exercise programmes in organisations, workplaces, prisons and psychiatric units
• teach mental skills to individuals to improve their wellbeing and performance

Working environment

You could work at a sports arena, at a fitness centre, at a health centre, in a prison or on a sports field.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

Career path and progression

You could work as a full-time sport psychologist or you could combine consultancy work with teaching and research.

As an exercise psychologist, you could work for a local health authority, or on a GP exercise referral scheme. You could also assess exercise programmes in workplaces, prisons or psychiatric settings.

With experience and further study you could become a senior psychologist or head of a psychology department. You could also move into lecturing.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a sport and exercise psychologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

L3 Access to Higher Education Diploma - Science

• Provider: TELFORD COLLEGE
• Start date: 01 September 2020

Science - Access to HE

• Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
• Start date: 22 September 2020
• Location: LIVERPOOL

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JobsIn the United Kingdom

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Related careers

• Psychologist
• Sports scientist
• Sports physiotherapist
• Health promotion specialist
• Sports coach

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