Sport and exercise psychologist : Entry requirements

There are currently two pathways to formal recognition:

• BPS chartered psychologist - with the title 'sport and exercise psychologist'.
• BASES accredited practitioner - with the title 'accredited sport and exercise scientist'.

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the representative body for psychology and psychologists. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) is the professional body for sport and exercise sciences.

• The route of a BPS chartered psychologist is more focused, at undergraduate level, on psychology - providing a greater breadth of understanding of how psychology and sport are linked.
• The route of BASES accredited practitioner involves the study of a wider range of disciplines, typically including physiology and biomechanics as well as psychology.

Both the chartered and accredited route requires an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree and professional experience.

Note that the vast majority of sport and exercise undergraduate and postgraduate degrees do not qualify under the BPS rules (see British Psychological Society (BPS) Accredited Psychology Courses for details of approved courses). See also, British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Course Finder .

The Health Professions Council (HPC) holds a register of professionals who conform to approved standards. Entry to the HPC register as a psychologist is through the BPS system.

There is no reciprocal arrangement between the BPS and BASES but it is likely that a BPS chartered sport and exercise psychologist could successfully apply for BASES accreditation. BASES accredited practitioners may be able to become chartered if they can prove they meet the criteria for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) - previously known as Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR). This can be achieved by successful completion of a BPS-approved undergraduate degree in psychology, a conversion qualification, or by passing the BPS qualifying exam.

Entry with an HND or foundation degree alone is not possible, although these qualifications may allow entry to advanced stages of an appropriate undergraduate degree.

For further information see the statutory regulation updates at both the BPS and BASES websites.

Sport and exercise psychology candidates will need to demonstrate evidence of skills such as:

• highly developed communication and interpersonal skills;
• active listening and reflection skills;
• ability to adapt to work in a range of settings with different clients;
• commitment to research and continuous professional development;
• ability to work under pressure and cope with stressful situations.

Gaining practical experience in sports performance or in areas such as coaching, teaching or health promotion can equip you with practical skills and a knowledge base on which to build on the theory studied through postgraduate courses.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.