Sport and exercise psychologist
Sport and exercise psychologists are concerned with the behaviours, mental processes and wellbeing of individuals, teams and organisations involved in sport and exercise. It is fairly rare for practitioners to work equally in both fields and they tend to specialise in either the sport or exercise branches.
Sport psychologists work with athletes and teams involved in sport from amateur to elite professional level, with the aim of helping them deal psychologically with the demands of the sport and to improve their personal development and performance. Exercise psychologists work with the general public to increase motivation and participation in exercise, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and advising of the psychosocial benefits that exercise can offer.
Activities vary between the branches of sport and exercise psychology. Generic activities are likely to include:
Activities more closely associated to sport psychology include:
Activities more closely associated to exercise psychology include:
There are currently two pathways to formal recognition:
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.
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:
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.
As the independent regulator of sport and exercise psychologists, the Health Professions Council (HPC) is responsible for monitoring the continuous professional development (CPD) of its registrants. This includes maintaining an up-to-date record of CPD activities undertaken.
Professional training opportunities exist for sport and exercise psychologists through postgraduate and doctoral courses. You may decide to broaden your expertise by undertaking study in other branches, such as clinical or health psychology. You may also decide to undertake further research, especially if employed in a lecturing role, by completing a PhD.
You may also be required to undertake professional training or short courses by your employer, governing body or through your division of the British Psychological Society (BPS) or The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) . The opportunity to attend short courses or study for further qualifications is usually readily available.
This is a relatively new field of psychology and is still expanding. Opportunities for advancement exist both within professional practice and also through research within an academic environment.
Within the field of sport psychology, you may find the opportunity to advance to a private practice as a consultant or to move to senior positions within a professional club, with individual athletes or a governing body. Elite athletes work for many years to reach that level and expect the same level of expertise from their support staff. It can take several years for a sport psychologist to work with clients at a professional level.
Within the field of exercise psychology, there may be opportunities for advancement to a consultancy role or involvement in GP referral schemes. There is an increasing role for professional staff within the area of health promotion. The role of health psychology within the NHS may also present opportunities for qualified exercise psychologists.
If you are interested to investigate other branches of psychology, the British Psychological Society (BPS) provides further information on its website.
UK sport and the health of the nation have become a focal point, with issues like the smoking ban and events like the London Olympics in 2012 and Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 raising awareness and attracting funding. This may result in a rise in the number of vacancies for health professionals as well as support staff to work with athletes in preparation for these events.
Sport and exercise psychologists work in a variety of settings and with a diverse range of clients participating in recreational, amateur and elite levels of competition. Some opportunities exist to work as full-time psychologists, and these are constantly increasing. Most combine their consultancy work with teaching and research, employed within universities or colleges throughout the UK and abroad.
Many sport psychologists work as private consultants or hold full-time positions with professional sports teams or national governing bodies of sport. Some also work in other areas of psychology such as clinical and occupational domains. Often, psychologists can operate as freelance consultants and have a club or governing body as a major client, referring both young and experienced athletes.
Similarly, exercise psychologists tend to combine consultancy with teaching and research careers. Exercise psychologists' work might see them involved in GP exercise referral, cardiac rehabilitation schemes or work within the NHS or private healthcare providers. Some private and public sector employers also offer staff exercise or health programmes and may involve an exercise psychologist to consult on the content or to increase participation.
A large proportion of employment in this field can be gained via contacts or speculative approaches to employers, indicating a certain amount of 'hidden' vacancies. Vacancies that are advertised are often done so directly through the employing organisation.
The success of a consultant will very much depend on the skill and networking of the individual. Since many client referrals will be word-of-mouth or facilitated through contacts with GP surgeries or other health professionals, it is important for individuals looking for consultancy work to establish contacts and build networks even during Masters courses or supervised study.
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