Diploma in Sports Psychology
View Autumn 2012 timetable here This programme will be of relevance to anyone who has an interest or involvement in sport. Aimed at coaches and athletes alike, the course explains the theory and techniques used by sport psychologists to help athletes develop their mental skills and ultimately improve their performance. Programme Aims and Objectives The programme was developed to give sports enthusiasts a general introduction to the often misunderstood subject of sport psychology. The programme provides an ideal opportunity for people to understand exactly what sport psychology is, how sport psychologists work and how athletes use sport psychology to enhance their performance. On completion of the programme, students should have acquired the skills to identify the psychological skills important for success in sport and the theory based interventions that help to develop these mental skills.
Programme Structure The course is delivered in a relaxed, informal environment. Students are actively encouraged to share their own sporting experiences. Psychology related sports stories reported in the media are discussed on weekly basis. An elite athlete is invited as a guest lecturer every semester to share their experiences and outline their use of sport psychology from a practical perspective. Video clips and quotes from athletes/managers/coaches are regularly used to highlight how theory relates to practice.
Programme Content
Introduction to Sport Psychology
The history of sport psychology and its evolution to the current day will be traced. The various aims, outcomes and interventions of sport psychology will be discussed. Mental toughness will be examined as a psychological variable. Valuable sources of sport psychology information will be presented.
Motivation
Students will approach the different ways there are to motivate teams, individuals and coaches. The various theories of motivation and their relation to performance will be examined. Methods of measuring & increasing motivation will be assessed. The module will also examine the value of material reward in the world of sport.
Imagery and Mental Rehearsal
Various forms of imagery and mental rehearsal, and their role in athletic preparation will be examined. The student will study the role, value and effectiveness of mental rehearsal and visualisation in sport in relation to different tasks facing both the individual and team performers.
Anxiety and Emotional Control
This module will investigate sources, symptoms and causes of anxiety and stress in athletes, and how such emotions can affect performance. Ways of measuring anxiety will be outlined. Methods of controlling emotions both before and during performance will be discussed.
Concentration and Attention
The differences between these constructs will be outlined, and methods of testing and training these skills will be discussed. In particular, differences in concentration type and level required for various sports will be examined. Expert-novice differences in these skills will be highlighted.
Self-Confidence
This module will examine theories of self confidence, including sources of confidence for athletes, ways of measuring it, and methods of improving it. The dangers inherent in engaging in sport fulltime will also be discussed.
Specific Issues in Team Sports
Although all modules will involve discussion of topics surrounding both team and individual sports, this module will assess team-specific issues such as group cohesion, leadership, relationship management and the home advantage phenomenon. Discussion of issues specifically relating to team sports will constitute two modules.
Children and Sport
We will look at the dangers of hot housing, overly competitive sport for children. In particular, students will be asked to explore their own experiences of childhood sport and the role of parents in their child’s involvement in sport. Additionally, it will be debated whether competitive sport is conducive or detrimental to a child’s development.
Assessment To be awarded the Diploma in Sports Psychology, a student will be assessed on the basis of an assignment that is completed within the 10 weeks. 90% of the course marks will be awarded for the written assignment, with 10% going towards an oral presentation of work completed.
Career Progression Opportunities This course is particularly beneficial for coaches who want to broaden their knowledge base and add a unique dimension to their coaching CV. Athletes/sportspeople will also benefit from this course by gaining an understanding of the mental requirements of their particular sport and learning about their own psychological strengths and areas of improvement. Student Profile Students vary widely in age, sporting interest and involvement in sport. Coaches, managers, sports parents, current or retired athletes are catered for. The course is relevant to any sport, whether team or individual, amateur or professional.
Further Study Options As this Diploma programme provides students with a foundation in the area of psychology students may wish to proceed to study one of the DBS diplomas or degree in Psychology (minimum entry requirements will apply). “I would highly recommend this course to other students who wish to develop a greater understanding of sports psychology. It was set in a relaxed and comfortable environment, where student’s views were heard and debated. The lecturer made the course fun, interesting and very insightful. My knowledge of sports psychology has developed a great deal and my confidence to motivate and get the best out of others has grown out of a greater understanding of sports psychology.” Brian O Meara
Diploma in Sports Psychology
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