Psychology with Sport and Exercise Sciences

Psychology and sport and exercise sciences is a combination that brings together two disciplines with a natural relationship: the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, and the study of how humans perform and respond to physical activity. Sport psychology is itself a distinct specialism, concerned with the mental and motivational factors that influence athletic performance and wellbeing, and studying psychology alongside sport and exercise sciences gives you a foundation in both the broader science of human behaviour and the specific physiological, biomechanical, and psychological dimensions of sport and exercise.

At the University of Chester, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year and a year abroad. The foundation year provides an entry route for students who need additional preparation in the sciences and academic skills before progressing to degree-level content, making the degree more accessible to students whose prior qualifications benefit from a bridge year. The year abroad gives you the opportunity to spend time at a partner university in another country, broadening your academic experience and developing the kind of international perspective that is increasingly valued by employers across sport, health, and the helping professions.

Across the programme you will study the core areas of psychology, including cognitive, social, developmental, and biological psychology, alongside sport physiology, biomechanics, sports coaching, and the psychology of performance and wellbeing. Chester has good connections with sport and health organisations in the North West, and the facilities support both laboratory-based and applied learning.

Graduates of combined psychology and sport and exercise science degrees move into careers in sports psychology, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, coaching, sport and leisure management, health promotion, and the NHS and social care sector. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study, including BPS-accredited psychology training or specialist qualifications in sports psychology or exercise science.