What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will acquire the underpinning knowledge and understanding of fundamental psychological principles and theories. You will be introduced to key concepts and approaches in psychology that have relevance to sport and exercise contexts. You will compare, contrast and integrate a range of different psychological perspectives that can be used to understand and explain human behaviour. You will have the opportunity to study the biological basis of behaviour, learn about how humans think perceive and remember, understand the cognitive processes instrumental in motor development, gain an insight into the nature of social interaction and group processes and study individual differences in personality and behaviour.
How will I learn on this module?
A range of teaching styles are used to enhance your knowledge acquisition and comprehension. Weekly lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and theories. A programme of seminars and practical workshops support the lead lectures and provide you with the opportunity to participate in more in-depth class discussions to enhance practical understanding and application. You will be introduced to case study material to generate group discussion in order to explain behaviours within sport and exercise contexts.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the application of fundamental principles and perspectives in psychology to sport, exercise or health contexts.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Creatively articulate academic findings from research using IT or media formats.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. Identify and evaluate key studies from your own enquiry to explain an area of interest within a sport, exercise or health psychology context.
How will I be assessed?
One assessment is required on this module - a written assessment that is completed individually. You will be required to produce two posters (2x1 side of A4 per article) on content studied in the semester. Each poster must contain theoretical underpinning and an interpretation of evidence informed by independent wider reading (MLO 1, 2, 3).
On this module you will be provided with feedback on your own written communication skill. This assessment will give you an early indication of your ability to understand, evaluate and reference research.
Formative Feedback
Formative feedback is provided in the seminars to supplement the summative assessment. You will be provided with the opportunity to write explanations using the various fundamental perspectives. You will receive both peer and tutor feedback on your efforts. There will be a dedicated assessment session in the semester in which information will be provided about the assessment and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Summative Feedback
You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Psychology is a science dedicated to understanding the mind and behaviour; throughout this module you will be introduced to some of the core areas of psychology and relevant underpinning theories. The module will foster your individual curiosity to understand, identify and explain some of the most commonly identified and reported athlete behaviours using appropriate theories and empirical research. The module provides an opportunity to work individually and creatively to produce a poster to explain applied research using a non-traditional academic format.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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