How to become a sports and exercise psychologist
Becoming a sports and exercise psychologist involves both academic and practical on-the-job training. Read more to discover the steps you need to take to qualify in this guide.
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CONTENTS
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Routes to becoming a sports and excercise psychologist
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Skills you’ll need
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Finding work experience
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How to get a job as a sports and exercise psychologist
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What it's like to be a sports and exercise psychologist
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Routes to becoming a sports and exercise psychologist
To get into sports and exercise psychology, you’ll usually study for various academic qualifications including a relevant undergraduate degree and a postgraduate qualification.
You’ll also need a minimum of two years supervised practice to gain chartered membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS). This professional organisation also approves university courses. Once qualified you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in order to use the protected title of sports and exercise psychologist.
Undergraduate degrees
You’ll usually need between 104–162 UCAS points to study for a sports psychology degree. Some universities offer a foundation year. Although these courses take four years rather than the standard three to complete, entry requirement will usually be lower.
It’s worth checking if the course you’re considering is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This demonstrates to potential employers that you have the standard of knowledge and skills required and you’ll be eligible to become a graduate member of the BPS on successful completion of your studies.
Degree apprenticeships
It is not currently possible to do a sports psychology degree apprenticeship equivalent to an undergraduate qualification, as with some other roles. You will complete on-the-job training as part of the route to qualifying as a sports and exercise psychologist but this is usually undertaken later, following a postgraduate course.
Postgraduate degrees
To practice as a sports and exercise psychologist, you’ll need an additional postgraduate qualification in sports and exercise psychology. Entry requirements include a relevant undergraduate degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Competition is fierce, so you’ll usually need a 2:1 or above.
If you have an unrelated degree or one that isn’t recognised by BPS, it’s possible to complete an approved psychology conversion course first.
Courses can take from one to three years to complete.
Skills you’ll need
As well as being empathetic, you’ll also need:
- counselling and communication skills
- customer service skills
- patience
- ability to stay calm under pressure
- self-motivation
- resilience
- teamworking
- critical thinking
- Ability to read people’s reactions and behaviours
Finding work experience
Having some relevant work experience will help you feel confident this highly specialist role is the right one for you. You’ll get some practical experience during your studies, but you could also try:
- Shadowing someone in a relevant profession such as a personal trainer, PE teacher or sports coach
- Volunteering as a coach for local sports teams e.g., at a university or community youth sports club
How to get a job as a sports and exercise psychologist
As a sports and exercise psychologist you might become a self-employed consultant or be employed by a sports team or professional sporting body like the UK Sports Institute.
If your qualifications are in exercise psychology, you’re more likely to get a job with a public or private healthcare provider like the National Health Service or BUPA. You may also be interested in the research side of this profession and find a vacancy with a research centre such as at a university. The BPS advertises available positions on its website.
What it's like to be a sports and exercise psychologist
As a sports and exercise psychologist you’ll use your comprehensive knowledge to improve motivation and performance of individuals and teams as well as advising coaches and managers.
Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:
- assessing clients' needs and developing fitness plans and recommendations
- setting up activities to improve team and individual performance
- advising coaches and managers on effective ways to communicate
- supporting athletes in coping with injuries, confidence, and motivation issues
- teaching people psychological techniques to improve their wellbeing and performance
You’ll usually work in a multidisciplined team which might be based at a range of locations such as a fitness centre, health centre, GP surgery, sports arena or even in a prison or psychiatric centre.
On qualifying you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Professional and industry bodies to join include The British Psychological Society for professional development opportunities.
The National Careers Service gives a typical salary range of £25,000 for starters to £50,000 for experienced sport and exercise psychologists. Typical working hours are 37–42 per week, and this can include evenings and weekends.
Is a role as a sports psychologist right for you?
If you’re looking for a rewarding opportunity to combine a passion for psychology with a love for sports, helping athletes improve their mental resilience, performance, and overall wellbeing, sport and exercise psychology could be for you.
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