BSc (Hons) Sports Psychology with Foundation Year

Not only will you develop a deep understanding of the implications of psychology on athlete motivation, behaviour and cognition, but you’ll also enhance your employability by learning important skills like communication, numeracy, teamwork, critical thinking and independent learning.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

At BNU, we offer a wide range of psychology and sports modules. Through our partnerships with both the sports and psychology teaching departments, you’ll have a great community of like-minded students and lecturers to work with.

This course has been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS); a qualification recognised by major employers throughout the country. Plus, if you graduate with a 2:2 or above, you’ll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This will enable you to take your next steps towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist if that’s the career you choose.

What's more, our Psychology teaching staff are all experts in their areas and regularly publish their own work meaning you'll be supported and mentored by leaders in the academic field.

We also invite guest lecturers and have impressive industry and community links meaning you can start building a professional network before you've even graduated.

What facilities can I use?

In workshops and lectures you’ll have the opportunity to use the Human Performance Laboratory which is equipped for assessing a broad range of human physiological, biomechanical and psychological functions.

The lab has cutting edge equipment such as Neurotracker Attention Training Software, PowerLab and Qualisys 3D Motion Capture system. You’ll also have the opportunity to use the observation lab to use specialist equipment like the Biopac©, Tobii eye tracking equipment and HTC Vive, virtual reality software.

You’ll be based on our High Wycombe campus where you’ll have access to our amazing library, packed with all the resources you need for your assignments. There’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time too.

We also sign you up for our Virtual Learning Environment where you’ll have access to e-journals, published research papers and our virtual library.

What will I study?

Over the course of three years, you’ll study modules like Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Developmental and Social Psychology, Emotion as well as Historical and Conceptual Issues in Sports Psychology.

You’ll also learn about quantitative and qualitative research which will set you up for success not only in your final dissertation project but also in your future career.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

With sports psychology, learning doesn’t just take place in the lecture hall – you’ll have the opportunity to learn in small seminar groups, as well as lab-based lessons which will teach you exactly how to conduct psychological experiments and research.

Through course assessments, you’ll learn important skills like teamwork, programme design, critical analysis and synthesis skills, as well as how to give engaging presentations, write concise reports and analyse data effectively.

Placements Plus  

BNU is a Placements Plus University. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there'll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.