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AGCAS Meeting OU in Scotland - 28th August 2014

Sport and exercise psychology

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Alison Craig, Associate Lecturer

• AL at Open University since 2010• BA Hons English Literature and Economic & Social

History (University of Strathclyde)• MPhil Sport and Exercise Science (University of

Glasgow). Research field: Competitive anxiety in elite gymnastics

• Sport Development professional • Sports coaching background • Fitness background • Competitive athlete

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Alison Craig, Associate Lecturer

• 2010 – First contract – tutor on E233 Sport and exercise psychology

• Currently tutor E113, Working and learning in sport and fitness, E217 Sport and conditioning science into practice, EX224 Making your coaching/exercise instructing certificate count

• Critical reader on E313 Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development

• Writer on EX224 • Consultant on development of resources in writing

academic English

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How does sport and exercise psychology fit in?

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E113 Working and learning in sport and fitness Preparing for work-based learning Encouraging and maintaining motivation Communicating effectively Leading people and teams Understanding and enhancing learning and

instruction You and your customers

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E217 Sport and conditioning science into practice • EMA consists of personal investigation on topic

of student’s choice from list (option also to develop own title)

• Topics in sport and exercise psychology are available

- Using sport and exercise psychology with children

- Effective team leadership practice

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E233 Sport and exercise psychology: a case study approach

Introduction to sport and exercise psychology Psychological issues in sport and exercise Adherence and group dynamics Special topics in sport and exercise psychology Psychological skills training

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E313 Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development Athletic development paths Family influences in athletic development Coach-athlete relationship Coach leadership and behaviour The athlete’s journey through sport Topical issues in athletic development

Depression in sport The impact of others on performance Moral behaviour and the issue of aggression

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What is expected of student?

• No formal entry requirements• Encouraged to start at Level 1 • Engage with online study materials and teaching

methods• Study independently • Complete TMAs and EMA to set deadlines • Respond to tutor feedback• Attend online tutorials • Contribute to Tutor Group Forum discussions • Develop reading, writing and critical thinking skills

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How is the OU different?

• Distance learning format • Students may never meet tutors or fellow students • Study can be fitted around work and family

commitments more easily than at traditional universities and colleges

• Wider student population (all ages, backgrounds and contexts, many different reasons for studying)

• Flexibility – can study along defined degree path, opt for Open degree, or take individual modules

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Where do OU Sport and Fitness students go?• Most already in employment – some in sport and

fitness, many in other areas but looking for career change

• Students go into:- PE teaching- Sports coaching- Exercise settings - Sport and leisure management - Own business - Sport and exercise science - Further study – traditional universities

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Further study

• OU graduates in BSc Sport and Fitness can enter traditional universities to study at Masters level

• Entry requirements vary, but good degree (at least 2.i) is usually standard

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Careers in sport and exercise psychology

• Sport psychologist – works with athletes (and coaches) to prepare psychologically for demands of training and competition

• Exercise psychologist – works with individuals or groups to increase exercise participation and motivation

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The Sport Psychologist

• Works with individuals in dealing with the more stressful aspects of their role as an athlete

• Advises coaches on how to build cohesion in their team or squad of athletes

• Assists athletes with personal development• Helps athletes at difficult times in their careers – e.g.

injury, transitions• Could be a private consultant, combining work with

teaching or research• Some full-time positions with professional sports teams

or Governing Bodies

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The Exercise Psychologist

• Works with individuals and groups to optimise the benefits that may be derived from participating in exercise for fitness

• Assists individuals in aspects related to exercise adherence, goal-setting etc.

• Can be attached to exercise referral programmes, exercise programmes in employment settings, prisons and psychiatric contexts

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Becoming a sport or exercise psychologist

• British Psychological Society accreditation• Registered with Health and Care Professions Council • BPS accredited degree or conversion course (with

OU, BSc Hons Psychology) • BPS accredited Masters in Sport and Exercise

Psychology • BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology

(2 yrs supervised practice)• Relevant work experience – coaching, fitness and

exercise instruction, PE teaching

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Jobs

• Sport or Exercise Psychologist usually attached to an academic institution, teaching and conducting research

• Salary – lecturers’ scale• Can also charge for consultancies • A few full-time positions – salaries vary greatly

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Any Questions?