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Sport and exercise psychologist
Sport and exercise psychologists work with athletes, teams and coaches to improve their motivation and performance.
Average salary (a year)
£20000
Starter
£48000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
attending events or appointments
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through a university course.
University
To become a sport and exercise psychologist, you'll need to:study a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) or do a psychology conversion course, gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, complete a BPS accredited master's degree in sport and exercise psychology
Psychology conversion course
You may be able to do an approved psychology conversion course if:your psychology degree is not accredited by the BPS, you have a degree in a subject other than psychology
Postgraduate qualification
To apply for a postgraduate qualification in sport and exercise specialism, you’ll often need
a first or 2
1 (upper second class) degree, excellent research skills, relevant work experience
You might want to check the postgraduate entry requirements with the admissions department where you want to study.
You can find out more about all of the different specialisms and postgraduate training from The British Psychological Society (BPS).
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 3 A levels or equivalent
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
Volunteering
It can be helpful to get some volunteering experience in a healthcare or education setting before you apply for a course.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
More Information
Registrations
you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Professional And Industry Bodies
You can join The British Psychological Society for professional development opportunities.
Further Information
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
    Knowledge of psychology
    Customer service skills
    The ability to understand people’s reactions
    Sensitivity and understanding
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    To enjoy working with other people
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Related Restrictions
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As a sport and exercise psychologist, you'll
assess clients' needs to develop fitness plans and recommendations, set up activities to improve team and individual performance, advise coaches and managers on team communication, support athletes in coping with injuries, confidence and motivation, teach people psychological techniques to improve their wellbeing and performance
Working environment
You could work at a sports arena, at a fitness centre, at a health centre, in a prison or on a sports field.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
You could work for a local health authority, or on a GP exercise referral scheme. You could also assess exercise programmes in workplaces, prisons or psychiatric settings.
With experience and further study you could
become a senior psychologist, work as a consultant, move into lecturing or research
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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