How to become a sport psychologist

With increasing recognition of mental wellbeing and enhanced performance in sports, demand for skilled professionals is growing. If you're ready to turn your passion into a career, take the first step toward becoming a sport psychologist

What is sport psychology?

Sports psychology investigates the relationship between psychological factors and athletic performance. It explores how mental and emotional wellbeing influences success in sports, and how participation in sports can impact psychological health.

Dr Robert Morris FCASES, Chair of the Chartered Association of Sport Exercise Sciences (CASES) Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route Advisory Group and Dr Amy Whitehead, Chair of the CASES Psychology Division explain so of the ways that psychologists can help through:

counselling
goal setting
relaxation strategies
self-talk
visualisation.

'They also offer support in managing emotions, developing coping mechanisms, and improving concentration,' explain Dr Morris and Dr Whitehead.

To achieve client goals, professionals in both areas collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including:

nutritionists
GPs
coaches
physiologists.

What is the difference between sports and exercise psychology?

While distinct, the fields of sport and exercise psychology are often discussed together - the official UK professional job title is 'sport and exercise psychologist'.

Sport psychologists work with athletes, coaches, and referees at all levels to enhance performance. They address the psychological demands of sport, preparing professionals for challenges like competition and training. For example, they might help a referee manage stress or assist athletes in recovering from injuries.

Exercise psychologists, on the other hand, focus on promoting exercise and wellbeing within the general public rather than solely on performance enhancement.

'This distinction is important because sport psychology is typically wellbeing and performance-driven, whereas exercise psychology has a broader application to public health and lifestyle behaviour change. While there are overlaps, the required interventions and methods often differ based on the specific needs of the individual or group,' explain Dr Morris and Dr Whitehead.

What qualifications do I need?

Bachelors degree

If you are interested in becoming a sport and exercise psychologist, there are two main undergraduate pathways:

the British Psychological Society (BPS) route
the Chartered Association of Sport Exercise Sciences (CASES) route.

A BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). The BPS, as the professional body for psychologists in the UK, emphasises a strong foundation in general psychology, followed by specialised training in sport and exercise psychology.

The GBC is a crucial stepping stone, signifying foundational psychological knowledge, and is necessary for further progression.

Discover BPS-accredited sport and exercise psychology courses.

Alternatively, a CASES-accredited Sport and Exercise Science degree serves as a foundation for the Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR). This route focuses on professional development, skills acquisition, and supervised practice, offering a more sport science-focused approach.

Both the BPS and CASES routes are recognised and viable pathways to becoming a qualified sport psychologist. Importantly, entry onto either professional training route is not possible without a degree. A foundation degree or HND alone will not be sufficient.

Masters degree

After completing your undergraduate degree, the next step towards becoming a sport psychologist is a BPS-accredited Masters in sport and exercise psychology.

For example, Heriot-Watt University's MSc Sport Psychology offers modules on:

community sport
elite sport
professional practice
team sport.

To apply, you'll generally need:

a first or 2:1 undergraduate degree
excellent research skills
relevant work experience.

It's important to clarify that BPS accreditation alone does not guarantee registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Only a final Doctoral-level qualification, such as the BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP) or a Professional Doctorate, leads to eligibility for HCPC registration as a practicing sport and exercise psychologist.

If your initial degree lacks BPS accreditation, an accredited conversion course can bridge the gap.

Consider searching for postgraduate courses in sport and exercise psychology or exploring postgraduate funding.

Further training

While not strictly required, a professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology (DSportExPsy) offers a third pathway to qualification and can significantly enhance job opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists.

This doctorate, accredited by the BPS and HCPC, combines coursework, research, and supervised practice, leading to registration as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist status.

For instance, Liverpool John Moores University offers the Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology focused on developing skills in:

teaching
ethics
research
consultancy.

Other pathways to becoming a recognised sport and exercise psychologist differ in organisational structure and requirements.

The BPS Stage Two Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP) emphasises a rigorous psychological foundation, often requiring BPS-accredited degrees and including a research element and a viva assessment.

In contrast, the CASES Sport & Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) offers a more flexible pathway, accommodating a wider range of eligible Masters degrees and differing in the required number of applied work hours. It also does not contain a research element.

If you're aiming to meet the 'underpinning psychology knowledge' entry requirement for SEPAR, CASES has partnered with The Open University to offer the Investigating Psychology 2 module, providing the necessary psychology foundation. Fees vary by UK region, ranging from £1,240 in Scotland to £3,892 in England.

Alternatively, to enter the SEPAR programme without an accredited degree, you'll need:

an MSc in Sport or Exercise Psychology.
a non-regulated CASES membership.
proof of psychology knowledge (BPS accredited degree/conversion, specific Open University module, or equivalent recognition.)
professional indemnity cover.
a SEPAR supervisor.

You may also need to prove your proficiency in English through the IELTS.

Regardless of the chosen route, HCPC registration is mandatory for practising as a registered sport and exercise psychologist.

For more information on choosing a course, see 5 routes to getting a Doctorate.

What skills do sport and exercise psychologists need?

According to Dr Morris and Dr Whitehead, skills you'll need to develop to thrive as a sports or exercise psychologist include:

effective communication
problem-solving
strong interpersonal abilities
the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

'A deep understanding of psychological theories, applied techniques, and ethical considerations in sport, such as the need for confidentiality, is also essential,' they explain.

Where can I get experience as a sport psychology graduate?

Work experience

'Building practical experience early helps students develop essential applied skills, enhances employability, and strengthens applications for postgraduate programmes and professional accreditation,' advise Dr Morris and Dr Whitehead.

Begin by shadowing a professional to understand the day-to-day realities of the job.

Reach out to sports science departments at universities offering sports psychology programmes; they may facilitate shadowing opportunities with faculty or connect you with alumni in the field.

Expand your search to local sports clubs, gyms, and fitness centres. Some may employ sports psychologists or collaborate with freelance consultants who might welcome a shadow.

Consider research assistant positions at universities for valuable experience and contribution to the field. Check university job boards for listings or contact faculty whose research aligns with your interests. Even if they have no current openings, they might offer advice or knowledge of future opportunities.

Remember that experience in coaching or personal training can be beneficial, as it fosters skills and understanding of the sports environment.

Internships

Securing a place on a Masters in sports and exercise psychology often requires relevant placements or internships. Unfortunately, finding these outside your course in the UK can be tough. To begin your search, look for vacancies with:

national governing bodies
professional clubs
sports academies.

If you're open to international experience, explore a four to 12-week internship with Sporting Opportunities in Ghana. You'll work with a football academy, focusing on building self-confidence and improving performance.

Another option is the internship at the Technical University of Munich, where you'll support seminar groups and record and quantify physiological responses, like heart rate and brain activity, alongside academics.

Find out more about work experience and internships.

Volunteering

Offering your experience to those in need is a fantastic way to gain experience. You can build experience volunteering with local youth sports teams by leading:

basic performance anxiety management sessions
goal-setting sessions
motivational workshops
team-building activities.

Charities like the YMCA and community centres with sports programmes often need volunteers to:

assist with events
coach
mentor
provide administrative support.

To find these opportunities, contact organisations directly, highlighting your skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to young athletes. Remember that beyond specific sports experience, volunteering helps you develop valuable transferable skills employers are looking for.

What jobs can I do with a sport and exercise psychology degree?

Sports psychology graduates have diverse career paths. Many become employed practitioners, working full time with professional sports teams or organisations like the UK Sports Institute.

Others pursue consultancy, with potential earnings exceeding £1,000 per day at the elite level, offering their expertise to specific teams or organisations such as:

football academies
private schools
tennis centres.

Academia is another route, combining practitioner work with teaching and research in higher education, often involving pursuing a PhD or research position or professional Doctorate.

Exercise psychologists often work alongside GPs in the NHS or private providers like Bupa, promoting exercise participation and motivation. You could also assess exercise programmes in workplaces, prisons or psychiatric settings. Similar to sport psychologists, they can also pursue:

consultancy
teaching
research in higher education.

Regardless of whether you become a sport or exercise psychologist, the skills gained during your degree are valuable in fields like:

Despite the versatility of the skills a degree provides, competition in the job market is high. According to Dr Morris and Dr Whitehead, 'sport psychologists often work in high-performance environments where expectations are high, and job security can be uncertain.'

Some of the key challenges they identify include:

Limited full-time roles, with many positions being consultancy-based or requiring a portfolio career.
Establishing credibility within a team or organisation, particularly in elite sport where trust takes time to build.
Managing confidentiality and ethical considerations while working closely with athletes, coaches, and staff.
Dealing with setbacks, such as an athlete's loss of form or lack of engagement in psychological strategies.
Balancing multiple commitments, especially for those working across different teams or sports.'

What will I be paid as a sport and exercise psychologist?

The earning potential for sport and exercise psychologists in the UK varies considerably based on experience.

Entry-level salaries range from £20,000 to £23,000 annually. With experience and a strong track record, this typically increases to between £27,000 and £40,000, reflecting added responsibility and complexity.

Senior roles, particularly those working with elite athletes or high-profile organisations, offer £50,000 to £60,000.

Salaries are also influenced by your employment setting, with professional sports teams and national bodies offering higher compensation than universities or private practices. Ultimately, the salary in the UK is determined by:

experience
qualifications
the specific demands of the role.

How can I specialise in sport psychology?

Within sport psychology, you can focus on areas like:

injury rehabilitation
performance enhancement
team dynamics
youth sports.

With experience and further study, you could:

become a senior psychologist
move into lecturing or research
work as a consultant.

To excel in your field, Dr Morris and Dr Whitehead recommend building connections with other professionals, participating in conferences, and contributing to research.

Don't forget to partake in continuing professional development (CPD) to learn about the latest developments and best practices to stay relevant and grow professionally.

Why choose a career in sport and exercise psychology?

The role offers exceptional variety. You'll collaborate with a diverse clientele across various backgrounds and skill levels, ensuring each day brings fresh challenges.

The varied nature of the job takes you to a range of locations, from university campuses and healthcare settings to sports villages, gyms, and training grounds. Dr Morris and Dr Whitehead reveal that the influence of sport psychology extends into areas such as:

corporate performance
eSports
military training.

For most sport and exercise psychologists, international travel is possible, particularly if working outside the healthcare or teacher training and education fields. If you're looking to work abroad, especially in the USA, a career as a sport psychologist unlocks exciting possibilities of working with elite athletes worldwide.

'There is a growing focus on mental health, leading to improved support systems for athletes' psychological wellbeing,' add Dr Morris and Dr Whitehead. Although the challenges can be difficult, the thrill and satisfaction of helping individuals or teams achieve their full potential will bring you a huge sense of accomplishment.

Find out more

Read up on the sport sector.
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