Through a range of case studies the module will engage and develop your knowledge of both psychological concepts and psychological strategies, and encourage you to use this learning to inform your own practice. You’ll also build on your academic skills. The module comprises five study topics:
Study Topic 1: Exploring sport and exercise psychology
This topic introduces you to the discipline of sport and exercise psychology and explores how you can apply the principles and skills to your own practice. You’ll also learn about how psychologists work in this field.
Study Topic 2: Sport Psychology: insights and applications
You’ll investigate key areas in sport psychology that impact on the wellbeing and performance of individuals and teams in sport and exercise environments. Topics include, anxiety, arousal, self-confidence and team work.
Study Topic 3: Psychological skills training
You’ll look in detail at some techniques that athletes, exercisers, coaches, and parents can use to manage factors such as anxiety, but also to maximise performance.
Study Topic 4: Exercise psychology: insights and applications
You’ll examine a range of concepts that align closely to exercise and health psychology such as wellbeing, mental health and exercise adherence. This topic also introduces you to the darker side of sport and negative exercise behaviours.
Study Topic 5: Special topics in sport and exercise psychology
This topic is a little different from others. You’ll choose one of two specialist topics: the psychological aspects of injury in sport and exercise; or athlete and coach burnout.
This module is relevant for those with an interest in sport and exercise psychology who can apply it to their own practice.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You will have access to a module website, which includes:
You’ll also be provided with two printed third-party texts.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
E235 is a compulsory module in our:
E235 is an option module in our:
Sport and exercise psychology in action (E235) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
This module has no entry requirements.
However, it would be beneficial if you have some experiences of working or participating in sport and exercise.
This is an OU level 2 module that builds on study skills acquired from OU level 1 modules. We make no assumptions about your subject knowledge.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
If you want to get a flavour of our OU level 2 module Sport and exercise psychology in action (E235), complete our free badged course, Exercise and mental health, on OpenLearn.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E235 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
