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Sport and exercise psychology in action

This module explores topics associated with sport and exercise psychology and introduces you to their relevance to a range of roles, such as coach, athlete, fitness participant or health professional. You’ll learn knowledge and skills that can be applied to situations you’re familiar with, can inform your practice, and can help you develop both yourself and those you work with.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

E235

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
2 9 5

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

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.

Vocational relevance

This module is relevant for those with an interest in sport and exercise psychology who can apply it to their own practice.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module. They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Assessment

You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.

Future availability

Sport and exercise psychology in action (E235) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2026.

Regulations

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.

Course work includes:

3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA)
End-of-module assessment


Entry requirements

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.

Preparatory work

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.

Register

Start End Fee
- - -

No current presentation - see Future availability
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2026.

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In the meantime, explore our overview of Fees and funding.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You will have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • audio and video content
  • assignment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access

You’ll also be provided with two printed third-party texts.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

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 pages.