- An undergraduate course
in
Health and Social Care.
Sport and exercise psychology: a case study approach
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| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | E233 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
In this course you will explore common psychological issues in sport and exercise, and learn to recognise situations where psychological theory can be applied in real-life cases. Research summaries are used alongside case studies to help you engage with recent literature. You’ll cover some of the key topics in sport and exercise psychology such as: anxiety; self-confidence; concentration; group dynamics; the psychology of injury; exercise dependence; and mental skills training used by psychologists. This course is suitable if you have a general interest in sport and exercise psychology, or are working in the field in roles such as exercise instruction or sports coaching.
Modules at Level 2 assume that you are suitably prepared for study at this level. If you want to take a single module to satisfy your career development needs or pursue particular interests, you don’t need to start at Level 1 but you do need to have adequately prepared yourself for OU study in some other way. Check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service to make sure that you are sufficiently prepared.
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What you will study
The course comprises five study topics:
Introduction to sport and exercise psychology – This is an introduction to the field of sport and exercise psychology and the approach used in the rest of the course.
Psychological issues affecting performance – In this topic you will investigate how performance is affected by individuals’ responses to stressful situations. You will also view stress, anxiety and confidence issues in the context of sports competition and everyday life case studies.
Adherence and group dynamics – You’ll consider theories about how participants can be encouraged to stick to training programmes; and behaviour in group or team situations. Group and team activity is often particularly complex compared to dealing with individual participants.
Special topics in sport and exercise psychology – There are some options for you to choose to study in this study topic. The choices on offer are ‘concentration in sport’; ‘psychological aspects of sports injury’; ‘exercise dependence and body image’; and ‘exercise and mental health’.
Psychological skills training – In this final topic you will consider the psychological skills that are applied in the field by professional sport and exercise psychologists. You will focus on four key techniques – imagery, positive self-talk, goal-setting and relaxation strategies.
The study topics will be supported by a study guide, text book, website and a DVD containing a range of audio and video material. Most of the study guide is in print, but part is online. The online guide will direct you to electronic materials and case study related activities. This will be underpinned by tuition that will include active involvement with your tutor and access to an online forum with other students.
Vocational relevance
The interpretation of case studies will build increased awareness and knowledge of psychological issues in sport and exercise that should influence the approach of those working in the sector. This may enhance, with research-based evidence, the more intuitive approaches and solutions adopted by sports coaches, exercise instructors and athletes towards psychological problems they may encounter.
This course forms part of the Foundation Degree in Sport and Fitness and, in Scotland, the Diploma of Higher Education in Sport and Fitness.
Entry
There are no formal qualification requirements for this course. However, it is a Level 2 course and builds on the Level 1 study in the Foundation Degree in Sport and Fitness. It is not essential but you may wish to study the knowledge-based module Introduction to sport, fitness and management (E112) and/or the work-based module Working and learning in sport and fitness (E113) before studying E233.
There are no requirements concerning your level of fitness to take the course and there are no activities that require any sort of exercise.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and scientific, diagrammatic or foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
Part of this course is delivered online and includes interactive computer activities, tutorials and online forums. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or the internet and have any concerns about accessing this type of material you are advised to talk to the Student Registration & Enquiry Service about support which can be given to meet your needs.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
A study guide, course textbook, DVD, online assessment guide and study planner, and website.
You will need
The facility to play a DVD.
Although it is not essential, we recommend that you have a broadband internet connection for this course in order to get the most out of the website activities and to participate in online tutorials.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course as it includes online activities, which you can access using a web browser.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2007 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.6 or later.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your assignments, and who you can ask for advice and guidance. If you are new to the OU, you will find that your tutor will be particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. Contact with your tutor will be through the following methods:
- online tutorials, which we strongly encourage you to participate in since most students find these extremely useful
- online forum in your tutor group
- personal email or telephone.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Assessment is an essential part of the teaching and so you are required to complete it all. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the course.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2013. We expect it to be available once a year.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
“An enjoyable, well-structured course which gave an insight into modern sports psychology using a mix of theory and practice. Some ...”
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | E233 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
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