Sport & Exercise Psychology

What is Sport and Exercise Psychology?

Sport psychology seeks to understand the psychological variables affecting the behaviour of individuals, teams or organisations in sport, and how lifestyle issues influence their well-being. Practitioners in sport psychology offer services to athletes, teams and to others engaged in competitive sport, be it at elite, youth or recreational level, to promote performance enhancement and personal development.

Exercise psychology seeks to understand the psychological benefits of exercise and physical activity, and the importance of exercise for the individual and how to promote lifelong participation. Practitioners in exercise psychology will typically work with individuals or organisations who wish to optimise the value of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

What qualifications in Sport and Exercise Psychology does the Society offer?

Stage 1

The Stage 1 Qualification is undertaken by examination, this is divided into two core syllabus areas plus six optional areas (of which candidates must undertake examination in four).

Additional, candidates will also undertake a research portfolio in Sport and Exercise Psychology each of which requires candidates to be able to critique relevant areas of knowledge and also demonstrate an awareness of ethical practice and issues of diversity. The examinations are set in English.

Paper 1 Research Methods

Paper 2 Professional Skills/Counselling

Candidates must also submit a Research Portfolio which is a core requirement of the Stage 1 Qualification

Paper 3 Performance - The Theoretical Basis

Paper 4 Psychological Skills and Approaches

Paper 5 Lifespan Issues

Paper 6 Social Processes

Paper 7 Exercise and Physical Activity

Paper 8 Individual Differences

Examinations are held in either June or November of each year. Candidates will need to enrol on the 1st January for the June examinations and 1st April for the November examinations. Examinations are normally held at an examination centre in Leicester.

Research porfolios can be submitted in either on the 1st April or 1st October.

Stage 2

The Stage 2 Qualification in Sports and Exercise Psychology provides an award whereby independent trainees can demonstrate their competence as Sport and Exercise Psychologists and thereby become eligible to be entered on the Register of Chartered Psychologists of the British Psychological Society. It also conveys eligibility for full membership of the Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology. The Stage 2 Qualification is not a course of study; it is a competency based framework of evidence requirements and assessments around which trainees create their own training programme.

How can I find out more about the Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP)?

To find out more about the Qualifications in Sport and Exercise Psychology (Stage 1 and Stage 2), visit the downloads webpage, where you can access the current Candidate Handbook and obtain the relevant enrolment documents.

Who is the Qualification for?

Candidates must have the Graduate Basis for Registration before enrolling on the Stage 1 Qualification. For the enrolment on the Stage 2 Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology. They also must have either a Society-accredited postgraduate training qualification in Sport Psychology, Exercise Psychology or Sport and Exercise Psychology (i.e. a MSc) or a Society-approved MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology or the Society's Stage 1 Qualification. There are transition arrangements in place for those candidates who are already BASES SE accredited. Those candidates should refer to the downloads webpage for information on how to apply for accreditation of existing competence (AEC).

Contact Details

Links

Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Areas of Psychology - Sport and Exercise Psychology