| UCAS code | C8C6 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2023 |
| Campus | |
| Discipline | Psychology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA - AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB - BBB Prof. Placement: |
| UCAS code | C8C7 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2023 |
| Campus | |
| Discipline | Psychology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: A*AA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB - BBB Prof. Placement: |
Overview
- An excellent foundation for a career as a psychologist with a particular focus on applying your skills in sport, exercise and health maintenance
- Explore the key components necessary for developing high-level skill and expertise
- Understand the effects of physical activity and exercise on behaviour, cognition, interpersonal interactions and mental health
- You’ll be taught jointly by Psychology and Sport and Health Sciences, with access to dedicated laboratories for sport and exercise physiology, health and performance psychology, brain activity and cognition.
- Our £20m sport facilities include 50 sports clubs, two gyms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and cricket centres, and offers high-performance scholarships.
Top 75 in the world for Psychology
QS World University Rankings 2022
Top 5 in the UK for Sports Science
5th in the The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Top 10 in the UK for Psychology
8th in The Complete University Guide 2023
Specialist research laboratories, clinical psychology suites, and audiovisual facilities
If you choose to study at Exeter, over the course of your degree programme we will encourage you to become an independent learner and take responsibility for your own education, whilst we provide a safe and supportive environment within which you can thrive.
We pride ourselves as being a friendly place to study where there is lots of scope for teachers and students to interact to provide a fulfilling learning experience.
Read more from Dr Fraser Milton
Dr Fraser Milton
Director of Education – Psychology
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. BPS accreditation confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of a Lower Second Class Honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA - AAB A*AA (with Professional Placement) |
Grade B in a science subject* Grade A in a science subject* (with Professional Placement) |
| IB | 36/666 - 34/665 38/766 (with Professional Placement) |
HL5 in a science subject* HL6 in a science subject* (with Professional Placement) |
| BTEC | DDD D*DD (with Professional Placement) |
Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without A-level requirements: Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Science, Applied Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Health and Social Care. Applicants offering one of the above BTEC Extended Diplomas in lieu of the GCE A-level Science will also be required to have a grade B or 5 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics. |
| GCSE | B or 5 | English language and Mathematics |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade |
To include at least 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade in an acceptable science subject area* To include at least 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable science subject area* (with Professional Placement) |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB - BBB Prof. Placement: |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other UK, EU and International equivalences | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile C (2). Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
*Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Sport Science; Statistics.
Course content
The BSc Psychology with Sport and Exercise Science is taught jointly by Psychology and Sport and Health Sciences. The degree provides an excellent foundation for any student interested in a career as a psychologist with a particular focus on applying those skills in the broad areas of sport, exercise and health maintenance.
The programme allows you to examine the complementary nature of both psychology and sport and exercise science and focuses on two significant applications of psychology: understanding the key components necessary for developing high-level skill and expertise, such as those required in sports; and understanding the effects of physical activity and exercise on behaviour, cognition, interpersonal interactions and mental health.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
You’ll study a range of core areas, gaining a broad knowledge of psychology and sport and exercise science. Practical classes will give you training in quantitative, laboratory-based, experimental methodology in psychology.
The second year will challenge you and prepare you for the final year. You’ll be expected to produce essays, review journal articles and scientific reports that show that you can address problems systematically and can think critically and creatively.
During this year you will gain more detailed knowledge and critical understanding of psychology and sport and exercise science, and this will help you select your specialist seminar topics and decide on the theme of your final year research project. There’s a much greater emphasis on original practical work in Year 2 and you’ll start to design and carry out your own investigations.
Find out more about placement options under Course variants.
You will undertake a psychology-related research project, supervised by a member of staff from either discipline. A greater emphasis will be placed on discussing and analysing theories and research, but you will continue to apply your knowledge in practical settings.
Course variants
UCAS code: C8C7
This programme offers the opportunity to take a professional placement year.
Why choose a professional placement year?
In your professional placement year you will learn to apply the knowledge learnt during your first and second years, improve personal and transferable skills, make new contacts and enhance your employability. Work placements allow you to gain experience of a professional workplace prior to graduating and develop your career focus, and are extremely valued by employers.
Where can I do my placement?
On this four-year variant of the BSc Psychology with Sport and Exercise Science degree you will spend your third year on a self-organised work placement with an organisation relevant to your degree, which we support you to secure. You are encouraged to consider a range of organisations, including consultancies, charities, sports clubs, research institutes and universities.
What support is available during my placement?
You will be supported through your professional placement by the module convenor who will provide high-quality advice to ensure you get the most from your placement.
Does it count towards my degree?
The professional placement year counts towards your degree through the completion of your placement and associated coursework. It contributes to your final degree classification, and the words ‘with Professional Placement’ will appear in your degree title.
During your first, second and final years of study, you will follow the same programme of study as the BSc Psychology with Sport and Exercise Science (see Course content).
How does it affect my tuition fee?
If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee. Find out more in the fees section.
How do I apply?
You can apply to BSc Psychology with Sport and Exercise Science and Professional Placement directly through UCAS using the code above.
How are the placements organised?
You are responsible for organising your own placement; however, we have established collaborations with local, national and international organisations that you can consider when applying for placement positions.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2023 entry
UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £27,000 per year
Professional Placement
If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has over £2.5 million in scholarships available for students applying to study with us in 2023 - including our Global Excellence Scholarships* for international fee paying students and financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
You will be taught by internationally-known, research-active staff, through a range of teaching methods including:
- lectures
- seminars
- academic tutorials
- laboratory classes
- final year research project
- directed private study
Throughout your studies you will participate in research, for example, as part of the first your Introduction to Research Methods module. Engaging in research as a participant offers you a valuable insight and provides an alternative perspective that you can draw upon in your future work. In your second year practical modules, you will both participate in, and help design, psychological research projects.
Learn from experts
We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-led culture and being taught by experts. Our staff have close links with a wide range of industrial, medical and sporting organisations with whom there may be the chance to collaborate for your final year research project.
Assessment
Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, exams, oral and written presentations, laboratory reports and a dissertation. We aim to strike a 50:50 balance between coursework and exams over the duration of the course.
You will have to pass most of your first year modules in order to progress to the second year, although the marks do not count towards your final degree classification. Assessment in the second and final years counts towards your final degree award.
Academic support
Throughout your degree programme you will be supported by a Personal Tutor with whom you will meet regularly. Your Personal Tutor is there to help with any academic or personal problems that you may have.
Specific support with statistics is available through our Statistics Helpdesk. Open most weekday mornings during term time, the helpdesk is managed by postgraduate students who are on hand to answer queries and offer guidance and support.
Facilities
Our specialist facilities include:
- Sports laboratories for exercise physiology, biomechanics, anatomy and kinanthropometry
- Labs for investigating blood, bone health, body composition, muscle strength and vascular function
- Labs for studying animal learning, cognition and evolution
- Labs for interviewing brain-damaged and depressed patients
- Labs for studying cognitive and social psychology
- Equipment for measuring eye movement and brain activity.
- The Mood Disorders Centre – a partnership with the NHS
Sporting facilities include:
- A 200-station gym
- Squash courts
- Indoor and outdoor grass pitches including flood lit astro and 3G pitches
- Indoor cricket centre
- Indoor tennis centre
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- A fleet of boats at the Roadford RYA Sailing Centre
Your future
As a graduate from BSc Psychology you will be exceptionally well-placed to pursue your interest in psychology working in sport, exercise and health settings.
You will also be prepared to pursue further training in psychology – for example if you wish to become a clinical, educational or occupational psychologist.
In addition, throughout the programme you will develop a variety of skills that will be attractive to potential employers in a range of sectors including education or business.
Employer-valued skills this course develops
- Statistics
- Empirical research methodology
- Ability to apply scientific methods
- Ethical awareness
- Communication
- Presentation
- Analytical problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Leadership and team working
Supporting your career in Psychology
Psychology students are able to access a huge range of opportunities when considering their future career options. A range of employability sessions are put on for our students, such as: career talks with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds, career conversation events with key employers and an annual ‘Your Future in Psychology’ event and a ‘Careers in Healthcare’ event hosted by a diverse range of organisations. Support is provided to access high-quality work placements through an optional Career Development module.
Careers services
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
The University of Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students and graduates compete very successfully in the employment market. Whatever path you wish to follow, we’re here to help and support you with all your career and employability needs.
Career paths
Recent Psychology graduates have secured initial jobs across a number of sectors including healthcare, commercial and education, with others choosing to undertake further specialist training.
Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates from our Psychology undergraduate programmes*.
Recent graduates are now working as:
- Therapy professionals
- Project support officers
- Teaching professionals
- Data analysts
- Marketing associate professionals
- Business and related research professionals
- Financial accounts managers
- Police officers
- Taxation experts
- Programmers and software development professionals
Recent graduates are now working for:
- Avon and Somerset Police
- BBC
- Hays Recruitment
- Ipsos MORI
- KPMG
- NHS
- The Francis Crick Institute
- Victim Support
- VitaMinds
- YouGov
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Psychology undergraduate degree. Below are a few examples of further study undertaken by recent graduates of undergraduate programmes*.
- MA Conflict, Security and Development
- MSc Applied Data Science and Statistics
- MSc Cognitive Neuroscience
- MSc Developmental Psychology
- MSc Forensic Mental Health
- MSc Global Mental Health
- MSc Human Resource Management
- MSc Psychological Research Methods
- PGCE Secondary Psychology
- PhD in Psychological Medicine
*This information has been taken from aggregating the responses from full-time, first degree, UK domiciled students who completed 2017/18 and 2018/19 Graduate Outcomes surveys. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
