This course is designed to provide students with an appreciation of the psychological factors related to sport and sports coaching; to introduce relevant theoretical frameworks, current sport and coaching literature and pertinent measurement instruments employed in the sport psychology and sport coaching domain. Students will develop an expertise and skillset in:
• key psychological theories and models from the area of sport psychology. • psychological techniques which can be employed to improve performance and support athletes wellbeing • how psychological theory can be applied with various athlete populations.
Who is the course aimed at?
It is targeted at anyone interested in understanding how people behave and compete within sport settings, this course is ideal for athletes, coaches, sport managers, parents of athletes and sport scientists of all kinds who work with athletes and performers on a regular basis. This course serves to introduce the student to the role of psychology in optimising performance in sport. Specifically, applied psychological issues faced by sports performers will be explored in conjunction with specific performance enhancement techniques.
After undertaking this course, students should have further developed their understanding of relevant theoretical perspectives and methods necessary to assess and manage selected psychological challenges within a sport setting. This course will not enable graduates to practice as a sport psychology service provider.
Award
This course will lead to level 7, 10 credit "Certificate in Applied Sport Psychology" and will be delivered on a part-time online basis.
Assessment
There are two minor assessments throughout the program and one final recorded online presentation on a subject of your choice.
Delivery
Monday 6.30pm – 8.00pm. Classes will be delivered live on Zoom.
The programme will follow the SETU Waterford academic calendar with intakes in September and January
There is additional work of 1-2 hours per week, recorded lectures, readings, podcasts etc. to prepare for class.
Live online delivery - one evening per week for 12 weeks - with further recorded elements. Approximately 1-2 hours per week
Sport Coaching Psychology - 5 Credits
Personality in sport
Motivation in sport - self-determination and achievement motivation theory
Self-confidence in sport - the self in sport
Arousal, stress and anxiety in sports performers
Team building and cohesion
Attributions - interpreting success and failures
Attention, concentration and focus in sports performance
Performance Psychology for Coaching - 5 Credits
Creating an effective coach athlete relationship
Optimising pre and post-game analysis and evaluation
Building resilience through mental skills training
Energy management and emotional control for coach and athlete
Aggression in sport
Managing transitions for both athletes and coaches, Mental Health in Sport
Psychology of injuries and helping athletes to overcome injury
The entry requirement will be a minimum of 30 ECTS qualification at Level 6 or equivalent in any discipline.
Applicants with a Leaving Certificate but without a 30 ECTS Level 6 qualification or equivalent can be considered as part of the SETU RPL process which may include completion of a written task.
A background and interest in sports performance or coaching is desirable.
Explore our Part-time Prospectus to see the range of flexible study options available, with detailed course information, entry requirements, and study formats. Download the prospectus to find a programme that fits around your work and other commitments.
