Available with:

  • Foundation Year

Accreditations


Course Summary

Are you intrigued by the intersection of sports, exercise, and psychology? Our BSc Psychology with Sport and Exercise Science combined honours degree offers a unique blend of disciplines, providing a deep understanding of human performance and wellbeing. You'll explore the fascinating world of sport psychology, physiology, biomechanics, and more, while also delving into the complexities and history of studying the human mind.

At the University of Chester, our course sets itself apart with a focus on practical learning and personalised attention. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory work and hands-on coaching sessions, you'll gain valuable skills and knowledge. Our facilities include performance analysis, muscle function, sports biomechanics and sports psychology laboratories.

With accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS), our degree equips you with the highest professional standards in psychology. Through a range of core and optional modules, you'll have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your specific interests, exploring a wide range of psychology and sport and exercise sciences modules. Our research-informed teaching teams provide guidance and support, helping you develop essential skills for a successful career. As a graduate, you'll have many transferable skills and will be well-prepared to work in various fields, which could include sports psychology, performance analysis, health promotion, and research. 

Why You’ll Love It

Sport Thumbnail

Sports and Exercise Sciences

What Our Students Think

What You'll Study

The Professional Studies Foundation Year route is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be successful at university and whilst on a professional and vocational course.

You will study a range of topics relating to your profession and the environment in which you will eventually work.  Areas of focus include person-centred care, mental health, children’s development, communication in a professional setting, social inequality, and how to apply psychology in the real world. 

Teaching and learning is tailored and designed with specific modules that relate to the profession you are preparing to join. You will also be introduced to the professional codes and standards that you must uphold such as, the Nursing and Midwifery Code, Social Work England, College of Policing, and national Safeguarding guidance.

  • Term 1: Psychology and Behavioural Science
  • Term 2: The Human Body, Health and Disease
  • Term 3: Leadership, Coaching and Change Management

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

The BSc Psychology combined honours course contains core modules at each level. At level 4, students are introduced to research methods, and the core areas of Psychology (biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and individual differences). 

This module introduces aspects of individual differences and social psychology from the British Psychological Society to allow students to understand some of the possible reasons for differences in human behaviour across different situations. As such it compliments the research module that runs alongside it in explaining some of the results found, and what needs to be taken into consideration when designing research and trying to explain behaviour. There are also a range of core skills delivered in this module to enable their success across the course.

Understanding the process of acquiring new knowledge is fundamental to psychology, especially when we want to investigate human and non-human behaviour. This module will introduce you to the core skills that are essential for scientifically addressing questions relating to areas of psychology through various research methods and processes. You will learn about and study different areas of research such as study design, ethical issues, quantitative and qualitative analyses and interpretation of data.

This core module is an introduction to the BPS/QAA curriculum for biological psychology, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology. For example, in biological psychology students will explore the biological bases of human and non-human behaviour, brain structure and function, comparative and evolutionary psychology. In cognitive psychology students will explore perception, attention, memory, learning, and language. Finally, in developmental psychology, students will explore prenatal, attachment, culture, language (acquisition), risk and resilience.

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental areas underpinning Sport and Exercise Science and become competent in the application of theory to practice. You will develop a variety of practical and academic skills relevant to careers in Sport and Exercise Science.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

At Level 5, students build on research methods and expand on their learning around social psychology and individual differences. There is also the opportunity to engage in an experiential learning module, which allows students to integrate ideas from multiple perspectives in psychology and apply their knowledge ethically and professionally to real-world problems. 

Modules

This Research Methods module will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles of research in psychology in alignment with the British Psychological Society (BPS) standards. The module focuses on helping students develop and enhance their research techniques developed in level 4, continuing to develop a critical understanding of diverse research methods, enabling you to select the right approach/es for different psychological research questions. 

From designing experiments to working with or designing psychometric tests, you’ll learn how to generate hypotheses, collect data, and apply statistical tests with confidence.  Additionally, you’ll also learn how to present research findings effectively in written BPS reports through to visual formats. The module emphasises the application of research methods to psychological issues, equipping students to design meaningful studies and evaluate data.

This module builds on the first year PS4024 module to cover the remaining aspects of the British Psychological Society's Social Psychology and Individual Differences curriculum, with a focus on the real world implications of what students have learnt. We will explore a range of issues in society around issues such as power, politics and community that help us understand why people act as they do and how society can influence this. Students will choose to explore one of these issues in depth for their assessment.

This module has two distinct themes. Theme one is to develop awareness and skills in understanding the psychology behind job searching, job applications, writing a persuasive CV, performing appropriately at interview and using social media to search for, and apply for jobs. Theme two helps students to apply psychology in real life situations in a discipline of interest chosen by the student. Students will work in groups and use psychological theory to solve specific problems either provided by partners within the community, working with partners in the community or provided in-house by staff. This is an experiential learning module where more than half of the content is delivered using practical exercises. Students will have an opportunity to take a self-directed approach to building essential skills.

The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity for you to further your understanding of multidisciplinary scientific principles that limit, control and determine sporting performance. The module will provide you with the applied, practical and analytical skills necessary to evaluate and critically assess human performance. An emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of how human performance is influenced by a variety of integrated factors in sports physiology and biomechanics disciplines.

This module focuses on the relationship between exercise and health. You will become familiar with and implement physiological and psychosocial measures of health that will provide you with the applied, practical and analytical skills to evaluate the relationship between exercise and health. You will critically evaluate the role of exercise for potential quality of life, well being and mental health.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

At Level 6, students will have the opportunity to complete a large-scale dissertation where they will be able to demonstrate a range of research skills, including designing and planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, and analysis and dissemination of findings. They will also be able to learn in-depth knowledge on core aspects of psychology, such as biological, cognitive and developmental psychology.

Modules

Psychopathology aims to promote students understanding of psychological disorder, how it develops and is maintained, and to help you to think about how, as psychologists, we might best intervene to promote psychological wellbeing. This module explores research, practice, and service user perspectives on psychopathology throughout the lifespan, providing students with a robust understanding of current thinking and approaches in the field of clinical and counselling psychology.

This module will look at key areas of Health Psychology, in particular looking at the areas of behaviour change and patient experience. This will allow students to build on what they have learnt so far in their degree and see this applied to issues within the physical health field. The module will prepare students for careers in physical health support or related areas around behaviour change such as marketing.

Neurodiversity in Practice covers a range of topics which affect children's development: these include a broad spectrum of neurodiversity issues, but may also include the experiences of children raised in unusual circumstances, who have a sensory or physical disability, a mental health condition, or who are unusually gifted or talented, for example.

This module will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work with high performance athletes. Contemporary multi-disciplinary issues relating to training, performance and recovery in a variety of high performance settings will be covered. You will also be provided with the opportunity to use relevant practical skills necessary to support the high performance athlete.

This module focuses on exercise participation, adherence and health. Models and theories of exercise behaviour change will be critically evaluated in terms of their application and effectiveness. The psychosocial implications of exercise participation and over-involvement in exercise behaviours will be considered within the context of exercise prescription/interventions. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You’ll Learn

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each, with one term being focused on psychology, one term focused on your other subject and one term being a combination of the two subjects, with the exception of Level 6, where you may study both subjects across all three terms. In each term, students study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. For psychology, students can expect to take part in lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, seminars and one-to-one tutorials/supervision. Students are expected to engage in independent study (approximately 30-35 hours per week), which may include engaging with asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, preparing work for assessment, etc. There will also be times when students need to work collaboratively with others.

If studied, the Foundation Year, as with the following years of study, will be taught in three 10-week blocks across an academic year. Each block will comprise of a large 40-credit subject-specific module that includes a breadth of topics and subject skills. You will have on average 12-14 hours of contact time per week during the Foundation Year. There may be variations to this where subject practical or specialist space teaching is included.

Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the subject. This may be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of task they might encounter in the workplace. Assessment methods may include essays, research reports, reflective reports, presentations and multiple choice examinations. These and other assessments such as case studies, portfolios and blogs allow students to demonstrate their competencies in these areas and to develop their skills in writing for both academic and non-academic audiences.

We continuously review the assessment methods used to ensure they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence and key transferable skills to shape you into a world ready Chester graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff 112 points
GCE A Level Typical offer – BCC-BBC
BTEC BTEC Extended Diploma (Sport): DMM
International Baccalaureate 26 points
Irish / Scottish Highers Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4
Scottish Highers: BBBB
Access requirements Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
T Level Merit
OCR Cambridge Technicals OCR Extended Diploma (Sport): DMM
Extra Information Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. A GCSE grade C/4 (or above) in Mathematics and English is required. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A level

72 points overall, including grade D in A level

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4

Scottish Highers: CCDD

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall

T Level

T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

As a Combined Honours course, there are no extra costs associated with the psychology part of the course but this may be subject to change. 

 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Who You’ll Learn From

Dr Carmel Edwards

Senior Lecturer
Dr Carmel Edwards

Dr Liz Whelen

Senior Lecturer
Dr  Liz Whelen

Dr Janine Carroll

Senior Lecturer
Dr Janine Carroll

Dr Hayley Cooper

Senior Lecturer
Dr Hayley Cooper

Dr Lindsay Murray

Associate Professor
Dr Lindsay Murray

Kate Miller

Lecturer
Kate Miller

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Combined Honours sport and exercise science students pursuing a career in the sport and exercise employment sector often find the applied aspects of the degree most useful when it comes to gaining employment. Previous graduates work in professional sports clubs and organisations as sport science support staff; others have gone into health promotion or teaching, amongst other areas.  

Many of our psychology graduates go on to postgraduate studies in psychology (e.g., cognitive neuroscience, forensic psychology or sport psychology) or have secured a graduate role in industries such as marketing, banking and project management due to their sought-after transferable skills, such as communication, team working, analysis, and creative and critical thinking. 

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service, which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course, and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Enquire about a course