Degree overview
This degree combines contemporary and traditional areas of research and theory which underlines the practical application of psychology in sport and physical activity.
You will be introduced to the world of sports psychology, examining behavioural, social, developmental, cognitive and biological aspects of psychology in order to gain a better understanding of the psychological impacts on performance.
This programme is BPS accredited with on-going accreditation pending a site visit.


Degree content
Along with core psychology modules you will gain a clear understanding of the application of sport and exercise psychology in real world contexts and how it can aid performance, improve mind-set and improve athlete/performer well-being.
Along with football, a number of sporting and performance contexts will be examined in order to give you a rounded education of sport and exercise psychology.
The similarities of performance enhancement techniques employed in both the sport and business world will be examined, including motivation, decision making, leadership skills and team cohesion.
Teaching locations for this degree include:
In addition to our teaching locations, we also use specialist facilities throughout the academic year as well as additional facilities where required.

If you ask any sports person or any coach what’s the difference at the highest level it’s the mental side of the game, so why wouldn’t we try and train that?
Modules
Together with the University of East London, we are taking the opportunity to review and reinvigorate our curriculum. The modules below are planned for delivery on the programme beginning in September 2022, but are still to be confirmed at a validation event beforehand:
- Psychological Research Methods 1
- Psychological Research Methods 2
- Industry Understanding (Mental Wealth)
- Introduction to the Applications of Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
- Foundations of the Psychology of Sport, Exercise and Performance
- Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
- Psychological Quantitative Research Methods
- Psychological Qualitative Research Methods
- Industry Readiness (Mental Wealth)
- Social Psychology
- Application of Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology Dissertation
- Personality, Intelligence and Psychopathology
- Developmental Psychology
- Industry Engagement (Mental Wealth)
- Theory and Understanding of Practice within Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
University Campus of Football Business is an embedded college of the University of East London. From September 2021 onwards all graduates will receive a degree from the University of East London.
Entry requirements
- UCFB Wembley course code: SPSY
- Institution: U10
- Campus: W
- 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent non-tariff qualifications
- GCSE Maths and English Language (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent e.g. Functional Skills Level 2
- International applicants will be asked to pass the Academic IELTS test with a minimum overall score of 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each of the four elements
All applications are reviewed on a case by case basis. If your academic achievements do not meet the minimum level required but you have considerable professional experience, please contact admissions@ucfb.com.
Please be aware that all applicants who do not hold British or Irish nationality will require a visa to study in the UK.
Our access to a UK Government Student Visa licence is currently being reviewed. This means we are unable to consider applications from any applicant who would require a student visa to study in the UK as we cannot issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
If you are unsure whether you would need a visa to study in the UK, or for more information, please contact compliance@ucfb.com.
If you don’t hold a visa for the UK and would still like to study with UCFB, please consider Football Coaching (Distance with Attendance).
We accept applications with advanced standing via our Advanced Prior Learning (APL) application process. Should you wish to apply for direct entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of one of our undergraduate degree programmes, you will be required to complete an APL application form and provide us with evidence of your previous studies.
Please contact admissions@ucfb.com for further detailed guidance. Please note that should you wish to apply via this process, we strongly encourage you to begin the application process early in the cycle and you will still be required to complete a UCAS application.
All applications for an undergraduate degree programme are submitted via UCAS. To apply, please visit UCAS.com.
Career prospects
Further specialised postgraduate study and training is necessary to become a qualified sport and exercise psychologist. However, once qualified, sport and exercise psychologists work with a variety of clientele at various levels in a fascinating and expanding field not necessarily constrained within the limits of sport. As well as working with professional clubs, athletes and governing bodies, the qualified sport psychologist may incorporate: performing artists, health and business clients depending on their interests. The core elements of the programme also allow you to embark on other non-sport related areas of psychology. It is recognised that psychology students have a large number of transferable skills that will equip them well for employability or further training beyond undergraduate study.
Over 90% of UCFB graduates are in employment within six months of graduating and almost two-thirds of them work within the global sports industry.
At UCFB we bridge the gap between education and business, allowing a unique approach to education. We provide two curricula; the academic curriculum which encompasses exams and coursework and the Employability & Enrichment programme – a three year journey of professional and personal development.
This provides access to best-in-class industry guest speakers, additional qualifications and exceptional opportunities to apply for work experience placements to ensure our students graduate as well-rounded, empowered professionals.
Find out more about your career journey at UCFB

The UCFB Global Insight Series is a thought leadership series, exclusively collated and made available for all UCFB on-campus and online students. The UCFB Global Insight Series provides unprecedented access to UCFB’s elite sports network; including interviews with LMA managers and other UCFB guest speakers, and content from UCFB’s Global Sports Summits at Inter Miami CF Stadium, New York’s Red Bull Arena, Atlanta’s brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Toronto FC’s BMO Field and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
We’ve been really impressed with the performance of the students we’ve had working with us over the last few months and are looking to employ some of them full time once they have finished their studies. Working with UCFB’s Employability & Enrichment team has been really easy and he’s been great at getting us candidates with relevant experience and skill sets.
A First Class Honours graduate of the BSc Sports Psychology programme, Chloe has been working at Adelphi Values since the beginning of 2021.
Chloe said: “Sports psychology is a growing field, so with determination, hard work and the support of your lecturers, your journey into psychology at UCFB will be one full of opportunities and achievement.”
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Send a message to one of our friendly student ambassadors, or read their blogs to find out more about life at UCFB.
Fees
Visit our dedicated page about fees and student finance.
The provision of a facility or service including accommodation may be subject to an additional charge (i.e. separate from tuition fees). Where this is the case, we will make this clear in advance and payment for such service shall be made in accordance with any additional contract made between you and the University.
In some instances, optional Employability & Enrichment activities provided by UCFB may carry an additional cost for participants (e.g. additional courses such as the Mindfulness Course and various trips, etc.). Any additional costs will be provided to students in advance of any such sessions running.
UCFB has a range of scholarship and bursary options to help with the cost of studying and to encourage students to embrace their time at UCFB and graduate with more than just their university degree. Click here to learn more.

New York’s Red Bull Arena, Atlanta’s brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Toronto FC’s BMO Field and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) play host to the Global Institute of Sport hubs, enabling students and graduates to enhance their knowledge and expertise of the international sports industry.
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At UCFB we are dedicated to maximising the career opportunities of all of our students. This is why we offer unparalleled opportunities beyond the learning environment, enhanced by exclusive partnerships with some of the biggest and most influential names and organisations in world sport.
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