About Certificate in Sport Psychology

Special Purpose Award - Level 8 Award (10 credits)

What is Sport Psychology?

Sport psychology is the study of the human mind and human behaviour in the world of sport. It encompasses all psychological phenomena that are associated with or impacted upon by participating in sport, at both novice and elite levels.

Sport psychology involves the examination of topics such as motivation, concentration, self-talk, team dynamics and cohesion, leadership, aggression, the benefits of exercise, and the psychology of sports injuries in an attempt to determine how such factors and issues impact on sports performances. Specifically, sport psychology considers the impact of psychological principles on performance in sport (i.e., the use of mental strategies, such as goal setting, self-talk and anxiety management, and mental imagery). Sport psychology also examines the psychological benefits of participating in exercise and sport, the benefits of sports participation for the moral and social development of children and young athletes, and the psychological impact of injury on athletes.

The Certificate in Sport Psychology is a part-time, special purpose award. Classes are held on one evening per week (2 hours) for one academic year. Students are required to complete assignments during the year, however, there are no formal written examinations.

Aims and Objectives

The programme aims to provide graduates with a basic understanding of how humans perform and behave in a sport setting. On completion of the programme you will be able to:

• identify key psychological concepts relevant to the world of sport
• outline key topics of interest in the field of sport psychology
• apply the knowledge gained during the course for working with teams, and in coaching/training roles in sport
• describe the impact of psychology on sports performances

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

On completion of this programme, you will have a number of alternative routes available at IADT.

If you already hold an Honours Degree in Psychology you may be eligible to apply for a suitable research postgraduate sport psychology related position.

If you do not hold an Honours Degree, you may be interested in our BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology

 

What Topics Will I Study?

• This programme provides introductory content in topics such as:
• Motivation and goal setting
• Psyching-up and calming down: Arousal and anxiety in sports performances
• Team dynamics, team cohesion
• Leadership and coaching styles
• Aggression in sport
• Moral and social development through sports participation
• Concentration, coping, and confidence issues in sport
• Self-talk, imagery and relaxation strategies
• Psychology of exercise and health
• Psychology of sports injuries

What are the Entry Requirements?

Leaving Certificate Examination or equivalent (NQF Level 5). Applicants without this can also be considered based on their prior experience and learning (APEL).

What are the fees?

In 2009/10, €500 plus an examination fee

What is the Closing Date?

Applications must be made directly to IADT by 4pm on Friday, 21st August 2009.

Please contact our Admissions Office on admissions@iadt.ie for an application form or log onto www.iadt.ie.

Please note: This programme is subject to reaching a minimum number of participants in order for it to proceed.