Welcome to your Sport and Exercise Psychology course

Hello, and a very warm welcome from the Sport and Exercise Psychology team here at University of Staffordshire. Starting university can be an exciting but daunting prospect so we wanted to ensure you know what to expect come the start of the year.

To make sure you’re best prepared we have put together a very short to-do list and information sheet before embarking on the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology journey.

First activity

You will be invited to join us online during welcome week (w/c 23rd September 2024), where we will get you involved in multiple activities, and host a live Q&A session to answer any questions that you may have. In your first week with us, you will be entering your first module(s), where you will be delving into the foundations of sport and exercise psychology and research.

Course delivery

All our lectures and content will be released and delivered online, where you can access the content whenever is convenient to you. Content will be released on a weekly basis so that you can take the time to absorb as much as you can before moving on to the following weeks. We offer multiple drop-in sessions via Microsoft teams, though these are not compulsory – all drop ins are recorded so that you can access it in your own time.

During your time with us at Staffs, you will gain full access to support services online or face-to-face where necessary including our disability service, careers service, student guidance advisors, IT support, and counselling service amongst others. Just because you are a distance learning student, does not mean that you do not get access to on campus facilities. Please do take advantage (if possible), of on campus resources during your studies.

Semester one activities

The academic year is split into 2 semesters, semester 1 from September to December and semester 2 from January to May.

Our virtual learning space (called Blackboard Ultra) will enable you to engage with learning materials and will serve as an online hub of information. We also offer activities via the online learning community and other online systems such as Microsoft Teams. Don’t worry if you haven’t used these systems before - we will offer you training and support in how to use them. These systems are provided to you by the university - you will simply need access to the internet to use them.

Regular academic mentoring and support will be in place, your course leader, module leader and personal tutor will be available for you to contact during your studies at University of Staffordshire.

Complete your online induction and get up to speed

As an online course we want to make sure you’re completely up to speed before you begin. To help you please check your emails regularly and complete your online induction at your earliest convenience. You will receive an invitation over the summer to an online welcome lecture in September so please make every attempt to be available for this. The lecture will be recorded and circulated to those not able to attend, but please ensure you watch this before beginning the course. You will also receive instructions on how to access our virtual learning environment, blackboard, which will host your induction content.

Specifically, this induction will help you first, access and engage the course content in Blackboard virtual learning environment. Second, make the most of your Microsoft 365 Account (e.g. using ‘onedrive’ & ‘sharepoint’). Finally, you will learn how to access materials, communicate with your lecturers and/or peers, and engage in discussion boards.

Course hoodies

Although no elements of this course will require you to attend campus, there will be opportunities for you to present or deliver workshops to our local schools and colleges either online or in-person. So, our Sport & Exercise Department have a website where you can order apparel (kit) for your Sport and Exercise Psychology course. If this is of interest, please follow the link below.

https://www.kitlocker.com/staffordshire/

Equipment and software

There is a variety of software which can be downloaded from the University’s website and can also be accessed via the button below. This software is free for all of our students, as we understand to reach your full potential and succeed in your degree you need the tools to help you. Further information can be found here: https://staffsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/software/SitePages/Home.aspx

Groups and societies

There are many sport and fitness groups and societies that you could join should you be interested. You can find information about all of these on the following page: Clubs and Societies (staffsunion.com)

Other Useful Links

Meet the team

Anthony Miller

Senior Lecturer

I graduated from Staffordshire University with a first class honours in Sport and Exercise Psychology (BPS accredited) in 2016, before completing an MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology (BPS accredited) at Loughborough University in 2017.

Anthony's profile

Dr Stephanie Romano-Smith

Lecturer

I am the course leader of Distance learning Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons) degree programme. I also have teaching responsibilities across undergraduate and postgraduate awards in the area of sport and exercise psychology.

Stephanie's profile

Matthew Slater

Professor Of Sport & Exercise Psychology

Matt is a Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology and recognised as an internationally leading scholar on the psychology of leadership and group dynamics.

Matthew's profile

Andrew Wilkinson

Lecturer Sport And Exercise Psychology

I am a lecturer in sport and exercise psychology whose research area focusses on psychophysiological stress and performance under pressure.

Andrew's profile

Karla Drew

Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, and Course leader for the MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology programme. I am also a BPS Chartered, and HCPC Registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Karla's profile

Dr Katie Sparks

Lecturer In Sport & Exercise Psychology

I am Sport and Exercise Psychology lecturer, active researcher, and Performance Lifestyle consultant. I am interested in the influence of third-wave strategies on wellbeing and performance in demanding contexts.

Katie's profile

Dr Paul Mansell

Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology. I teach on BSc and Msc Sport and Exercise Psychology courses. My research areas include stress mindset, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), psychological wellbeing, and athletic performance.

Paul's profile

Joseph Dixon

Lecturer

Joseph is a Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Psychology. He combines his role at the University with working as an applied practitioner in professional sport and business.

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Course Leader: Dr Anthony Miller, Anthony.miller2@staffs.ac.uk 

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