SP4001 - Fundamentals of Psychology

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will acquire the underpinning knowledge and understanding of fundamental psychological principles and theories. You will be introduced to key concepts and approaches in psychology that have relevance to sport and exercise contexts. You will compare, contrast and integrate a range of different psychological perspectives that can be used to understand and explain human behaviour. You will have the opportunity to study the biological basis of behaviour, learn about how humans think perceive and remember, understand the cognitive processes instrumental in motor development, gain an insight into the nature of social interaction and group processes and study individual differences in personality and behaviour.

How will I learn on this module?

A range of teaching styles are used to enhance your knowledge acquisition and comprehension. Weekly lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and theories. A programme of seminars and practical workshops support the lead lectures and provide you with the opportunity to participate in more in-depth class discussions to enhance practical understanding and application. You will be introduced to case study material to generate group discussion in order to explain behaviours within sport and exercise contexts.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key psychological theories, models and hypotheses relevant to sport, exercise and/or health contexts.
2. Apply relevant psychological theories, models and hypotheses to explain sport, exercise and/or health behaviours.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Creatively articulate and present academic findings from research using IT or media formats.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Identify and describe the findings of relevant sport, exercise and/or health psychology studies from your own enquiry to explain behaviours within sport, exercise and/or health contexts.

How will I be assessed?

There are two components to this module’s assessment.

First component (weighting: 30%) is a multiple choice test, run during the course of the semester, completed individually (MLO 1, 2).

Second component (weighting: 70%): a written assessment that is completed individually. You will be required to produce one poster (1 side of A4, plus a references page; MLO 3) on content studied in the semester. Your poster must contain theoretical underpinning and an interpretation of evidence informed by independent wider reading (MLO 1, 2, 4).

On this module you will be provided with feedback on your own written communication skill. This assessment will give you an early indication of your ability to understand, describe and reference research.

Formative Feedback
Formative feedback is provided in the seminars to supplement the summative assessment. You will be provided with the opportunity to produce a practice poster. You will receive both peer and tutor feedback on your efforts. There will be a dedicated assessment session in the semester in which information will be provided about the assessment and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Summative Feedback
You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Psychology is a science dedicated to understanding the mind and behaviour; throughout this module you will be introduced to some of the core areas of psychology and relevant underpinning theories. The module will foster your individual curiosity to understand, identify and explain some of the most commonly identified and reported athlete behaviours using appropriate theories and empirical research. The module provides an opportunity to work individually and creatively to produce a poster to explain applied research using a non-traditional academic format.

Course info

UCAS Code C610

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Any Questions?

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

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