Dr Olivia A Hurley, BSc; MSc; PhD; C.Psychol. Ps.S.I Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT),

Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland

E-mail: olivia.hurley@iadt.ieWebsite: www.DrOliviaHurley.com

Social Media: @DrOliviaHurley

PSI/NIBPS Psychology Careers Event

UCC; 29th February 2020

The What, Where, How & Why of Sport (& Exercise) Psychology

v What is Sport & Exercise Psychology (SEP)?

v What do Sport & Exercise Psychologists do?

v Where do Sport & Exercise Psychologists work?

v How can you qualify as a Sport & Exercise Psychologist?

v Why SEP ….. Some Notes of Caution & Reflections …

Overview

Ø Sport & Exercise Psychology is concerned with “understanding the performance, mental processes and well-being of people involved in sport and exercise” (Moran, 2012)

Ø “Applied sport psychology is the scientific study and application of psychological principles of human performance in helping athletes consistently perform in the upper range of their capabilities and more thoroughly enjoy the sport performance process” (APA, 2014)

What is Sport & Exercise Psychology?

Improve performance

Athlete Lifestyle

Cohesion & Leadership

Skill Acquisition

Coach/Referee Development

Injury Rehabilitation

Exercise adherence

Cognitive & Mood Enhancement

What do Sport & Exercise Psychologists do?

WHERE DO SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGISTS WORK?

1. Wide range of settings, with a diverse range of clients, across all levels of performance.

2. Private consultants and / or part time positions with professional sport teams / NGBs

3. Most SEPs combine consultancy work with teaching and research / work in other areas (clinical / occupational).

HOW DO YOU BECOME A SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGIST?

Ø Currently, the term “Psychologist” is not protected in Ireland; meaning anyone(!) can call themselves a “Psychologist”.

Ø However, in the near future, CORU will provide statutory registration for Psychologists; meaning people will need to meet minimum requirements, set by CORU, to use the term “Psychologist”.

*****

Ø In the UK, the term “Psychologist” is already protected.

Ø To use the term “Sport & Exercise Psychologist” in the UK, you need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - By completing Stage 2 BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology / an equivalent qualification approved by the HCPC.

1. Become a Chartered Member of the relevant Society (PSI; BPS).

To do this, you will need the following qualifications:

ü Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) - achieved by completing a Society accredited degree or conversion course.

ü A Society accredited Masters (Currently, no PSI accredited Sport & Exercise Psychology programme - UL in near future(?); UUJ - MSc programme is accredited by BPS).

ü PSI / BPS Supervised Experience (For BPS, specific Sport & Exercise Psychology Stage 2 pathway); In PSI, supervision may come from non Sport & Exercise Psychologists who are trained supervisors)

OR ü An accredited Doctorate related to the domain of Sport and Exercise Psychology

Alternative Routeü An clinical doctorate programme accredited by PSI / BPS, followed by PSI / BPS

accredited Masters in Sport & Exercise Psychology.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGIST?

How: Accreditation Pathways

UndergraduateDegree

Postgraduate Degree

Supervised Experience

2 years with C. Psychol

BPS Accred. programme

RecognisedPsych. degree

2 years with PSI

recognisedsupervisor

PSI Accred. programme

RecognisedPsych. degree

Relevant Programme

Not specified

Submit Case Study to

Accreditation Panel

200 days or 2 years

Undergraduate degree in other

discipline

Conversion course

MSc in Sport & Exercise Psychology (1 year - October intake) BPS accredited programme – Level 9.

MSc in Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology (1 year - January intake); Seeking PSI/BPS accreditation –Level 9.

MSc in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology (2 years -October intake); Level 9.

[**Certificate in Sport Psychology (20 weeks: October –March; No exams - 2 CAs); QQI qualification – Level 8; Eligible for consideration for the MSc in WIT/UL/UUJ]

How: Courses on The Island of Ireland

BE PREPARED FOR SCEPTICISM

&

THE “GURUS”

[THE EX PLAYERS - ATHLETES / WELLNESS CONSULTANTS / PERFORMANCE COACHES]

SOME NOTES OF CAUTION ….

Some Reflections

v Passionate about sport (and exercise) ….

v BUT, that alone is not enough … Perseverance is also needed !

v Be prepared to work weekends … to travel ... to teach, research or work in other psychological domains …

@DrOliviaHurleyolivia.hurley@iadt.ie

Thank you for listening!Any Questions?