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Mental Health

Sports Psychologist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A sports psychologist helps athletes and teams improve their performance by focusing on mental and emotional wellbeing. They use psychological techniques to help individuals manage pressure, recover from injuries, stay motivated, and build confidence. Sports psychologists work with amateur and professional athletes, coaches, and sometimes whole sports teams. Their work can involve one-to-one sessions, workshops, and group discussions, and may include techniques such as goal setting, visualisation, and stress management. To become a sports psychologist in the UK, you need a degree in psychology followed by specialised postgraduate training in sport and exercise psychology, and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Sports Psychologist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Sports psychologists in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 a year, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 or more.

Employment Numbers

There are estimated to be several hundred sports psychologists working in the UK, with opportunities growing as awareness of mental health in sport increases.

Typical Working Hours

Sports psychologists usually work 37 to 40 hours per week, but may need to work evenings or weekends to accommodate athletes’ schedules.

🚀 Careers in this path

Youth Sports Psychologist

Focuses on helping young athletes develop mental strategies to improve performance, cope with pressure, and manage anxiety in school or community sports.

Elite Athlete Mental Performance Coach

Works specifically with professional or elite-level athletes and teams to enhance focus, motivation, and mental resilience for high-level competitions.

Rehabilitation Sports Psychologist

Supports athletes recovering from injuries by addressing their mental health, motivation, and confidence during the rehabilitation process.

Achieve Academic Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A-Levels

Obtain good GCSEs, especially in English, Maths, and Science, then pursue A-Levels in Psychology, Biology, or PE.

Strong academic performance at GCSE level, particularly in science subjects, will make you a more competitive candidate for A-Levels and university courses. At A-Level, Psychology is especially relevant, but Biology, Physical Education, or Sociology can also be helpful. Aim for grades that will meet or exceed university entry requirements.

Earn a Bachelors Degree in Psychology

Apply for and complete an undergraduate degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Choose a university course in Psychology that is recognised by the British Psychological Society, as this is essential for future accreditation. During your degree, take modules or electives in sports or exercise psychology if available. Gain relevant experience through volunteering or placements related to sports or mental health.

Pursue Specialist Training

Complete a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Undertake a BPS-accredited Masters degree focusing on Sport and Exercise Psychology.

A Masters degree in this field provides the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to work as a sports psychologist. Look for courses that offer placements or practical experience working with athletes. Entry onto these courses is competitive, so relevant work experience and strong academic references are important.

Achieve Stage 2 Training or Supervised Practice

Complete the BPS Stage 2 Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology or a Doctorate, involving supervised practice.

Stage 2 training involves supervised practice, where you work under the guidance of a qualified sports psychologist. It typically takes two years full-time and includes building a portfolio of practical work, case studies, and reflective practice. This step is required to become a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS and to use the title of Sport and Exercise Psychologist.

Gain Professional Registration and Experience

Register with the HCPC

Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to legally practise as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist.

The HCPC regulates practitioner psychologists in the UK. Registration is a legal requirement to work under the protected title of Sport and Exercise Psychologist. You’ll need to demonstrate your qualifications, supervised experience, and commitment to ethical practice.

Build Professional Experience

Start working with athletes, teams, or sports organisations to develop your skills and reputation.

You can find employment within sports clubs, universities, national governing bodies, or as a private practitioner. Building a network within the sports industry, joining professional bodies, and staying updated with current research will help you progress. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential throughout your career.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Sports Psychologist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Sports Psychologist and a Sport and Exercise Psychologist both specialise in applying psychological principles to improve athletic performance and promote mental well-being among athletes. The latter’s focus on sports-related mental health and performance enhancement directly aligns with the responsibilities of a Sports Psychologist.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

To become a sport and exercise psychologist, you'll need to:

Psychology conversion course

You may be able to do an approved psychology conversion course if:

  • your psychology degree is not accredited by the BPS
  • you have a degree in a subject other than psychology

Postgraduate qualification

To apply for a postgraduate qualification in sport and exercise specialism, you’ll often need:

  • a first or 2:1 (upper second class) degree
  • excellent research skills
  • relevant work experience

You might want to check the postgraduate entry requirements with the admissions department where you want to study.

You can find out more about all of the different specialisms and postgraduate training from The British Psychological Society (BPS).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 3 A levels or equivalent
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Volunteering

It can be helpful to get some volunteering experience in a healthcare or education setting before you apply for a course.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The British Psychological Society for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more details about working in sports and exercise psychology from The British Psychological Society and The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.

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