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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 and well-being by applying psychological principles. In this career, you will work with individuals to overcome anxiety, enhance motivation, and develop mental strategies for peak performance. You may also work with coaches and support staff to create a positive environment. Sports psychologists are employed by professional sports clubs, universities, and sports governing bodies, or may work in private practice. The role often involves assessing clients, developing treatment plans, and using techniques such as visualisation, goal setting, and relaxation training.

Sports Psychologist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Sports psychologists in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £50,000 per year, with experienced professionals and those working with elite athletes earning upwards of £60,000.

Typical Working Hours

Most sports psychologists work 37 to 40 hours a week, but evening and weekend work is common, especially when supporting athletes during competitions.

Demand in the UK

There are around 1,000 practising sports psychologists in the UK, with demand increasing as awareness of mental health in sport grows.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Youth Sports Performance Psychologist

Works specifically with young athletes to help them develop mental resilience, manage pressure, and enhance performance in school or club sports.

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Elite Team Sports Psychologist

Focuses on supporting professional or national sports teams, helping athletes with team dynamics, motivation, and coping strategies for high-level competition.

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Rehabilitation Sports Psychologist

Specialises in helping athletes recover mentally from injuries, addressing confidence issues, motivation, and the psychological aspects of returning to sport.

Complete Relevant Qualifications

Achieve GCSEs and A Levels

Obtain strong GCSEs (including English, Maths, and Science) and relevant A Levels such as Psychology, Biology, or Physical Education.

Good grades in GCSEs are needed to progress to A Level or equivalent courses. Choosing Psychology, Biology, or PE at A Level will give you a solid foundation for university courses in psychology or sport science. Some universities may accept equivalent qualifications such as BTECs.

Earn a Psychology Degree

Complete a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology.

A BPS-accredited degree is essential for further training as a psychologist in the UK. Courses are available at many UK universities and usually last three years full-time. Some degrees offer modules or placements focused on sport or exercise psychology.

Pursue Postgraduate Study

Undertake a BPS-accredited MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

A Masters degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology provides specialised knowledge and practical skills needed for this career. Programmes typically last one year full-time or two years part-time. Entry onto these courses usually requires a 2:1 or above in your undergraduate degree.

Gain Registration and Experience

Complete Stage 2 Training

Undertake supervised practice through the BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP) or a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved Doctorate.

Stage 2 training involves working under supervision to gain practical experience and demonstrate key competencies. This stage can take between two to three years and includes case studies, research, and professional development.

Register with the HCPC

Apply for registration as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Registration with the HCPC is a legal requirement to practise as a sports psychologist in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of your qualifications and training, and agree to follow professional standards and continuing professional development.

Develop Professional Skills and Network

Gain Work Experience

Seek placements, internships, or voluntary roles with sports teams, clubs, or organisations.

Experience working with athletes or teams is highly valued. Look for opportunities in schools, amateur clubs, or national sports bodies. This will help you develop practical skills and build a professional network.

Continue Professional Development

Attend workshops, conferences, and training courses to stay current with developments in sports psychology.

The field is always evolving, so staying up to date with new research and techniques is essential. Membership of the BPS Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology and attending their events can support your development.

🎯 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 the psychological aspects of sporting performance. They are closely aligned in terms of qualifications, focusing on mental skills training, motivation, and mental health support for athletes.

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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