You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to enjoy working with other people
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

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

• study a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) or do a psychology conversion course
• gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership
• complete a BPS accredited master's degree in sport and exercise psychology

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• finance for postgraduate courses
• university courses and entry requirements

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.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

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.

As a sport and exercise psychologist, you'll:

• assess clients' needs to develop fitness plans and recommendations
• set up activities to improve team and individual performance
• advise coaches and managers on team communication
• support athletes in coping with injuries, confidence and motivation
• teach people psychological techniques to improve their wellbeing and performance

You could work at a sports arena, at a fitness centre, at a health centre, in a prison or on a sports field.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.