2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Launceston
Introduction
The application of psychological principles within physical activity settings has increased dramatically in recent years. Athletes, coaches, teachers, and allied health professions have come to recognise that adherence to psychology principles in the development of their educational programmes results in improved outcomes for the participant and stakeholder. This unit builds knowledge by focusing on how certain psychological theories pertinent to individual differences, motivation, and group dynamics can be used to enhance the outcomes of physical activity based interventions.
Summary
| Unit name | The Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity |
| Unit code | ESP368 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Arts and Society Faculty of Education |
| Discipline | Education |
| Coordinator | Doctor Vaughan Cruickshank |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 22/2/2026 | 16/3/2026 | 19/4/2026 | 13/6/2026 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Identify, describe, and critically evaluate the influence of neurocognitive processes on behaviour in sport and physical activity
- Analyse and apply psychological theories to explain outcomes of attempts to participate in sport and physical activity.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data to construct an evidence-based behaviour program for a teaching or coaching intervention to support the adoption of active living.
- Apply and evaluate key psychological concepts to practical situations in the sport and physical activity fields.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 070105 | $592.00 | $592.00 | not applicable | $2,562.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2 hour Workshop each week (with online resources). |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Problem Activated Learning Evidence Informed Program (25%)|Self-Reflection (25%)|Case Study (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Reading Lists provide direct access to all material on unit reading lists in one place. This includes eReadings and items in Reserve. You can access the Reading List for this unit from the link in MyLO, or by going to the Reading Lists page on the University Library website. |
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| Recommended | Allen, M. & Laborde, S. (2014). The role of personality in sport and physical activity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(6), 460-465. Biddle, S., Ciaccioni, S., Thomas, G. & Vergeer, I. (2019). Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: An updated review of reviews and an analysis of causality. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Volume 42, 146-155. Martins, J., Marques, A., Sarmento, H. & Carreiro da Costa, F. (2015). Adolescents' perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of physical activity: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Health Education Research, 30(5), 742-55. |
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