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Athletic development: a psychological perspective

In this module, you’ll explore some of the most significant psychological factors influencing an athlete’s development in sport. Through critical analysis of relevant research and the application of psychological theories and concepts, you will consider the influences of factors such as the family, coach-athlete relationships, mental health, and transition experiences across an athlete’s playing career. This module is ideal for those interested in sports and exercise psychology or working in the field as a coach or in a related role. Whilst the module is focused predominantly on sports performance, it also considers some aspects of exercise participation more broadly.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

E312

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
3 10 6

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

This module comprises six study topics to help you explore the psychological aspects of athletic development:

Study topic 1: Introduction to athletic development
In this first study topic, you&/courses/modules/e312/39;re introduced to the athletic development themes that underpin the module and consider how athletic development paths are researched. You&/courses/modules/e312/39;ll examine the psychological characteristics of athletic development and explore a framework of athletic development that helps connect the topics studied in the rest of the module.

Study topic 2: Family influences on athletic development
The family can have a significant impact on a young athlete’s potential to develop within sport. In this next topic, you&/courses/modules/e312/39;ll examine research that investigates family influences on the development of young performers from a psychological perspective.

Study topic 3: The coach-athlete relationship
The relationship between a coach and athlete is fundamental to an individual’s athletic development. In this study topic you will analyse research examining some of the factors that facilitate and hinder the development of a successful coach-athlete relationship.

Study topic 4: Mental health and wellbeing in sport
The importance of mental health is being increasingly recognised in sport. In this topic you will examine the nature and prevalence of mental health difficulties in athletes and coaches and consider how they can be prevented or treated. You&/courses/modules/e312/39;ll also explore how positive mental health and wellbeing can be promoted in sporting environments to facilitate effective athletic development.

Study topic 5: Topical issues in athletic development
Mental health and wellbeing is further explored in this study topic where you choose which further options you wish to study. The options examine:

  • Resilience – In order to protect their mental health on the journey through sport athletes need to be able to cope with the potential stressors they will be exposed to. In this option you&/courses/modules/e312/39;ll explore what resilience is and how it can be developed.
  • Thriving – Competitive sport can create a high-pressure environment. In order to promote positive mental health and athletic development it is important that athletes and support staff are able to thrive under this pressure rather than just survive. In this option you will examine the concept of thriving in sport.
  • Athlete welfare – With several high-profile athlete welfare and abuse cases in the media in recent years in this option you will examine the important topic of safeguarding and welfare in sports environments in the context of athletic development.

Study topic 6: Transitions through sport
As an athlete progresses through their sporting career, they will make several transitions. In this study topic you&/courses/modules/e312/39;ll examine some of the psychological influences and responses to transitions within sport (e.g. the move from junior to senior level) and out of sport (retirement).

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module. They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

if you want to know more about study with 快猫视频 before you register.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Future availability

Athletic development: a psychological perspective (E312) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.

Regulations

As a student of 快猫视频, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our website.

Course work includes:

3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment


Entry requirements

There are no formal qualification requirements for this module. However, as it is a OU level 3 module it is recommended that you have completed at least one sport and fitness module before embarking on study in this area.

You will be required to read and interpret detailed research articles so your academic skills should reflect these expectations.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an .

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 拢3892.00

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2028.

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In the meantime, explore our overview of Fees and funding.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you&/courses/modules/e312/39;ve started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we&/courses/modules/e312/39;ll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you&/courses/modules/e312/39;re unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don&/courses/modules/e312/39;t worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you&/courses/modules/e312/39;ll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You&/courses/modules/e312/39;ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • audio and video content
  • assignment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access
  • online group forums.

You’ll also be provided with a module reader in eBook format.

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
  • Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E312 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our .