Whether you’re a coach, athlete, educator, or sports professional, this course equips you with fundamental psychological knowledge to support clients, students or teammates.
The Certificate in Sports Psychology is a professional development course that provides a practical understanding of how psychological factors influence athletic success and well-being.
In this sports psychology course, you’ll explore how mental skills apply in coaching, therapy, and other non-psychologist roles. You’ll learn how motivation theory, goal setting, focus, resilience, and purpose promote long-term success.
You’ll learn about visualisation, positive self-talk, and stress-management strategies, along with building routines for peak performance. You’ll also gain tools for effective team communication, leadership, and addressing issues such as injury and burnout, while exploring the impact of identity and ethical practices in sports.
On completion of this course, you’ll feel confident using sport psychology strategies to boost performance, resilience, and well-being in any sporting context.
Course Structure
Certificate of Sports Psychology
Unit 1: Introduction to Sport Psychology
- Introduction to sport psychology
- Definition and scope of sport psychology
- Roles and responsibilities of sport psychologists
- Using sport psychology knowledge in non-psychologist roles
- Myths and realities
- Psychological strategies for performance and well-being
Unit 2: Motivation and Goal Setting
- Motivation and goal setting
- Theories of motivation
- Achievement goal theory
- Need achievement theory
- Attribution theory
- Goal setting theory
- Social cognitive theory
- Flow theory
- Theory of planned behaviour
- Affective-reflective theory
- Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic motivation
- Self-determination theory
- Identifying personal and team motivators
- Strategies for building and sustaining motivation
- Overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus during setbacks
Unit 3: Mental Skills for Performance
- Mental skills for performance
- Visualisation and imagery techniques
- Positive self-talk and affirmations
- Concentration and attention control
- Building self-confidence in sport settings
- Pre-performance routines and mental preparation
- Mindfulness and relaxation methods in sport
Unit 4: Stress, Anxiety, and Coping Strategies
- Stress, anxiety, and coping strategies
- Sources of stress and anxiety in sport and exercise
- Effects of stress and anxiety on performance
- Coping strategies for managing pressure
- Relaxation techniques
- Building resilience under pressure
- Mental health challenges in sport
Unit 5: Team Dynamics and Communication
- Team dynamics and communication
- Group dynamics and cohesion
- Trust, respect, and shared goals
- Communication skills for athletes and coaches
- Conflict resolution and feedback
- Leadership and role clarity
- Strategies for enhancing team motivation
Unit 6: Injury, Recovery, and Psychological Health
- Injury, recovery, and psychological health
- Psychological impact of injuries and setbacks
- Supporting athletes through recovery and return to play
- Coping with pain and loss of athletic identity
- Building resilience and positive mental health
- Psychological challenges: burnout and overtraining
- Promoting holistic wellbeing in sports
Unit 7: Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusive Practices
- Diversity, ethics, and inclusive practices
- Understanding diversity in sport
- Creating equitable and inclusive sport environments
- Ethical standards and professional responsibilities
- Discrimination and bias
- Supporting underrepresented and marginalised populations
- Cultural competence in sport
Unit 8: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Sport Psychology
- Technology, innovation, and the future of sport psychology
- Digital tools and apps for mental skills training
- Wearable technology and feedback
- Virtual reality (VR) and gamification
- Data analytics and sport psychology
- Sports psychology and coaching trends
- Innovation and best practice
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
I found the information very easily digestible and informative.
Peter | Regents Park, QLD | Certificate of Sport Psychology
My learning experience as enjoyable and informative and provided me with a good introduction to the subject matter.
J. Reinhard, NSW | Introduction to Sport Psychology
I had a great experience studying with Australian Online Course, I enjoyed the fact that I was able to work on the course at my own pace as well as receive helpful and appropriate feedback from the tutors.
D. Drube, Singapore | Certificate of Sport Psychology
I enjoyed my studying experience with Australian Online Courses. I found it easy to access, easy to work through, and very interesting. The course content was interesting, and the course was exactly what I was looking for, as a way of professional development
J. Weinberg, Vaucluse, NSW | Certificate of Sports Psychology
I had a great experience learning sports psychology through an Australian online course platform. I will definitely use all these techniques in my PE classes while dealing with amateur and professional athletes. Thank you so much for the Australian online course. I wish to learn and explore more about PE courses from Australia
V. Chohan, Hubei, Wuhan, China | Certificate of Sport Psychology
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development For:
- Personal Trainers
- Physical Education Teachers
- Sports Coaches
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