Mayo manager launches ATU's new sport, exercise and performance psychology programme
ATLANTIC Technological University (ATU) has announced the launch of an innovative new BSc (Hons) in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology - the first undergraduate programme of its kind to be delivered collaboratively from the Mayo and Galway campuses.
Students will undertake their first-year at ATU's Mayo campus in Castlebar, before progressing to ATU’s Galway City Dublin Road campus for years two and three of the programme, benefiting from specialist expertise, inter-disciplinary learning opportunities and access to facilities across the university network.
Officially launched by Andy Moran, Mayo senior football manager, entrepreneur and ATU graduate, the new CAO programme responds to growing demand for expertise in the psychological aspects of sport, exercise, health and human performance.
Designed for students interested in understanding how psychology influences performance, participation, motivation and well-being, the course will combine academic study with practical application, preparing graduates for careers across sport, health, exercise, coaching, performance analysis and athlete support environments.
Speaking at the launch, Andy Moran highlighted the increasing importance of psychology within modern sport: "The conversation around performance in sport has changed dramatically in recent years. Physical preparation remains important, but we now recognise that mindset, resilience, confidence, motivation, and well-being are equally critical to success.
“This programme gives students an opportunity to study one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas in sport while preparing for careers that can have a genuine impact on athletes, teams and communities."
Students will develop a strong foundation in psychology before learning how it can be applied across sport, exercise and performance environments. They will explore areas such as motivation, mental health and well-being, behaviour change and decision making and learn how psychological skills can help people perform, participate and thrive in a range of settings.
Dr. Lisa Ryan, Head of School of Health, Sport Science and Nutrition, said the new degree reflects emerging opportunities within both the sports industry and wider society.
She commented: "The launch of the BSc (Hons) in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology represents an exciting addition to our academic portfolio and a significant milestone for our health and sport programmes across the ATU. As awareness of mental well-being, performance psychology and behavioural science continues to grow, there is increasing demand for graduates who understand how psychological principles can be applied to help people perform, participate and thrive. This programme offers students a unique opportunity to study a rapidly evolving discipline while benefiting from the strengths of multiple ATU campuses and our commitment to applied, career-focused education."
Dr. Justin Kerr, vice-president for ATU's Mayo campus, welcomed the introduction of the programme and its importance in strengthening the campus offering. “The introduction of our psychology degree in recent years has proven to be an outstanding addition to the campus, attracting strong student interest and responding to growing demand for psychology-focused study options,” he commented. “This new programme builds on that success and further enhances the Mayo campus CAO offering, providing students with an exciting opportunity to explore the increasingly important role that psychology plays in sport, exercise, performance and wellbeing."
Applications for the BSc (Hons) in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology will open on November 5 via www.cao.ie.
For more information on the BSc (Hons) in Sports, Exercise and Performance Psychology, visit www.atu.ie/au665.