Sport & Performance Psychology
Explore human behaviour within sport and performance domains. Learn how psychological principles are applied to enhance performance across many settings, while also considering the individuals' general wellbeing.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Institute of Art Design and Technology |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 8 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Institute of Art Design and Technology | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
20 weeks, part-time.
Classes take place on Wednesday Evenings on the IADT campus.
Entry Requirements
Min Entry Requirements
Level 7 qualification.
We consider applicants without a Level 7 qualification based on their prior experience and learning through our RPL process. Generally any learner who has achieved a minimum of a Level 6 with 2 years of work experience in a related environment is eligible to apply to the programme via the RPL process.
Portfolio
No
Careers / Further progression
Future Careers
Course graduates can apply the knowledge acquired to their own professional performance roles – for example, as performers/athletes, managers, coaches, employers and support staff. The course also offers continuing professional development for coaches, managers, media personnel and sport scientists.
It can act as a potential pathway to more advanced study of Sport and Performance Psychology also, at Level 8 (Degree) and Level 9 (Masters).
Please note that successful completion of this programme does not allow individuals to consider themselves qualified as a ‘Sport and Performance Psychologist’, nor does it allow them to work professionally using such a title.
Further information
25
Fees €1,100
All fees for certificate programmes must be fully paid prior to commencement of course; students cannot attend classes or access course materials until then.
The course fee is non-refundable once the course has commenced.
Applications are now open for 2026/27 entry.
What is it?
Sport and performance psychology is the study of psychological principles, as applied to sport and performance arenas, in order to facilitate performance excellence and wellbeing.
Its popularity in Ireland is unsurprising given the recent successes of many Irish athletes and performers in sports such as rugby, boxing, football, athletics and horse racing, as well as within various performance domains (i.e., the success of many Irish businesses internationally, as well as shows such as Riverdance).
The course content is delivered through a stimulating programme of class discussions, groupwork and practical exercises. High profile sport and performance guest speakers also visit the course group each year to share their experiences with our students.
Who can apply?
Designed for anyone interested in understanding how people behave and compete within sport and performance settings, this course is ideal for athletes, performers (dancers, artists, actors, musicians and photographers, for example), coaches, instructors / teachers of performers, sport managers, parents of young athletes and performers, as well as sport and performance scientists of all kinds who work with athletes and performers (including technologists, physiotherapists and medical doctors).
This course explores topics such as:
Mental Fitness + Mental Skills Training, including Mental Fortitude Development | Team Dynamics + Cohesion | Expertise Development within Sport and Performance settings | Psychology of Injury | Psychology of Wellbeing | Sport Cyberpsychology – such as the role of Social Media and Technology Developments within Sport and Performance settings.
The Certificate is awarded based on the successful completion of two written pieces of continuous assessment work, submitted by students at the end of Semester 1 (Week 10) and Semester 2 (Week 20). All assessment details are provided to students in Week 1 of classes.
Cyril Connolly
Course Co-ordinator
Email: Cyril.connolly@iadt.ie
Admissions Queries
Email: admissions@iadt.ie