Professional Doctorates in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Abstract

This chapter discusses the current British Psychological Society accredited and Health and Care Professions Council approved Professional Doctorates in Sport and Exercise Psychology. The first section of the chapter outlines the purpose, aims and entry requirements of Professional Doctorate training, the key competencies trainees must develop as part of the qualification to meet the required standards and some of the distinguishing characteristics of university-based professional doctorate training. The second section of the chapter highlights the unique selling points of Professional Doctorate training from a programme director’s perspective, including the value of taught continued professional development, formal and informal supervision to establish a community of practice, and the nature and importance of research and practice. The final section of the chapter draws on the reflections of a cross-programme group of Professional Doctorate trainees, who provide insights about the key strengths of the Professional Doctorate as a training option, top tips for getting the most out of supervised practice and successfully navigating the writing-up and assessment process and how the Professional Doctorate has helped them develop into competent Sport and Exercise Psychologists.