Studying a degree is about more than just what you learn – it’s also about feeling part of a community and gaining the confidence to apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
For students on the distance learning Sport and Exercise Psychology course at the University of Staffordshire, that experience goes far beyond expectations.
For Laura Jackson de Domene, who joined the course as a transfer student, the sense of connection stood out straight away:
“It may be assumed that as a distance learner, a student may have less opportunities to get involved with university-lead projects or feel a shared identity with their institution. Since joining the University of Staffordshire as a transfer student in Level 5 of the BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology course, I have found quite the opposite.”
“In all my experiences of post age 18 education, which were all in-person courses, I have never felt more connected to an institution.”
Through online teaching, collaboration, and regular interaction with lecturers, students build strong relationships with both staff and peers - creating a learning community that goes beyond location.
Alongside this, students are encouraged to step forward and gain hands-on experience, applying what they learn in practical settings.
“Though always with a tinge of imposter syndrome, I have put my name forward for shadowing and assisting opportunities at Staffs, and my lecturers have time and again put their trust in me. Through teamwork, we have created successful podcast interviews and workshops.”
These opportunities are designed to help students develop the confidence and skills needed for future careers in sport and exercise psychology.
For Brent Horleston, balancing study alongside a full-time job has meant learning how to perform under pressure - something that sits at the heart of the subject itself:
“As a distance-learning sport and exercise psychology student at University of Staffordshire, while balancing a full-time job, I often find myself performing under pressure. These same challenges are central to sports psychology, helping others navigate stress and optimise performance.”
Through the course, Brent has been able to apply key psychological theories directly to real-life situations:
“Recently, I had an unexpected opportunity to put these theories into practice. I was asked to deliver a psychology workshop to Year 10 students on handling exam pressure.”
“The night before, the dreaded ‘what-ifs’ crept in: What if I stumbled over my words? Normally, I would have attempted to suppress my nerves. But instead, I applied what I had learned. I accepted then reframed my stress as an opportunity for growth.”
Experiences like this help students build not just academic knowledge, but practical confidence in applying psychology in meaningful ways.
“On the day, despite initial discomfort, I delivered the workshop well, engaging students in practical exercises on reframing exam stress and focusing on what they can control, ironically, the same tools I was using myself! It was an enjoyable experience that reinforced my confidence and deepened my understanding of applied psychology.”
For Laura, one of the most rewarding experiences was supporting younger athletes through a workshop environment:
“Helping the next generation identify their emotions, accept performance anxiety, and cope with somatic symptoms felt a little nerve wracking initially. However, after positive engagement with the 16–18 years olds, I reflected on how proud I was to not only be able to help them in their sport, but also hopefully, teaching them transferable skills for coping with anxiety in life outside of their sport discipline.”
Together, these experiences highlight how students are supported to grow both academically and personally throughout their studies.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had and the trust my lecturers have put in me. I would encourage other distance learners to work hard, read academic literature, and be brave in putting oneself forward for these opportunities.”
And as Brent reflects, those experiences can have a lasting impact:
“Looking back, I ask myself: Would I have embraced this challenge before studying sport and exercise psychology? Probably not. This journey has given me more than just academic knowledge, it has equipped me to face challenges head-on, and most importantly, help others manage pressure in their own lives.”
By combining strong academic teaching with real-world application and a supportive learning environment, Sport and Exercise Psychology at University of Staffordshire helps students feel connected, confident, and ready for what comes next.