What will I learn on this module?
The production of skilled movement is a central feature of human behaviour and is of paramount importance in sport and exercise settings. In this module you will learn how movement is developed, learned and controlled in order to produce the complex patterns necessary for skilled behaviour. By considering a broad range of topics from child development through to expert modelling, you will be able to apply the principles to your own experiences of motor learning, and design practices that will address movement issues and maximise performance. Key topics within the module include:
- Human Information Processing
- Dynamical System Theory
- Attention, anticipation and decision-making
- Motor learning and the learning process
- Designing practice to enhance learning
The practical application of theoretical knowledge is a central tenet to the module and therefore, in addition to critically evaluating the research evidence from multiple theoretical perspectives, you will be required to contextualise the material in relation to current practices in sport and exercise domains.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a combination of interactive lectures and seminars designed to encourage you to discuss your own experiences and apply the theoretical material to real world examples. Much of the learning on the module therefore relies on your contribution to bring the material to life, and consider the implications from a personal perspective. The applied nature of the curriculum will be further enhanced by a series of practical workshops ranging from the measurement of motor proficiency through to the qualitative assessment of fundamental movement skills. Student-led seminars, directed learning and independent study activity will guide your regular contribution to the module to enhance your learning and the learning of others.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Resources for the module will be available via the e-learning portal and will include lecture slides, supplementary materials and recommended readings. Contribution to the discussion board will be utilised to encourage you to share contemporary issues and material that would complement the module syllabus. Support from the tutor is also available via bookable tutorials, particularly in the lead up to the assessment submission.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to critically appraise theories relating to motor control and learning, in sport and exercise contexts
2. You will be able to evaluate how psychological factors influence motor learning and performance within sport and exercise contexts
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will develop skills in order to design an appropriate intervention to deal with a specific motor learning issue
4. You will be able to create and solve a case study based on a motor processing issue
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Integrate ethical guidelines into the design of an problem-based intervention
How will I be assessed?
The assessment for this module will be in the form of a 4000 word case study assignment (100%) focusing on a motor learning/performance issue. You will be actively involved in the creation of this case study task, and formative activities will be incorporated into the weekly sessions to inform your resolution strategy. In addition, you will be actively involved in identifying and agreeing the marking criteria for the assessment.
In order to create a solution to the case study, you will be expected to demonstrate sound conceptual knowledge and be able to critically apply this when making judgements about the design of sport or exercise practice sessions (LOs 1 - 5)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
The aim of this module is to examine the psychological factors that influence the acquisition and development of motor skills. By applying the theoretical principles to sport and exercise contexts, you will appreciate the mechanisms that underlie motor learning and performance and use this knowledge to address a case study issue. Student engagement lies at the heart of the module, and you will be actively involved in creating and solving a case study on a motor learning or performance issue, which constitutes the assessment for the module. Formative activities will be incorporated into the weekly sessions, and the curriculum will be modified as necessary to inform your resolution strategy.
The module will be delivered using a combination of interactive lectures, seminars and practical workshops. You will be expected to critically engage with the research literature in order to present and discuss current perspectives and utilise this to solve the case study problem. By successfully passing the module you will have demonstrated sound conceptual knowledge and the ability to critically apply this when making judgements about the design of sport or exercise practice sessions.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
1 other options available
Department Psychology
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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