HARTPURY University has introduced two new psychology degrees for 2026 entry, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sport and Exercise Perspectives and BSc (Hons) Psychology.

The new BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sport and Exercise Perspectives is aimed at those who are passionate about understanding the role of exercise in supporting mental health and community wellbeing.

The programme covers the core areas of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. It also looks at individual differences, historical issues and research methods, whilst providing opportunities for applied learning in sport and exercise contexts.

It will be taught by Health and Care Professions Council-registered staff and leading industry practitioners. Learning will occur through a mix of lectures, seminars, and sessions. The unique environment will allow students to apply psychological theory directly to high-performance sport, grassroots participation and school sport, as well as exercise contexts and community wellbeing projects.

A spokesperson for Hartpury University said: “By combining an innovative study of psychology with Hartpury University’s sporting reputation, graduates will be well-placed to pursue careers with professional clubs, national governing bodies, and performance support teams, as well as in health promotion, rehabilitation, and corporate wellbeing.

“The strong emphasis on applied learning means students will leave with the practical skills, industry insight, and professional networks to thrive in competitive sectors both within and beyond the sport and exercise sector. Graduates will be prepared for diverse careers – from professional sport performance support to healthcare, social services, and the charity sector or for further postgraduate study. Employability is embedded throughout, supported by Hartpury’s dedicated careers team.”

The other newly introduced course is the BSc (Hons) Psychology. It offers a broad, research-led exploration of human behaviour, with opportunities to apply learning across Hartpury’s sectors including sport, equine and animal-assisted services, agriculture, health, and education.

This degree is more for a comprehensive foundation into the science of the mind and human behaviour. Students will study the core areas of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, individual differences, historical issues, and research methods. Students will begin exploring advanced topics such as mental health, inequality, wellbeing, and the application of psychology in a variety of settings including education, sport, counselling, and health.

The programme will also feature guest lectures from practising psychologists across counselling, clinical, health, and organisational settings. In the final year, students will apply their learning to contemporary challenges, designing and conducting an independent research project in an area of their own interest.

Prospective students from the Forest of Dean can book an open day at Hartpury to discover more about the two new courses and find out more about the campuses.

To explore these new degrees, tour the campus, and experience Hartpury’s vibrant learning environment, you can book your open day place online. The next available open days for undergraduates are Saturday September 27, Saturday October 18, and Saturday November 29.

Students looking at postgraduate courses can apply for an online appointment to discover more about their course of interest.

Further details about the two new courses can be found on the Hartpury University website.