Applied Sports Psychology: Certificate Programme in the Learning and Training of Psychological Skills
Applied Sports Psychology: Certificate Programme in the Learning and Training of Psychological Skills
Programme Coordinator: Prof. Dr Erkut KONTER
Tutors: Prof. Dr Erkut KONTER, Prof. Dr Bülent Okan MİÇOOĞULLARI, Prof. Dr İlhan ADİLOĞULLARI, Prof. Dr İhsan SARI, Prof. Dr Sadettin KİRAZCI, Prof. Dr Sevinç NAMLI, Assoc. Prof. Dr Deniz BEDİR, Dr Onur AKYÜZ, Dr Selman ORHAN
Duration: 120 hours
Format: Live classes (online)
Dates: 5 November – 14 December 2025
Fee:
IGU graduates and staff: 6,000 TL
External participants: 7,500 TL
Attendance Requirement: 70% attendance required
Certification: University-approved training certificate, verifiable via e-Government
Programme Schedule and Training Hours:
Module Lectures (40 hours): Wednesdays and Thursdays during the week
Practical Sessions (50 hours): Fridays and Saturdays
Supervision (30 hours): Sundays + case presentations during the final week
Participants will gain professional competence in the field of sports psychology by reinforcing theoretical knowledge through practical sessions and supervision processes.
Aims of the Programme
This certificate programme focuses on the teaching and training of psychological skills that support individuals’ mental, emotional, physical and social development within the context of sport, exercise and performance. It aims to equip participants with up-to-date theoretical knowledge alongside practical methods in this field, whilst ensuring they adopt ethical, scientific and multidisciplinary approaches in their counselling processes.
Target Audience
Those who have completed undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Sports Science, Psychology or Psychological Counselling
Specialists undertaking thesis research in the field of Sports and Exercise Psychology
Those undertaking a master’s or doctoral degree in Psychiatry or related fields
Students enrolled in accredited programmes in sports psychology who are preparing for the thesis stage
Training Modules:
I. Theoretical Modules
Introduction to Skills and Their Teaching in Sport
Applied Sports Psychology: Introduction to the Practice and Training of Psychological Skills
Arousal Regulation: Techniques for relaxation, stress management and balancing psychological state (enhancement/reduction)
Imagery Techniques
Developing and Maintaining Self-Confidence
Goal-Setting Strategies
Concentration and Attention Control
Cognitive Skills and Strategies: Rational thinking, self-talk and thought management
Psychological Skills Application Programmes and Routine Development
Measurement and Assessment of Psychological Skills
II. Practical Modules
Preparation and Presentation of a Research Project on the Learning and Training of Psychological Skills
Practical Exercises on Psychological Skills
Arousal Regulation Exercises (Relaxation, Coping, Balancing)
Imagery (Visualisation) Exercises
Self-Confidence Building Exercises
Goal-Setting and Implementation Exercises
Concentration and Focus Exercises
Cognitive Skills, Rational Thinking and Self-Talk Exercises
Exercises for Developing Routines in Training and Competitions
Case Studies
Role-Play Exercises
Exercises Aimed at Identifying Strengths and Areas for Development in Psychological Skills
Learning Outcomes
ü In the field of applied sports psychology, it equips participants with knowledge and skills in fundamental areas such as sports psychology counselling and the learning and training of psychological skills, in accordance with national and international standards (AASP, BASES/SEPAR, APA Division 47, etc.).
ü It helps practitioners address the mental, emotional and behavioural needs of their clients from a holistic perspective.
ü It supports clients in striving for excellence whilst maintaining mental, emotional and behavioural balance.
ü It contributes to the promotion and teaching of research, practice and innovations within the field.
ü It offers benefits aimed at the development of the field in line with evidence-based approaches.
ü It supports the sharing and dissemination of knowledge in accordance with the programme’s content and objectives.
ü It contributes to the development and maintenance of professional standards in the field.
ü It supports the dissemination of applied sports psychology, psychological skills training and counselling practices at national and international levels.
ü It contributes to the promotion of applied sports psychology for athletes, coaches, leagues, federations, Olympic/Paralympic teams and individuals working in the arts and performance sectors (dance, music, theatre, etc.).
ü It equips students with the competence to provide sports psychology counselling and psychological skills training for amateur and professional clients at different stages of development.
ü It equips students with the ability to conduct counselling and skills training in individual, group and team settings within the scope of sports, exercise and performance psychology.
ü It acts as a bridge, facilitating the transfer of knowledge from academic research to practice, and from practice back to research.
ü It supports the application of psychological skills in effective coaching, sports management, physical education teaching, family counselling, and injury prevention and recovery processes.
ü It equips participants with skills that can be used when working not only with professional athletes but also with amateurs, children, young people, families and individuals from different age groups.
ü It provides practical knowledge and skills applicable in work carried out with sports clubs, federations, local authorities, schools, universities and disadvantaged groups.
ü It equips participants with the competence to plan and deliver psychological skills training tailored to clients’ goals and needs in both individual and group settings.
ü It supports performance enhancement and psychological well-being through the teaching of psychological skills such as goal-setting, concentration, motivation, self-confidence, relaxation, visualisation, stress management and routine-building.
ü It helps athletes experiencing aggression, violence and loss of control to regain emotional balance and realise their performance potential.
ü It contributes to athletes experiencing conflicts within and outside the team to manage their relationships and improve their performance.
ü It supports the emotional recovery processes of athletes experiencing poor performance, frustration, anger and stress.
ü It helps athletes who perform well in training but underperform in matches to develop consistency and focus.
ü It strengthens athletes’ and teams’ ability to feel ‘fully in control’.
ü It provides performance-enhancing benefits in terms of controlling and balancing arousal levels.
ü It provides support at both individual and team levels in developing discipline and self-control.
ü It contributes to strengthening a sense of commitment and dedication.
ü It equips participants with practical skills for developing competition plans, programmes and routines.
ü It supports the ability to maintain a positive attitude under stressful, anxious and high-pressure conditions.
