Professional doctorate student — Manisha Aggarwal

Manisha studied BSc in psychology and MSc in sport psychology at Liverpool John Moores University. She is now doing a Professional Doctorate in sport and exercise psychology

Why did you choose to study a Doctorate in sport psychology?

I decided to study this course because it encompasses both research and applied practice. By the end of the course, I'll be a qualified sport and exercise psychologist and accredited by the British Psychological Society.

One aspect that particularly attracted me was the included Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme, where students from different courses meet monthly for lectures. This fosters a strong sense of community within the programme.

Tell us about the course.

To complete the Doctorate, you must demonstrate four competencies:

• professional standards and CPD
• consultancy
• research
• dissemination.

These are built into the training hours that we need to complete as practicing trainee sport and exercise psychologists. This could be delivering a series of workshops to a sports team, delivering one to one intervention with a client or teaching content.

We then need to write a thesis, evidencing our work with backed up research and reflections. For example, a case study explaining the justifications for the decisions I've made with a certain client. Alongside the applied work, I also have to complete two empirical research papers and a systematic review.

What do you enjoy most about the course?

The people. I enjoy being able to connect with others on the course, which helps me to seek advice on the direction of my career. My supervisors are also supportive, offering valuable guidance when I encounter new challenges.

What are the challenges?

As I'm balancing a full-time job with a part-time Doctorate that will take four years to complete, I've often struggled to find a healthy work-life balance and ensure I take restful, mindful breaks between my commitments.

I have also found keeping motivated a challenge, especially when trying to find placements that align with my values.

What are your career goals, and how are you preparing for your future career?

Once qualified, I aim to contribute to the dance industry, using my understanding of the challenges dancers face and the existing support structures. Additionally, I find working with student-athletes particularly rewarding and am keen to remain involved in higher education. This aligns well with my goal of becoming a lecturer.

 Over the past year, I have become deeply invested in community sport and the potential impact of sport psychology. I envision working with sports coaches to develop their skills in creating a psychologically safe environment and providing them with a supportive space to be heard.

What advice can you give to others wanting to study sport psychology?

• Attending conferences and networking events is an excellent way to connect with professionals in the sports industry and build your reputation.
• Be prepared for the demanding workload. While it can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming, it's crucial to stay focused on your career goals and seek support when needed.
• Talking to those who have successfully navigated this career path can provide valuable insights. I personally found this approach very helpful in determining if this was the right direction for me and learning from others' experiences.

Find out more

• Discover what it takes to become a sport psychologist.
• Explore CPD opportunities for graduates.
• Check out the salary of a sport and exercise psychologist.