Associate Lecturer in Sport Psychology

About the job

Casual hourly paid - Fixed term: January - April 2026

Interview date: 25 November 2025

The University of Northampton is seeking an inspirational Associate Lecturer in Sport Psychology. You will join a growing and collegiate team with a culture of student-focused teaching and high impact research.

The post holder will primarily be responsible for delivering high quality teaching to our students and assisting in the design and development of innovative and inclusive teaching materials on our British Psychological Society (BPS) Accredited BSc (Hons) Psychological Science of Sport & Exercise. Applications are welcomed from individuals with expertise and experience in the psychology of sport performance and coaching.

We are looking to recruit individuals who share our passion of supporting students’ academic progress through high quality teaching, feedback, and academic support. We would like to receive applications from individuals who share our commitment to developing student belonging and creating an excellent and inclusive student experience.

About you

You will have an academic and professional background in sport psychology with knowledge of performance psychology, group and team dynamics, and high-performance cultures and systems. You will possess the ability to design and deliver engaging and inclusive learning in supportive environments that develop students’ knowledge, skills and professional competencies.

The successful candidate will be ICT literate and have experience in leading and teaching modules in HE settings. You will be highly disciplined, organised, supportive, and able to work collegiately within a team. Previous experience of teaching in Higher Education, and a successful track record of research outputs, scholarly and professional activity, would be welcomed.

Importantly, we are looking for individuals who are not only team players, with academic and industry expertise, but who will own and live the values of the university.  

Qualifications

Essential;

• Postgraduate degree in sport psychology 
• UG degree in sport and exercise psychology or a closely related discipline (e.g. psychology, sport and exercise science)

Desirable;

• Professional / industry experience and / or accreditation (e.g. BPS, CASES)
• PhD qualification in a sport psychology related area
• Professional recognition as HEA Associate Fellow (D1) or teaching qualification recognised by HESA

Faculty

The Faculty of Health, Sport & Behavioural Sciences (FHSBS) is a vibrant and diverse community, home to the School of Sport & Public Health. The School of Sport & Public Health is renowned for its innovative and high impact research and teaching and learning excellence, which provide a rich and stimulating environment for both students and staff.

Our Sport and Exercise group of UG and PG courses provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge portfolio, including five undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate degrees. We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional student experience, which is reflected in our overall student positivity ranking of 2^nd in England for Sport Science in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS), and 3^rd in 2025.

Our commitment to supporting athletes and teams is evident through our close collaborations with professional sport organisations and the community sector. Students and staff work together with key stakeholders on projects that not only deliver social impact but also enhance the university's reputation and the overall experience for our staff and students. Some of our recent initiatives include the Active Quarter, Elite Athlete Scholarship Scheme, and the Emerging Talent Centre.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the recruiting manager, Scott Bradley (Head of School), at scott.bradley@northampton.ac.uk

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. 

Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON