Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Sport Psychology

About the job

Fixed term maternity cover: 10 months or until the return of the current post holder, whichever is sooner

Part time: 0.7FTE (25.9 hours per week)

Interview date: 31 July 2025

The University of Northampton is seeking an inspirational Lecturer / Senior 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 BPS accredited BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology degree.  Applications are welcomed from individuals with an academic and professional background in sport psychology.

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.

As an academic, you will also be expected to contribute to the research and scholarly output of the subject area and work collegiately with other researchers within the Faculty and wider University. Research and scholarship are supported through our research centres, mentor scheme, and leave for scholarly activity.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy. However, there will be an expectation to carry out teaching duties appropriate to the session type, meetings with staff and students, and personal tutor support should this require a physical, on-campus presence at various times.

About you

You will possess an academic and / or professional background in sport psychology with specialisms in motivation, individual differences and / or group and team psychology. The successful candidate will have teaching experience, an ability to translate theory to practice, and experience of creating inclusive learning environments.

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. A successful track record of research publications, successful grant applications, and/or generation of commercial income, 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 University of Northampton’s values of Sustainability, Trust, Aspiration and Inclusivity.

Qualifications

Essential;

• Degree qualification or equivalent in relevant subject
• Master’s degree in relevant subject

Desirable;

• Doctorate in relevant subject, completed or within 12 months of completion
• Professional Recognition as HEA Fellow (D2) or teaching qualification recognised by HESA, or willingness to obtain within an agreed timescale
• Working towards or holding a professional body qualification (e.g. CPsychol, BASES accreditation, HCPC practitioner psychologist registration)

Faculty

The Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Science (FHSBS) is a vibrant and diverse community renowned for its cutting-edge research and high-quality and innovative teaching, which provides a rich and stimulating environment for both students and staff.

The School of Sport & Public Health is one of four schools within FHSBS. Our sport and exercise aligned portfolio includes six undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate degrees. We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional student experience, which is reflected in our impressive ranking of 2nd in the UK for Sport Science in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS)*

We have a commitment to supporting athletes and teams, which is evident through our close collaborations with professional sport organisations and the community sector. Students and staff work hand-in-hand 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 

*Calculations are based on Office for Students data based on the average positivity measure across all NSS questions for CAH3 taught all modes, all levels, limited to HEIs. Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education & Sport, Bachelor of Science in Sport & Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science in Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning, BSc Sports Coaching.

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. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

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