From the Field to the Classroom: Why Sports Psychology is the Elective You Didn’t Know You Needed

Students from the PS223 cohort in IMU University’s BSc (Hons) in Psychology programme discovered that Sports Psychology extends far beyond elite athletics. Through psychological skills training, practical activities, and real-world applications, the elective equipped students with valuable tools to manage stress, build motivation, improve focus, and strengthen resilience in both academic and personal life.

• Sports Psychology elective offered to students from the BSc (Hons) in Psychology programme
• Students learned practical Psychological Skills Training (PST) techniques
• Skills applied to academics, sports, presentations, and daily challenges
• Module combines interactive theory and hands-on learning
• Included experiential learning through a visit to the Malaysia Sport and Leisure Expo

For many students, the term “Sports Psychology” brings to mind images of elite athletes or professional teams working to shave seconds off a sprint or to reach peak performance. However, students from the PS223 cohort in the BSc (Hons) in Psychology programme at IMU University who recently completed the Sports Psychology elective are discovering that these high-performance tools are just as effective for navigating the pressures of university life.

By blending theoretical insights with physical application, the module offers a refreshing take on how we can optimise both our minds and bodies.

While many students initially expected a narrow focus on training athletes, the course quickly revealed its broader utility. Students realised that physical talent is only one part of the equation; the psychological framework behind performance is what truly drives success.

“I used to think that if an athlete was physically phenomenal, that alone was enough to succeed. But I’ve learned that psychological skills training plays a major role as well.”  – Femina Nilofer Salimullah

A core component of the module is Psychological Skills Training (PST), which encompasses:

• Self-confidence
• Mental imagery
• Arousal regulation
• Concentration
• Goal setting

In competitive societies where the primary focus is often on grades, students found that the elective provided a necessary space to build resilience and a stronger sense of self. The skills learned in the gym or on the field transfer directly to the library and the exam hall.

• Managing Pressure: Techniques used to stay calm during a match are applied to handling university assignments and exams.
• Goal Adherence: Learning how to set and stick to effective goals helps students manage their academic workload more efficiently.
• Motivation: The principles of motivation help students stay driven throughout their entire university journey.

“Managing pressure, staying motivated, and setting goals aren’t just useful on the field, they also make a difference in our exams, assignments, and how we face the many obstacles in our lives.” – Durgahshini A/P Kovalan

Led by Alexius Cheang, who previously worked at the National Sports Institute as a Sports Psychology Officer with the national badminton and shooting teams, the module is praised for being fun and interactive.

By incorporating both theoretical and practical methods of teaching, the course provides a refreshing break from standard lecture formats.

Whether you are looking to improve your focus, support your mental health, or simply gain a new perspective on how to tackle life’s obstacles, this elective is a “must-pick”.

“This is truly a must pick module if you treasure both your mental health and physical health.” – Tan Eng Ken.

On 18 December 2025, there was a class trip to Axiata Arena at the Bukit Jalil Sports City where the Malaysia Sport and Leisure Expo were held.

While there were many exhibitors selling various sporting and nutritional products, our focus was on participating in and completing the 10 physical challenges that covered various aspects of fitness such as balance, endurance, dexterity, fine motor movement, and jumping among the activities. All students, including the lecturer, managed to complete all 10 challenges and all walked away with gifts.

These physical challenges were the perfect end to the course as students were able to practice their psychological skills training in a fun and practical manner.

Written by Alexius Cheang with contributions from Durgahshini A/P Kovalan, Femina Nilofer Salimullah, and Tan Eng Ken.