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Unit of study_
PSYC4731: Psychology of Peak Performance
2026 unit information
The Psychology of Peak Performance draws on theories, models, and techniques prominent in sport and performance psychology, and relates these to coaching practice in an array of contexts (e.g., leadership, health). Topics covered include definitions of performance, principles of deliberate practice, key conceptual models (e.g., inverted-U, flow theory), energy management, attributes of high performers (e.g., mental toughness, self-efficacy), mental skills training techniques, coping under pressure, working with the whole person, challenges of modern work and attention restoration, and doing well in groups and teams. Considerable emphasis is placed on using theory to understand performance challenges and translating that into coaching practices that can help self and others.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Psychology Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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PSYC4721 and PSYC4722 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. demonstrate a basic understanding of peak performance psychology, key theories and principles
- LO2. demonstrate an understanding of key techniques use in performance psychology
- LO3. critically evaluate current peak performance research and its practical applications
- LO4. construct coherent models of peak performance for the purpose of meeting specific client needs
- LO5. apply the taught theories and techniques to a wide range of coaching client issues.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney | |
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Semester 1 2025
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2026
|
Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Semester 1 2026
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Additional advice
The lectures are delivered in a 5-day intensive format (9am to 5pm), during which students are expected to attend in-person (on-campus) or remotely (via Zoom). Whilst these lectures are recorded, watching recorded lectures is not counted as a substitute for attendance. PSYC4721 and PSYC4722 prerequisite can be waived for full-time students by submitting an Enrolment Exception Request via Sydney Student.