Sport and exercise psychology is a specific discipline of sport and exercise science that is applied to populations who seek to enhance their physical ability performance and or health in sport and casual exercise settings.

This Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc is accredited by the BPS. Students who complete the degree could therefore achieve Stage 1 training of the qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology. This is a key component of the career pathway to becoming a chartered psychologist. The course focuses on developing a student’s scientific understanding of the human mind behaviour and experience and the complex interactions between these and the domain of sport and exercise. It has been designed to be flexible and relevant to the student’s individual needs and interests with a strong emphasis in the taught component of the course on the links from of theory to practice. The degree will equip students with a blend of evidence-based knowledge and practical skills that act as a stepping-stone to prepare them for a career working with individuals who are involved in these specific settings.

The programme is taught through traditional lectures interactive seminars one-to-one tutorials and computer sessions. Students will gain experience of working independently and in group-based settings both in the classroom and in seminars with a practical focus as well as completing a substantial period of self-study that includes the completion of a research project. To complement this the programme takes a largely real-world approach to assessment by assessing case-reports the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and the delivery of presentations (e.g. posters and talks).

Graduates will be able to show a critical knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles that are involved in effective psychological interventions in sport and exercise settings; demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles and statistical procedures that underpin effective research design data collection and data interpretation in sport and exercise science; and illustrate how scientific principles can be used to design and evaluate interventions in sport and exercise-related scenarios.

Graduates will develop a range of discipline-specific techniques that might be used when collecting data for research and or applied purposes. They will have developed contextual awareness and problem solving when considering how scientific principles and practical interventions might be applied to sport and exercise scenarios and will be able to interpret and communicate psychology driven scientific data to suit the needs of the audience. They will also be able to demonstrate a broad range of key skills including awareness of health and safety and ethical considerations.

Graduates will additionally have honed their communication and presentation skills interactive and group skills reflective practice skills and numeracy and Information and Communication Technology skills. Hence graduates will be able to demonstrate professionalism as required in the workplace.

The programme shall be assessed in accordance with the University’s regulations and codes of practice. For students to have this degree accredited by the BPS they must pass every module at 50% or above and must complete the research project and pass the research project module at 50% and above.

Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Sport and Exercise Psychology (BPS Accredited) Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.