MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

Course Overview

The Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 training, which when accompanied by the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) will provide a basis for professional development as a practitioner in the form of Stage 2 training, as well as further study, employment and enterprise.

Facilitated by an expert team of researchers, and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered practitioners, this employment focused MSc provides you with key knowledge and practical skills to pursue a career path in sport and exercise psychology. Drawing on research led teaching, practical experiences of staff using real-life examples and innovative assessment strategies, we will ensure that you and your learning are at the forefront of a growing field.

Sport and Exercise Psychologists seek to understand the ways in which thoughts and emotions can affect performance and exercise behaviour. Practitioners use this knowledge to provide psychological skills support, increase motivation and develop self-belief at all levels. Whether that is encouraging members of the public to adopt a more active lifestyle or optimising the performance of sports competitors.

As the link between psychological wellbeing and physical activity becomes more defined, the demand for exercise psychologists in the healthcare sector has increased particularly in the areas of health promotion and rehabilitation. Similarly, there is a growing demand for Sport Psychologists to promote resilience and optimal behaviours in businesses, military, and emergency services.

Previous graduates have gone on to work across a spectrum of sports/e-sports and health-related roles locally and internationally. Some have completed further training and have become registered practitioners running their own private practice or employed with professional organisations including the English Institute of Sport, and Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC). Other students have also pursued further postgraduate opportunities such as a PhD and are fulfilling research and lecturer roles at other universities.

Career

You will graduate with a wide range of professional skills, which include the ability to:

Critically evaluate current theories and evidence which can be applied to understand and solve complex issues in real world contexts.
Communicate your ideas and findings effectively to variety of audiences, whether it be coaches, parents, athletes or exercise enthusiasts.
Apply relevant ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks (such as those required by the BPS and HCPC).

Your transferable skills will include oral and written communication, critical evaluation, problem solving, time management, IT and advanced statistical and qualitative analysis techniques.