MSc Sport Psychology

Overview

Psychological support in sport has emerged as an essential element of sport performance and athlete wellbeing, with sports people at all levels able to benefit from advice provided by appropriately trained professionals in this field.

This exciting new master’s course is ideal for any sport and exercise science graduate wishing to pursue a career in the field of sport psychology. This course provides you with the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of a range of contemporary issues, enabling the design and implementation of evidence-based delivery of support appropriate for a range of clients. Development of practical skills include practice of verbal and non-verbal communication, listening skills, reflection and problem solving. You will be given the opportunity to develop creative methods of delivery that can be adapted to specialist and non-specialist audiences both in the UK and globally.

The course content is mapped to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Supervised Experience (SE) and Accreditation competencies, thus allowing you to progress your career pathway towards achieving the status of BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist (Psychology). The course also recognises the demands of the new BASES Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) which is suitable if you are interested in gaining entry to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register.

Course information

This course has been designed to develop your understanding of the principles of sport psychology and their role in the development and support of a range of client groups.

You will employ your understanding of the scientific basis of sport psychology that covers the theory, principles and background required to inform assessment and interventions in sport performance. The course content includes issues related to talent development and management in sport, group dynamics, conceptual issues, performance enhancement and professional practice.

As well as subject-specific knowledge, we will encourage you to develop an, analytical and flexible approach to problem-solving in sport psychology. You will be given the opportunity to develop a range of applied skills through a variety of case studies, laboratory sessions and group work. These skills include reflection, self-evaluation and management, coaching and mentoring, verbal and non-verbal communication.

Career prospects

Following graduation, career options include work delivering specialised sport psychology support to teams or individuals, employed by a club or organisation or through self-employment as consultants.

The course provides the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills such as counselling, organisation, communication and scientific writing, which allows graduates the possibility of progression to careers in research, teaching/lecturing, PhD study, performance coaching or a range of other sport and exercise related roles.

This course is recognised by Chartered Management Institute (CMI).