MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology provides you with the opportunity to extend your theoretical understanding of sport and exercise psychology in a supportive environment. This programme draws on the strengths of a sport and exercise psychology team, who are actively conducting their own research, to provide you with an academic programme that supports your career aspirations of working as a sport and exercise psychologist. It enables you to become an evidence-based practitioner who is an active problem-solver, providing the best psychological solutions to the challenges you encounter.
The course has been developed for individuals who possess Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). The programme is accredited by the BPS, and therefore provides the first stage in a training process towards becoming a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
The course encourages you to actively participate, engage in independent study, and develop a passion for the subject and the process of learning. You draw on your own experiences in a variety of ways throughout the programme, and improve your skills in both critical self-reflection and the ability to share these reflections with others.
You study core modules including Sport and Exercise Psychology Principles, Sport and Performance Psychology, Physical Activity and Exercise Psychology, and Sport and Exercise Industry Skills, along with two modules designed to help you with the research for your dissertation.
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology is the first step (Stage 1) in gaining Chartered Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Registered Practitioner status with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). On completion of the course, you can progress to Stage 2 of training in Sport and Exercise Psychology, which is also offered by the Department of Sport and Exercise at the University of Winchester.
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology is the first step (Stage 1) in gaining Chartered Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Registered Practitioner status with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology students can progress to Stage 2 of training in Sport and Exercise Psychology which is also offered by the Department of Sport and Exercise at the University of Winchester.
94.4% of our 2015/16 graduates (first degree and other undergraduate courses) were in employment and/or further study six months after completing their course.
The Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) record collects information about what those completing university go on to do six months after graduation. The Careers Service undertakes DLHE on an annual basis through surveys and a data collection process. DLHE is designed and strictly controlled by HESA.
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
This course is subject to validation. 'Validation' is the process by which the University approves a new programme to ensure that it provides a distinct, high-quality academic experience for students, that enables them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate level career. In the unlikely event that a programme is not validated then we will do our best to find you an alternative programme within the University.
UK, EU, World
A diverse range of teaching methods are employed including seminar and workshop sessions interspersed with more formal lecture-style presentations from teaching staff and guest lecturers. Fostering critical self-reflection, and the ability to share these reflections with others, is central to learning on the programme. It encourages active participation, autonomous learning and passion for the subject and the process of learning. Students draw on their own experiences in a variety of ways throughout the programme.
King Alfred or West Downs, University of Winchester
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
If you hold the British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) this course will support you along the path to becoming a registered sport and exercise psychologist. You can choose to study to obtain GBC after completing the MSc if you decide to follow the full pathway to becoming a registered sport and exercise psychologist.
Successfully completing the course provides you with Stage 1 of the BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP), and prepares you for stage 2, which is required to become a registered psychologist within the division of Sport and Exercise Science.
You gain core skills in the academic and intellectual understanding and researching of sport and exercise psychology. You also begin to consider applied practice in sport and exercise settings, enabling you to be supervised and taught by registered, practising psychologists.
The course provides you with opportunities to study psychology in both a sport and exercise setting. In this setting, you consider the role of psychological interventions for sport performers, coaches and teams as well as lifestyle behaviour change, such as exercise and physical activity adoption.
You develop your work-related and applied skills throughout the course whilst keeping a major focus on developing your core psychological skills, especially in the sport and exercise psychology subject area.
To gain the masters, you complete a major research project. It may be possible to study your project overseas if it satisfies the module aims and learning outcomes.
Professional links and experience
Our teaching team are registered psychologists in the Division of Sport and Exercise and BPS supervisors for the QSEP. They also have substantial practice experience in both elite athlete and physical activity and exercise settings.
Sheffield Hallam are a skills development partner of the Chartered Institute for Managing Sport and Physical Activity.
Research expertise
75 per cent of Sheffield Hallam’s sport research is of international standard according to the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). ‘Research Research’ ranks us as fourth in the country for sports research, based on the results of the 2008 RAE.
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
If you do not hold Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, you can complete our Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (conversion course) before or after completing the MSc.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
The masters award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.
Modules
Our graduates are ideally positioned to progress to Stage 2 of the QSEP and work towards becoming a registered sport and exercise psychologist.
Once obtaining registration (HCPC) you can work in a range of settings including sport, physical activity and exercise or rehabilitation. This may be supporting athletes, coaches, parents, patients and families.
This course is designed for students wishing to specialise within the discipline of sport and exercise psychology, in order to gain professional training in the provision of psychological support to clients, acquire vocationally related psychological skills, develop a critical thinking approach to the existing knowledge base and conduct research, all within a science practice model. This MSc was developed in the context of the increasing professionalisation of sport and exercise psychology, the accreditation criteria for the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the need for a university level course on the island of Ireland. The MSc will provide graduates with competencies in applying interventions professionally and ethically. As such, the programme will provide students with a thorough grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills that are central to the knowledge base of sport and exercise psychology. The programme is organized around 3 main themes – (1) theory-practice (2) Individual content (3) stability-change – which permeate throughout each of the taught modules. These themes are embedded to serve as a heuristic tool to enable students to apply and underpin critical thinking in the field. This thematic approach also supports and reflects the critical philosophy that underpins the programme as a whole and is central to teaching, learning and assessment. Graduates should expect to possess professional skills in consulting, advanced research skills, relevant personal skills and a deep understanding of the high performance environment.
The overarching aim of the programme is to provide a recognised level of training for aspiring professionals in the field of sport and exercise psychology by providing them with the competencies required to apply psychology professionally and ethically in sport and exercise settings. The programme has three themes at its core which influence the pedagogical outcomes throughout the modules: theorypractice; stability-change and individual-context.
Both the overall objective and the themes are achieved through the goals outlined below:
Full time and Part-time - One day per week
Full-time
PgDip - two semesters
MSc - One calendar year (three semesters)
Part-time
PgDip - four semesters
MSc – three calendar years
Accredited by the British Psychological Society, this makes up Stage One of the training in Sport and Exercise Psychology. In order to gain the eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC, to practise and use the protected title of Sport and Exercise Psychologist, an approved HCPC Stage Two programme needs to be completed.
Track I: Teaching/research in sport sciences and consulting;
Track II: teaching/research inpsychology and also consulting;
Track III: Clinical/Counseling services to various populations including athletes;
Track IV: Health promotion and working with clients but not necessarily athletes;
Track V: Further PhD research study.
To further complete an approved HCPC stage 2 qualification, in order gain eligibility to apply for registration the HCPC and use the protected title of Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
The Sport & Exercise Psychology MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
It is a one-year full time (with part time routes available) programme of study designed for graduates from either Psychology or Sport and Exercise Sciences who are seeking to gain professional recognition through the BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP).
Graduates would therefore practice as an Accredited Sport & Exercise Scientist.
The MSc will also act as a suitable postgraduate qualification for those seeking research positions and other professions.
Within the past decade there has been a marked growth in the career opportunities available for sport and exercise psychologists (eg, working with individual athletes or clubs, teaching in further and higher education and health promotion).
Coupled with such growth has also been an increased need for appropriately qualified and accredited individuals to fill such positions.
The British Psychological Society (BPS) has developed procedures for the accreditation of suitably experienced individuals that stipulate the possession of a relevant form of postgraduate qualification.
Similarly BASES require applicants for Supervised experience to also have a postgraduate qualification in a specialist discipline.
The MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology therefore seeks to provide students with an opportunity to study at a postgraduate level to fulfill the initial requirements for BPS and BASES accreditation, to develop their specialist knowledge of the psychology and to increase their skills in applying such knowledge in both sporting and exercise populations.
Over the past few years, we have redeveloped both of our campuses so that you have the best facilities available as you study for your degree. We pride ourselves on the quality of the learning environment we can offer our students. All of our facilities are designed for academic teaching, research, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions and for your social/recreational use throughout the week and weekends.
The world-class Tudor Hale Centre for Sport is the focus of sporting activities, both academic and recreational, at the University. The Tudor Hale Centre for Sport incorporates a suite of state of the art sport science laboratories, a sports injury clinic, a strength and conditioning room and a fitness suite. In addition, there is a sports hall used for basketball, netball, trampolining, badminton, volleyball, cricket, soccer, table tennis, hockey and ultimate frisbee. Located beside the Tudor Hale Centre for Sport you will find our brand new Sports Dome, incorporating four indoor tennis courts, our all-weather astro turf pitch, and grass rugby pitch.
Facilities:
Sport Science Laboratories:
We understand the importance of ensuring that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to compete successfully in today’s challenging jobs market.
The course prepares students for a range of graduate careers; our students have gone on to further work or training in a variety of fields including:
For those wishing to commence training for BPS QSEP Stage 2 and BASES SE, there are opportunities for supervision from academic staff who are qualified supervisors and associates of the Sports Performance Rehabilitation Unit.
All students are required to complete six taught modules, five discipline modules and one in research methods and statistics. In addition, students will complete a research dissertation.
Modules currently available are:
Teaching is delivered in small groups and is interactive. Students are encouraged to debate topics and lead their fellow students through presentations and discussions. In a number of modules there is also a practical element to gain experience of delivering mental skills techniques and developing the skills needed for applied practice.
Requirements for exit qualifications:
Course delivery
The full time course runs from the start of the academic year in September through to the following August.
Students undertake 3 taught modules in the autumn (September to December) and spring (January to May) semester.
The dissertation or supervised experience is conducted and completed over the summer semester (June to August). Taught classes are held on Thursdays and Fridays.
Part-time routes are available and those wishing to complete their studies part-time should contact the programme co-ordinator to discuss the options.
If you are looking to pursue a career as a sport and exercise psychologist, our Master's programme is the one for you.
Applicants may also be interested in applying the principles of sport and exercise psychology to their current work, e.g. coaching, physical education, sports science.
Our programme explores the interdisciplinary nature of applied work. We will provide an advanced understanding of how performance enhancement and wellbeing promotion is applied. You will learn how this knowledge is promoted not just with individuals, but teams, parents, coaches, and sport and exercise organisations.
Your training will explore the core psychological theories appropriate to the sport, exercise and performance domains. You will specifically focus on the development of practitioner philosophy and models of work with different clients. These range from a wide selection of sports and across the development pathway.
Our programme will enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of the current psychological issues in sport, exercise and performance. You will see how we as practitioners assess client needs, complete case formulations and propose programmes of work through evidenced based intervention. You will continue to develop your research skills in line with the scientist-practitioner model that underpins the work of the sport and exercise psychologists.
Located at the University of Greenwich's prestigious Maritime campus, the Sport and Exercise Psychology programme has world renowned attractions right on its doorstep from The Cutty Sark to the River Thames.
With the opening of the highly anticipated Dreadnought building on the horizon, not only will you study in the heart of the Greenwich campus, you will have access to state of the art learning, teaching and social spaces.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students will be assessed across courses through a range of formative and summative methods including written essays, poster presentations, group presentations/workshops, written reports, oral examination and an independent research project.
Our programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
An accredited MSc will satisfy completion of Stage 1 of the BPS qualification and will prepare you for Stage 2. You will also have eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
Sport and exercise psychologists can work as independent practitioners or within clubs and sporting organisations. Sport and exercise psychologists are trained in specific areas, such as teaching, learning, arousal strategies, communication, motivation, and group processes. These areas of expertise are valuable to sports or performance environments, but also to schools, health institutions, organisations and businesses where these qualities are highly relevant.
Learn how to optimise athlete performance and improve well-being and activity levels by studying the psychology behind sport at Roehampton. You will explore key factors that affect sports performance, well-being, and activity levels such as mental toughness, self-confidence, motivation, stress and anxiety, concentration, and the psychology of sport injury.
This innovative programme provides you with a thorough theoretical, conceptual and research informed grounding in the discipline of sport and exercise psychology. You will develop a strong scientific understanding of human behaviour and experience, and of the complex interactions between these. You will also enhance your understanding of relationships between the theoretical concepts and current techniques used in sport and exercise psychology assessment and support. This will include becoming familiar with the different types of approaches, assessment strategies, and psychological skills used by Applied Sport and Exercise Psychologists.
To support your professional development, this course will cover the idea of reflective practice, and codes of conduct. You will also develop an awareness and understanding of the issues, methodology and design of research within sport and exercise psychology, and gain research skills through the completion of a detailed, empirical research dissertation and benefit from the support of our staff’s wide areas of expertise.
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society to provide you with Stage 1 training in preparation for your professional career in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Successful completion of the course will grant access to Stage 2 training with the BPS, the next stage on the route to becoming an Applied Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
Important information:
Please note that only applicants who already hold, or are eligible for, Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (i.e., they must have undertaken a BPS accredited undergraduate degree), OR those who plan to obtain it by subsequently completing a BPS accredited conversion course, are eligible to register for the Psychology of Sport & Exercise MSc.
To have GBC, applicants must have successfully completed a BPS accredited undergraduate degree, usually in Sport Psychology or Psychology. For more information about BPS accreditation and to check the accreditation status of a course that you have completed please click here.
If you are not currently eligible for GBC and are interested in completing a conversion course, please click here for more information.
For applicants without GBC we would normally only admit those whose first degree has a substantial psychology component (e.g., Sport Science/Sport & Exercise Science). Should you want to discuss your eligibility before applying, please email [email protected].
Please note that the BPS does not accredit overseas institutions (apart from Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong) therefore applicants with an overseas degree in Psychology will need to apply for individual Graduate Membership of the BPS. If you are an international applicant you can contact the BPS to discuss your eligibility for GBC based upon your previous qualifications. For further information please contact the BPS Qualifications Team, +44 (0)116 252 9933 or //www.roehampton.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/Psychology-of-Sport-and-Exercise/[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]
In the module ‘Approaches to Psychological Support’ you will initially be introduced to the varied approaches within sport and exercise psychology, and undertake an in-depth review of the differences of the theories, looking at them in practice through a selection of case studies. Other modules, such as ‘Application of Psychological Support’, will allow you to link theory to practice, and students will have the opportunity to develop consultancy skills under the guidance/supervision of a BPS Chartered/HPCP registered member of staff.
Further modules will provide important knowledge with respect to sport performance as well as well-being and physical activity promotion. Within the ‘Psychology of Sport and Performance’ module you will gain a critical appreciation for various social processes and individual differences that influence performance. The ‘Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Injury’ module will explore the determinants and outcomes of physical activity and inactivity and provide students with important insights towards preventing, treating and managing certain health conditions.
You will also gain insightful knowledge of contemporary issues concerning professional practice within sport psychology. The module ‘Professional Practice in Sport Psychology’ will explore the importance of ethics and reflection within your practice, whilst also exploring the challenges and opportunities that you may face when working with various athlete populations (e.g., team sport athletes, injured athletes, and young athletes).
Finally, you will have the opportunity to undertake research on your areas of specific interest for your dissertation project. During the year, you follow a coherent pathway of study to facilitate your future direction within the exciting discipline of sport and exercise psychology.
Modules
Here are examples of modules we currently offer:
Students go on to work as sport and exercise psychologists, fitness instructors, teachers, lecturers, counsellors and coaches, as well going on to further academic study.
