MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

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 behavior. 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 optimizing 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 behaviors 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 organizations including the English Institute of Sport, and Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC). Other students have also pursued further postgraduate opportunities such as a Ph.D. and are fulfilling research and lecturer roles at other universities.

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).