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MSc Applied Sport Psychology

Train for professional accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist, with a range of options to enable students who are already in employment to combine work with the study of sport psychology.

An athlete talks to a Sports Psychologist at training

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

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Entry requirements

A 2:2 degree or above in a relevant subject area though all applications will be reviewed on an individual basis

Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be used for entry to this course

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the formal entry criteria but who have relevant experience

UCAS code Apply to Marjon

UCAS institution code P63

Duration One year full-time or part-time options are available

Course Summary

Our Applied Sport Psychology degree develops and utilises the applied skills and techniques required to be a practitioner in sport and/or exercise psychology. The programme provides opportunities to experience the practical nature of what a sport and exercise psychologist does (subject to BPS accreditation) as well as enhance knowledge and understanding of contemporary research in the field of sport and exercise psychology.

One of the standout features is the applied professional practice module. This module enables the student to engage in a work based learning environment to practice, develop and reflect upon the application of the appropriate skillset, and it’s development, within sport and exercise psychology. This feature will also be attractive to students who are already in employment as it allows them to combine work and study sport psychology.

Our MSc Applied Sport Psychology meets the requirements for British Psychological Society (BPS) stage 1 and the British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (BASES) supervised experience. In addition the degree will explore contemporary issues and challenges within sport and exercise psychology.

Graduates of the programme who have a sport and exercise science background can apply for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Supervised Experience, which is the route to becoming a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist (Psychology), and they can log their placement hours towards this. This programme also aligns to the professional standards of the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC).

Why this course at Marjon?

On completion of this degree you can go onto Stage 2 BPS or BASES supervised experience

Learn from qualified sport and exercise psychologists who are consulting with clients

Explore cutting edge research such as mental health and wellbeing in sport, and abuse in sport

50 hours of experience understanding how sport and exercise psychology is used in a specific workplace

Join the Marjon Psyching Team - work with the public to empower, motivate and move the masses in large endurance events

Learn the core aspects of practising sport and exercise psychology as well as the considerations for training and developing practitioners

Modules for this course

1st Year

Applied professional practice
50 hours of experience understanding how sport and exercise psychology is used in a specific workplace. Provides students supervised, developmentally-appropriate opportunities to consider sport and exercise psychology in real-life contexts, and to observe the role of sport and exercise psychology in real-life environments.
Development of the sport and exercise psychology practitioner
Develops the qualities of the individual for them to become an ethical, competent, and effective practitioner.
Research methods for postgraduate study
Developing understanding in contemporary methods of research, philosophies in research, and evaluating and encouraging evidence-based practice relevant research.
Contemporary interests in sport and exercise psychology
Key contemporary topics: mental health, abuse in sport, injury, career transition and termination will be deliberated during this module.
Psychological and therapeutic skills in sport and exercise psychology
Teaches students intellectual and practical skills for actually doing sport and exercise psychology.
Master's thesis
This module will facilitate the development of a measurable and meaningful research question, specific research methodology and production of a research thesis.
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What might you become?

MSc Applied Sport Psychology degree prepares students to:

  • Become a BPS chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist - graduates of the programme who also have a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate degree can register for stage 2 of the BPS’s qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology on completion of this MSc.
  • Become a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist (Psychology) - graduates of the programme who have a sport and exercise science background can apply for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Supervised Experience.
  • This MSc Applied Sport Psychology degree also prepares students to pursue a range of careers with the application of psychology in sport and exercise performance, health and wellbeing, and sport and exercise rehabilitation, as well as possible further studies in postgraduate research.

Accreditations

BPS accredited

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

BPS accreditation is recognition that the course provides excellent preparation for graduates to go on and pursue BPS chartership as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist.

How you’ll be taught and assessed?

How will you be taught?

Teaching typically includes lectures, seminars, and interactive groups discussions and informal presentations. There are typically 6 hours of contact per week plus independent and group study.  

How will you be assessed?

Assessment methods are through case studies, practical assessment, critical reviews, essays, oral presentations, portfolios, and research thesis.

Melissa Coyle

Course leader

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Melissa is a practising BASES accredited and HCPS registered sport and exercise psychologist She has worked with a wide range of people ranging from professional football to amateur runners to international surfers. Her interests include increasing self-awareness and positive growth and mental health, developing confidence and emotional control, reducing anxiety, and facilitating communication with peers, parents, coaches and managers.

Fees and funding

Fees UK students: £6,500 per annum

Fees for International students: £12,500 per annum

This fee covers your tuition and access to course-specific equipment and facilities, as well associated services including access to the library, study skills support, IT support, student support and wellbeing services and membership of the Student Union. There may be additional costs by course.

Funding available for this course

Our Student Funding Advisors offer confidential and impartial advice about your funding options.

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Lecturers

Dr Alister McCormick

Senior Lecturer

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Alister teaches psychology and its applications to sport, exercise, and health. His main research interest is how psychological interventions can be used to improve the performances of people who participate in endurance events, such as middle- and long-distance running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon events.

More information

Indicative timetable for Semester A:

  • Tuesday 4-6pm - Research methods
  • Tuesday 6-8pm - Applied professional practice
  • Thursday 4-6pm - Development of the sport & exercise psychology professional

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