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MSc Applied Sport Psychology

Train for professional accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

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 direct to Marjon

Duration One year full-time or a range of part-time options are available

How to apply for this course

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 continue to actively consult with clients.

Exploring the cutting edge research of sport and exercise psychology such as mental health and well-being 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; working with the public to empower and motivation and ‘move the masses in large endurance events’.

You will learn the core aspects of practising sport and exercise psychology as well as the considerations for training and developing sport and exercise psychology practitioners.

This course is perfect if you're curious about

What does a real life sport and exercise psychologist actually do?

Mental health in sport, is it a priority to coaches and support staff?

How could intimidation in an exercise environment be prevented?

‘This Girl Can’ campaign; does it work and how?

What is the psychological impact of group based exercise for cancer patients?

Do people run faster when they smile?

What might you become?

This 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.

Accredited by:

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

Modules for this course

Modules

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 & 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.
Download course details

Fees and funding

Fees UK students: £6,500 per annum

Fees for International students: £12,000 per annum

Teaching and assessment

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.

Course leader

Melissa Coyle

I have been a practising sport and exercise psychologist and lecturer for 13 years. I have worked with a wide range of people ranging from professional football to amateur runners to international surfers. My interests include increasing self-awareness and positive growth and mental health, developing confidence and emotional control, reducing anxiety, and facilitating communication with peers, parents, managers and coaching staff.

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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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All postgraduate courses

Courses:

  • Applied Sport Psychology - MSc
  • Coaching and Mentoring - PG Cert
  • Communication Disorders - MRes
  • Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children and Young People – MSc
  • Early Years - MA
  • Early Years with Initial Teacher Training - PG Dip
  • Education - Coaching, Mentoring and Leadership - MA
  • Education - Disability - MA
  • Education - Leadership - MA
  • Education - MA (Plymouth and Truro Campuses)
  • Literature for Children and Young Adults - MA
  • Management for a Sustainable Future - MSc (Open Distance)
  • Master of Research (MRes Courses) Framework
  • Primary Education (PGCE) including School Direct and Teacher Apprenticeships - PGCE
  • Professional Education Practice - MA (Open Distance)
  • Psychology - MSc
  • Psychology of Leadership - MSc
  • Public Health - MPH
  • Secondary Education (PGCE) including School Direct and Teaching Apprenticeships - PGCE
  • Social Policy - MA
  • Sport and Exercise Science - MSc
  • Sport Rehabilitation - MSc
  • Youth and Community Practice: Research and Leadership - MA
  • Youth and Community Work - MA

School of Sport, Health & Wellbeing  Marjon Business

Courses:

  • Business (BSc Hons)
  • Business and Law (BA Hons)
  • Football Development and Coaching (BA Hons)
  • Football Science (BSc Hons)
  • Health and Wellbeing Practitioner (BSc Hons)
  • Leadership and Management for Business (BA Hons)
  • Osteopathic Medicine (MOst)
  • Physical Education (BA Hons) (non QTS)
  • Physical Education with Dance (BA Hons)
  • Psychology (BSc Hons)
  • Psychotherapy and Counselling (BSc Hons)
  • Speech and Language Therapy (BSc Hons)
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology (BSc Hons)
  • Sport and Exercise Science (BSc Hons)
  • Sport Business Management (BSc Hons)
  • Sport Coaching and Physical Education (BA Hons)
  • Sport Development and Coaching (BA Hons)
  • Sport Development and Coaching (FdA)
  • Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning (BSc Hons)
  • Sports Therapy (BSc Hons)

School of Education, Marjon Teacher Education Partnership and School of Arts and Humanities

Courses:

  • Acting (BA Hons)
  • Childhood Practice (BA Hons)
  • Criminology (BA Hons)
  • Criminology and Law (BA Hons)
  • Criminology and Psychology (BA Hons)
  • Early Years (FdA)
  • Education Studies (BA Hons)
  • Education Studies and Psychology (BA Hons)
  • English (BA Hons)
  • English Language and Communication (BSc Hons)
  • Forensic Investigation (BSc Hons)
  • History - BA (Hons)
  • Journalism (Sport Journalism) (BA Hons)
  • Journalism (BA Hons)
  • Journalism with Photography (BA Hons)
  • Learning and Teaching (FdA)
  • Musical Theatre (BA Hons)
  • Outdoor Adventure Education (BA Hons)
  • Outdoor Learning in Early Years and Primary Education (BA Hons)
  • Performing Arts Education (BA Hons)
  • Physical Education in Secondary Education (11-16 with enhancement) (with QTS) (BEd Hons)
  • Primary Education (BA Hons)
  • Primary Education (Early Years) (with QTS) (BEd Hons)
  • Primary Education (with QTS) (BEd Hons)
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability Studies (BA Hons)
  • Youth and Community Work (BA Hons)
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