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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.

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

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.

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.
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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.

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.

Course leader

Melissa Coyle

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.

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Fees and funding

Fees UK students: £6,500 per annum

Fees for International students: £12,000 per annum

Lecturers

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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