MSc Sport & Exercise Psychology

Course Overview

Our MSc Sport and Exercise 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.

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.

More Info

The programme reflects the stringent requirements for the British Psychological Society (BPS) stage 1 (BPS approval of the curriculum is subject to confirmation) 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 progamme 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.
100 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.
A core aspect of this programme is the practical application of subject knowledge that underpins all modules.

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?

Book an Open Day How to apply for this course

Modules

All modules are compulsory:

Applied professional practice
100 hours of experience understanding how sport and exercise psychology is used in a specific workplace.
Development of the sport & exercise psychology professional
To become a sport and exercise psychologist this module will develop student’s knowledge of applied professional approaches and philosophies in practice, professional ethics and standards, and reflective practice.
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 skills and therapeutic skills in sport & exercise
This module is applied in its nature and considers key skills essential to effective practice as a sport and exercise psychologist. E.g. the intake process, needs analysis, consulting relationships, and counselling and communication skills.
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.

What might you become?

This MSc Sport & Exercise 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 (this MSc is currently subject to BPS accreditation).
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 Sport & Exercise 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.

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

Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Psychology (Registered Sport & Exercise Psychologist)

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

Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Psychology (Registered Sport & Exercise Psychologist)

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.

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